CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Donatos , the fast casual pizza chain famous for its Edge to Edge® toppings, is ready to expand its presence in the Carolinas in the Charlotte market, including a recent development deal in Ft Mill, South Carolina which will bring multiple locations to the area. The announcement comes at a time when Donatos is experiencing more demand than ever for their premium pizza, with a widening fan base.

Donatos currently offers their famous pizzas in six locations across North Carolina as part of a growing partnership with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. Now, the premium pizza franchise is seeking additional growth through traditional franchise partner development. In addition to the Charlotte area, franchising efforts in North Carolina could bring up to five locations to Greensboro, seven locations to Raleigh-Durham, and five locations to Winston-Salem.

“This is a great franchise opportunity, and we know that Donatos has an established fan base in North Carolina,” said Jeff Baldwin, Vice President of Development & Franchising for Donatos. “Our Edge to Edge® pizza has become a favorite in many communities across the Southeastern US and we are so excited to continue our growth in the Charlotte area.”

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. Now, the franchise has grown to over 170 traditional restaurants and more than 430 total locations overall, through a partnership with Red Robin that allows for even more consumers to taste the pizza franchise’s premium pizza.  “Our partnership with Red Robin has been very beneficial in entering and testing new markets as well as laying the foundation for future growth,” said Kevin King, President of Donatos.. “Working with Red Robin has been a real game changer for the company, and we are excited to see our partnership continue to develop and grow.”

For those with experience looking to bring a proven concept to their community, consider opening a restaurant offering pizza like no other. Including a franchise fee of $30,000, the initial investment to own and operate a Donatos restaurant ranges from $360,360 to $697,400. The average store is 1,700-2,200 square feet and employs roughly 30 primarily part-time employees. The average volume nationwide, per store, exceeds $1.14 million.

The franchise’s expansion into the Charlotte market comes at a time when Donatos continues to expand its national footprint. Today, Donatos is served in more than 430 locations in 27 states, including in 173 traditional Donatos restaurants. Donatos and Red Robin partnered three years ago to provide a scaled-down Donatos pizza menu alongside Red Robin’s signature burgers in a number of Red Robin restaurants.

For more information about Donatos’ franchising opportunity, visit www.donatospizzafranchise.com.

About Donatos

Donatos features the Edge to Edge® pizza, created by Jim Grote, who founded Donatos in 1963. With 431 locations in 27 states, Donatos and its franchise partners operate 173 traditional restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Donatos’ products are also proudly served in 258 non-traditional locations (248 locations with Red Robin, nine sports and entertainment venues, and one REEF Kitchen). For more information, visit www.donatospizzafranchise.com.

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