Donatos Pizza Drives Growth and Innovation in 2024

Kevin King Appointed CEO as Donatos Pizza Charts Path for Expansion and Innovation

Donatos Pizza, renowned for its Edge to Edge® topping-laden pizzas, closes 2024 with transformative leadership changes and ambitious growth plans. With Kevin King taking the reins as CEO and President, the brand celebrates new store openings, franchise development agreements, and a bold vision for 2025.

Kevin King Assumes Leadership as CEO and President

Kevin King’s promotion to CEO and President follows the October retirement of Tom Krouse, a long-standing leader at Donatos. The announcement, made by Jane Grote, Chief Purpose Officer and Chairwoman of the Board, and Jim Grote, Founder of Donatos Pizza, underscores the trust placed in Kevin’s leadership.

"Kevin’s commitment to our mission, values, and the well-being of our associates and franchise partners makes him the ideal leader to drive Donatos forward," said Jane Grote.

Kevin, a lifelong family friend, has been deeply connected to Donatos for decades. After playing a pivotal role in the brand’s early growth as VP of Development from 1990 to 2003, he returned as President in 2022. Now, as CEO, he plans to build on Donatos’ legacy of innovation and family values to fuel nationwide expansion.

"I’m honored to lead Donatos at this exciting time," said King. "Our commitment to quality, community, and franchise partner success will remain central as we continue to grow."

Expanding the Franchise Footprint

In 2024, Donatos signed agreements with eight new multi-unit development groups, expanding into North Carolina, Virginia, and Texas, while growing its presence in Florida, South Carolina, and Maryland. Store openings in Naples, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, highlighted the year’s progress.

"Texas has become a key focus for our future expansion," said Jeff Baldwin, VP of Development and Franchising. "We’re excited to bring Donatos to even more communities in 2025."

Donatos’ achievements were recognized with placements on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List and Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers for 2024. Franchisee Travis Hibbert of Knoxville was also named Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association.

Innovation Powers Growth

Innovation has been a cornerstone of Donatos’ success. Technological advancements in 2024 included the rollout of the Sm^rt Saucer across company locations, the implementation of an AI-powered call system, and ongoing development of a fully automated pizza kitchen in partnership with Appetronix, slated for launch in early 2025.

Menu innovation also played a key role, with the introduction of popular items like Mariachi Cheese Bread, Stuffed Crust Pizza, and the Calzato. The December release of the Italian Meatball & Sausage Pizza, crafted from original family recipes, emphasized Donatos’ commitment to quality and tradition.

About Donatos Pizza

Founded in 1963 by Jim Grote in Columbus, Ohio, Donatos Pizza is a family-owned business famous for its thin-crust pizzas topped Edge to Edge®. Operating over 175 stores and nearly 300 non-traditional locations, including select Red Robin restaurants, Donatos remains dedicated to quality, community, and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.donatos.com or explore franchising opportunities at www.donatosfranchise.com