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This article was originally published in Northwest Florida Daily News on September 3, 2024.
FORT WALTON BEACH — An Ohio-based pizza chain called Donatos Pizza wants to expand its footprint into northern Florida.
Here is what you need to know.
What is Donatos Pizza?
Founded in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio, by Jim Grote, Donatos Pizza is a family-owned business known for its thin-crust pizzas that don't skimp on toppings through their "Edge to Edge" promise.
Along with pizza, Donatos serves fresh salads made daily, oven-baked subs and desserts.
Donatos has more than 375 locations in 22 states, including a mix of dedicated restaurants and non-traditional locations through partnerships with Red Robin and sports and entertainment venues.
Where do they plan to open?
Along with announcing a new franchise owner in Panama City, Donatos also announced 10 new locations in Florida, including restaurants in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Lake City and Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Donatos expects to hire 300 people in these locations.
“We are committed to making a positive impact in every new market we enter, fostering local partnerships, and supporting neighborhood initiatives," Jeff Baldwin, Donatos vice president of development and franchising, said in a news release. "With our continued growth and franchise opportunities throughout the panhandle, we are excited for more communities to fall in love with Donatos Pizza.”