Popular Midwest Pizza Chain Planning Up To 25 FL Restaurants

Ohio-based Donatos Pizza is eyeing Florida for a major expansion, with a new restaurant planned to open in Panama City this summer and the potential for up to 25 locations across the state over the next several years, the company said in a news release.

The pizza chain is targeting Southwest Florida, Central Florida, Northeast Florida and the Florida Panhandle, while keeping open the option to expand with qualified partners.

The company said it currently operates six locations in Florida, including four traditional restaurants and two locations through its partnership with Red Robin.

Donatos said its early development is expected to focus on high-growth metro areas in the Sunshine State, and that Florida's sustained population growth, migration from Midwestern markets, and demand for fast casual dining helped drive the decision.

"Florida has been on our radar for a long time, but the timing is now right for meaningful expansion," Jeff Baldwin, vice president of developmen and franchising, said. "Growth in the state is being fueled by Midwestern relocation where our brand is already known, and we continue to see strong familiarity from guests visiting from our core markets. Combined with improved distribution and operational support, the economics now work for scalable franchise growth."

Kevin King, CEO and president at Donatos, also pointed to familiarity with the brand and room for growth in the state.

"Florida offers a unique combination of growth, familiarity with our brand, and available territory, which does not exist in many markets today," he said. "We see a significant opportunity to build with the right partners as the state continues to evolve, bringing our Edge to Edge pizzas and full menu experience to more communities across the state."

The company said its existing Florida footprint and Red Robin partnership provide consumer awareness that can support expansion into new markets. It also said recent improvements in distribution and operations have made Florida expansion more efficient and scalable than in previous years.

Founded in 1963, the family-owned company said it operates more than 177 stores, while its pizza is also served in more than 250 non-traditional locations nationwide, including select Red Robin restaurants.

Are you a local business owner? Post a business listing on Patch! It’s an easy way to reach a local audience and connect with customers close to home. Go here to get started today.