Donatos Pizza announced yesterday that it is continuing its expansion plans by selling the majority share of the brand’s Cincinnati and Indianapolis markets to Titan Restaurant Group, LLC. As a result of this announcement, the brand’s restaurants in these two cities will transition from company-owned to franchise-owned, and 10 new restaurants will be added to the Donatos family in these markets.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Titan, as it allows us to continue to follow our strategic plan of growth through franchising,” says Jane Grote Abell, Donatos president and COO. “Donatos was built on the mission of promoting goodwill through our products and service, principles and people, and The Titan Restaurant Group shares these same values. These shared values, along with having more than 68 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and inherent knowledge of the local markets, makes this group an ideal partner.”
Titan Restaurant Group is led by Jack Whiting and Mike Simon. Industry veterans Whiting and Simon have served as executives and franchise operators for several premium brands, including Wendy’s, Tim Horton’s, and Pizza Hut.
Simon was the vice president of U.S. operations for Tim Horton’s. He also spent several years with Pizza Hut, where he was responsible for installing the chain’s delivery system. And now through this new franchise agreement, Simon will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Donatos restaurants. Whiting was previously senior vice president of the Midwest region of Wendy’s, and is currently an owner of 14 Wendy’s restaurants in the Columbus market.
After meeting with leadership of the family-owned and operated Donatos, and tasting the company’s signature Edge to Edge pizza, Whiting and Simon were interested in starting a partnership.
“Donatos is a great company with strong leadership who are all committed to their products and their people,” Simon says. “When we considered Donatos’ leadership combined with their outstanding products and innovative concept, we knew Donatos would be a great partner for us.”
The agreement between Titan and Donatos states Titan will add 10 new Donatos locations to Cincinnati and Indianapolis within the next six years, bringing the total number of Donatos restaurants to more than 50 stores in these two markets.
In addition to offering pizzas on its signature Edge-to-Edge Thin and Hand Tossed crusts, Donatos also offers Big & Meaty Buffalo Wings, Oven Baked Subs, and Garden Fresh Salads. To learn more about Donatos’ products, locate the nearest store, or place an order, visit www.Donatos.com.
