Having already opened two area restaurants since the beginning of last—the first in Midtown and the second in Murfreesboro—Donatos Pizza is making bold progress in its commitment to expand across Nashville.
“We have experienced great success in the market as demand for our product has grown,” says Jeff Baldwin, Vice President of Development & Franchising for Donatos. “We are thrilled with the reception and are happy to announce that several area individuals have already negotiated rights to build additional restaurants in Nashville.”
Development deals for four additional restaurants throughout the northeast and southeast portions of Nashville have already been signed. Meanwhile, although nothing has been confirmed, Baldwin believes the northwest and southwest portions of the area can hold an additional eight restaurants.
Baldwin also noted that Nashville’s revitalization efforts and growth are no doubt what makes the area an ideal location for additional Donatos restaurants. “Nashville continues to be one of America’s fastest-growing cities and presents a perfect opportunity for Donatos to expand its customer base.”
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 burger giant was buying small concepts. McDonald’s sold the chain back to Grote and his daughter, Jane Abell, in 2003.
The restaurant serves wings, sub sandwiches, appetizers and salads in addition to its Edge-to-Edge pizza, Donatos’ trademark that refers to toppings that go right to the edge of the pizza. Along with dine-in experience, Donatos also offers delivery and catering services, along with 26 toppings for customizable and signature pizzas.
The average store is 2,000-2,500 square feet and employs roughly 30 primarily part-time people. The average volume nationwide, per store, exceeds $1 million.
Including a franchise fee of $30,000, the initial investment to own and operate a Donatos restaurant ranges from $361,360 and $697,400.
