Donatos Pizza, an Ohio-based fast-casual chain known for its Edge to Edge pizza, has opened its first restaurant in the Upstate region of South Carolina.
Located in Boiling Springs, the new restaurant marks the first of 12 units franchise veteran Jeff Rigsby plans to open in the region over the next five years. A more than 20-year veteran of the franchise industry, Rigsby also owns 49 Bojangles’ restaurants throughout five Southeastern states, including 14 in the Upstate region of South Carolina. He is also actively opening new Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina units in South and North Carolina.
“Boiling Springs is an ideal location for a Donatos store, and we are excited to be a part of the community’s growth in food service with this latest opening,” says Jeff Rigsby, owner of the new store. “We look forward to serving our vibrant, growing community.”
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.
In addition to its Edge-to-Edge pizza, Donatos’ trademark that refers to toppings that go right to the edge of the pizza, the restaurant serves fresh salads, oven-baked subs and boneless or traditional baked chicken wings that are available naked, sauced or dry-rubbed. Along with dine-in experience, Donatos also offers delivery and catering services, along with 25 fresh toppings for customizable and signature pizzas.
In addition to the welcoming atmosphere and quality ingredients, Donatos’ pledge to give back to local communities and support local nonprofits continues with the Boiling Springs location, whose local charitable partner is the Upstate Resource Center.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome a franchise veteran the caliber of Jeff Rigsby to the Donatos family,” says Jeff Baldwin, Vice President of Development & Franchising for Donatos. “His franchise experience is incredible and will no doubt help us further raise awareness of our brand as we continue to expand throughout South Carolina and other parts of the southeastern United States.”
Today, Donatos and its franchise partners operate 160 restaurants in nine states and its products are served in more than 15 sports and entertainment venues.