Florida pizza lovers may get some more options soon. Donatos Pizza, famous for “Edge-to-Edge” toppings, fresh ingredients, and a guaranteed 100 slices of pepperoni on every large pepperoni pizza, announced a major expansion into the state.
The company plans to open up to 25 new locations over the next several years.
There are currently six locations here, but Donatos is betting that Midwestern migration into the state means new residents might be happy to see the familiar chain. Donatos serves up pizza in 29 states, including 117 cities in its home state of Ohio.
“Florida has been on our radar for a long time, but the timing is now right for meaningful expansion,” Jeff Baldwin, Vice President of Development and Franchising, said in a May 20 release. “Growth in the state is being fueled by Midwestern relocation where our brand is already known, and we continue to see strong familiarity from guests visiting from our core markets.”
“Florida offers a unique combination of growth, familiarity with our brand, and available territory, which does not exist in many markets today,” said Kevin King, Donatos’ CEO and President.
Early development is expected to focus on high-growth metro areas, the company said. On the Donatos franchise page, it lists “hot markets” available in Orlando and Tampa.
In 2024, Donatos announced plans for 10 new locations across North Florida and the Panhandle, including restaurants in Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Lake City, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach. A previous location in Sarasota has since closed.
Are there Donatos Pizza restaurants in Florida?
There are six Donatos in Florida as of May 21, four traditional restaurants and two in partner locations with Red Robin:
What is Donatos?
Donatos was founded in 1963 by Ohio State sophomore Jim Grote, who bought the small Columbus pizza shop where he worked for $1,300. He kept the original name, which is derived from the Latin for “to give a good thing.”
The chain is known for using a generous amount of toppings on its pies, “edge to edge,” and sells signature pizzas such as Mike’s Hot Honey Meaty Alfredo, Mariachi Chicken, Hawaiian, an assortment of meat-lovers or Vegy pizzas as well as the standards.
Donatos also offers oven-baked subs, calzatos, fresh salads, and boneless or traditional baked chicken wings available naked, sauced, or with dry rub.
Donatos opened its first Florida location in Jacksonville Beach in 2020.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Donatos Pizza plans major Florida expansion
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
