For more than six decades, Donatos Pizza has been more than a pizza company—it’s been a purpose-driven organization committed to promoting goodwill and building stronger, healthier communities. Founded in 1963, Donatos Pizza has remained steadfast in its original mission to promote goodwill through product, service, principles, and people.
From strategic partnerships through the Donatos Family Foundation to the daily efforts of franchise partners like Dan Johnson, Donatos Pizza is a leader in building a culture and communities of giving back.
Partnering with CancerFree KIDS: Alex’s Story
Donatos Pizza’s commitment to goodwill extends deeply into local communities, where franchise partners like Dan are deeply invested in making a difference. Dan has multiple locations in the Cincinnati area, and for over a decade, his Blue Ash location has proudly supported CancerFree KIDS, an organization dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research.
For Dan and his team, this partnership took on new meaning through the story of Alex Piening, a local child who overcame tremendous odds. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just 22 months old, Alex endured an intense 3½-year treatment regimen that included monthly chemotherapy, nightly medications, and physical therapy. Despite the challenges, Alex became a beacon of resilience and positivity. During this difficult time, Alex found a source of comfort in Donatos Pizza. His treatments suppressed his immune system and appetite, but his family shares that pizza became the one thing he wanted:
"The only thing Alex would eat was shredded cheese and pizza… specifically Donatos! We would pick up Donatos anytime he requested—morning, noon, and evening. Even now, at 6 years old and cancer-free, Alex’s love of Donatos pizza hasn’t faded. It’s his favorite meal and a constant reminder of hope during his toughest days.”
Making a Difference
The Cincinnati-area Donatos Pizza locations, led by Dan and other passionate franchise partners, have supported CancerFree KIDS through initiatives such as donating pizzas for events and menu fundraisers. $1 from every snickerdoodle cookie sold this year from Cincinnati-area Donatos Pizza locations goes to support CancerFree KIDS, and customers can also round up their orders to donate.
Dan’s commitment deepened even further when he joined the Emerging Leaders Board for CancerFree KIDS, which allowed him to raise awareness and generate new ideas to support pediatric cancer research. Whether it’s through promoting cookie sales or connecting directly with families impacted by pediatric cancer, Dan and his team continually strive to make a meaningful difference.
"CancerFree KIDS truly drives home what it means to give back,” Dan explains. “It’s more than just making pizzas—it’s about making someone’s day a little better. That small gesture feeds directly into the Donatos culture of caring for our community.”
Alex and his family testify as first hand witnesses to this commitment to making a difference and improving lives:
"Throughout Alexander’s cancer journey, we have directly experienced the impact that CancerFree KIDS and Donatos’ tremendous support of pediatric cancer research has made in the lives of so many children. Thank you for all that the Donatos’ organization and your amazing employees have done to help give Alex and every one of these brave children battling this insidious disease the chance to experience a future of hope and wonder."
Living Donatos Pizza’s Core Values
Dan attributes much of his stores’ success and culture to Donatos Pizza’s core values and his long-standing team’s alignment with them. From hosting fundraising Dough Nights for local schools to tornado relief efforts and collaborating with Habitat for Humanity, Dan believes that giving back is simply part of being a good neighbor.
“We’ve always been about more than just pizza,” Dan explained. “Donatos Pizza’s core values guide everything we do, which resonates with our team and customers. Whether it’s providing great food or helping our neighbors, we want to leave a positive impact every single day.”
A Legacy of Giving
Giving back has always been part of the foundation of Donatos Pizza. Inspired by the Golden Rule, the Grote family has made community involvement a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Jane Grote, Executive Chairwoman of the Board and Chief Purpose Officer, formalized this commitment by establishing the Donatos Family Foundation. The Foundation centers its work on three core pillars:
Housing: Collaborating with Habitat for Humanity to address the critical need for affordable housing.
Hunger: Partnering with local food pantries to ensure reliable access to nutritious meals for the communities Donatos serves.
Health: Supporting organizations that combat serious medical conditions and provide care to those in need.
Donatos Pizza’s commitment to community impact extends far beyond Dan and his stores. Across the country, Donatos Pizza’s franchise locations are forming meaningful partnerships in our Health pillar, like Dan, to make a difference in their communities:
Columbus, OH – Collaborating with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Pelotonia to advance pediatric health and cancer research.
Cleveland, OH – Supporting Akron Children’s Hospital, a leader in pediatric care.
Indianapolis, IN – Partnering with Riley Hospital for Children to enhance medical support for young patients.
Naples, FL – Working with Cancer Advisors to provide assistance to those affected by cancer.
Flower Mound, TX – Teaming up with the Enabling Movement Foundation to empower individuals with mobility challenges.
With 475 locations across 29 states, Donatos Pizza franchise partners share a unified commitment to serving their communities. Dan highlights how deeply aligned franchise partners are with the company’s values:
“The great thing about Donatos is that we all fully believe in giving back more than we receive. It’s not just a corporate initiative; it’s who we are.”
Are you seeking a franchise opportunity that combines business ownership with purpose? Donatos Pizza offers more than a chance to run a successful operation. It’s an opportunity to be part of a legacy of giving and to build something truly sustainable and meaningful in the communities you serve. Take the first step toward a purpose-driven future—contact us today to learn more!