Promoting goodwill through quality pizza is the foundation of Donatos Pizza. This sentiment has been at the core of the brand's identity since 1963 when Jim Grote founded the first Donatos Pizza with a three-part mission: to make the best pizza, hire great people, and promote goodwill in business and the community.
Cody Weaver is a passionate entrepreneur who shares this mission. With a love for pizza and a drive to make a difference, Cody recently opened his first location in the Charlotte, NC, area. His journey from a successful career in footwear to owning a Donatos Pizza is not just a story of business success but one of community, tradition, and a deep connection to the values that Donatos Pizza embodies.
A Love for Entrepreneurship and Donatos Pizza
Cody's entrepreneurial spirit has been evident since childhood. Growing up in a golf course community, he would collect, brand, and sell golf balls at weekend stands. His passion for business only grew stronger in college, where he started two small businesses, igniting his love for entrepreneurship.
Cody's connection to Donatos Pizza is just as deep. Raised in Dublin, Ohio, less than 20 minutes from where the iconic pizza franchise began in Columbus, Donatos was a childhood favorite. "Donatos Pizza was and still is my favorite pizza," he says. "I even have the number to my local store memorized: 614-659-0797, the Donatos Pizza in Dublin. Back then, we didn’t have cell phones, and when my parents went out for date nights or with friends, they'd leave $20 in an envelope, and I’d order it."
Overcoming Challenges to Fulfill a Dream
Cody had always eyed the possibility of starting his own business after college, and the vision to bring Donatos Pizza down to the Charlotte area came to him in 2016, three years after he had moved to the area. "I saw there was a gap in the market," Cody states. "And I believe in the brand and love the product, so I knew Donatos could deliver that premium quality and experience this community deserves," Cody states. However, the journey to owning a store was challenging. When Cody first approached Donatos Pizza in 2016, he didn't meet the franchise requirements. However, he didn't let that deter him.
For nearly a decade, the dream of bringing Donatos Pizza to Charlotte simmered in the back of his mind. His perseverance paid off, and Cody's dream became a reality this year when he opened his Fort Mill, SC location. "I was hoping and praying for a long time that no one would buy the market," Cody shares. "Once I hit the requirements to get approved for a franchise, I moved on it quickly."
A Business with Heart
What truly sets Donatos Pizza apart from other franchise opportunities for Cody is the company's culture and values. During a Discovery Day at the home office, Cody was impressed with the brand's values of giving, goodwill, and community. He was particularly inspired by Jane Grote Abell, a founding family member whose leadership and commitment to these values resonated deeply with him.
"The company culture—like Jane and her heart and who she is as a person—was the aha moment for me," Cody recalled. "I want to bring the Donatos Pizza culture and who they are as people to this community. Their values just completely align with mine."
Community-Focused Leadership
Since opening his Fort Mill location, Cody and his team have been embraced by the warm and inclusive community. Exceeding initial projections, he attributes his store's success to the strong sense of community in Fort Mill and the quality of the Donatos Pizza product. "My favorite part has been the sense of community and families knowing our family and rallying behind a locally owned and operated business," Cody said. He is committed to fine-tuning operations to serve his customers better and has plans to expand to York County, starting with a second location in Rock Hill, SC.
Cody's commitment to the community extends beyond business operations. He and his store are deeply involved in PTOs, local charities, and organizations, including the Sherry Strong Foundation, which supports ovarian and pediatric cancer patients. A portion of his franchise's profits will be donated to this cause, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact. "Sherry was a friend of mine, and every fourth quarter we will be donating a portion of our profits to that charity," Cody shared. "It's about carrying her legacy forward and trying to make a brighter moment in a horrible situation."
Cody's journey from an ambitious entrepreneur to a business owner making a difference in his community is a testament to the power of believing in a brand and its values. As Cody grows Donatos Pizza in the Charlotte area, his commitment to quality, community, and giving back will undoubtedly make a lasting impact.
Are you interested in opening a rewarding and impactful business? Contact Donatos Pizza today to learn how you can open a location in your community and start making a difference.