COLUMBUS, Ohio – Donatos, the fast-casual pizza chain famous for its Edge to Edge® toppings, is looking to continue its growth in existing markets through further expansion in Charleston, SC. The Ohio-based company, which opened its first Charleston-area restaurant in Summerville in 2015, has signed a new deal to add at least three new locations to the area over the next few years. The next Donatos location is scheduled to open in early 2023 and will be located in West Ashley, near Ashley River Rd. and Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
“Since first entering the Charleston market, we are proud to have introduced local pizza lovers to the fresh, high-quality ingredients and superior customer service that Donatos is known for,” Jeff Baldwin, Vice President of Development & Franchising. “We’ve received a warm welcome here and now look to further strengthen our presence in greater Charleston with a goal of eventually serving the entire metro area.”
Donatos was founded in 1963 when Ohio State sophomore Jim Grote bought a small pizza shop in Columbus, Ohio from a young seminarian for $1,300. The company was classified “Best in Class” and acquired by McDonald’s Corporation in 1999, at a time when the fast-food giant was extending its reach beyond burgers. A few years later when McDonald’s was looking to get out of the pizza business, Grote and his daughter, Jane Grote Abell, bought back the company in 2003.
Donatos restaurants serve oven-baked wings and sub sandwiches, appetizers and salads in addition to its award-winning Edge to Edge® pizza, Donatos’ trademark that refers to abundant toppings that go right to the edge of the pizza. Along with dine-in experience, Donatos also offers pick up, delivery and catering services.
This Charleston expansion comes during a time when Donatos continues to grow its national footprint and increase its presence in existing markets. Today, Donatos is served in over 429 locations across 27 states, including 171 traditional Donatos restaurants. Its products are also proudly served in nine sports and entertainment venues and through a partnership with REEF Kitchens. Additionally, Donatos continues to expand through its strategic partnership with Red Robin, involving a scaled-down menu alongside Red Robin’s signature burgers. Today, the partnership includes 248 Red Robin locations with plans to scale to additional markets across the U.S. in 2022 and beyond.
For more information about Donatos’ franchise opportunity, visit www.donatospizzafranchise.com.
Donatos features the Edge to Edge® pizza, created by Jim Grote who founded Donatos in 1963. With 429 locations in 27 states, Donatos and its franchise partners operate 171 traditional restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Donatos’ products are also proudly served in 258 non-traditional locations (248 locations with Red Robin, nine sports and entertainment venues, and one REEF Kitchen). For more information, visit donatospizzafranchise.com.
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