McDonald's confirms sale of Donatos Pizzeria back to founder, Grote

December 15, 2003

OAK BROOK, Ill.—Jim Cantalupo, McDonald's Corp. chairman and CEO announced the company will sell 182-unit, Columbus, Ohio-based Donatos Pizzeria back to Jim…

Grote family reacquires Donatos Pizzeria from McDonald's ... UPDATED

December 15, 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Grote family announced it has reacquired Donatos Pizzeria, the company Jim Grote founded 40 years ago and sold to McDonald's Corp. in May of…

Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza appoints Morris new CFO

December 15, 2003

IRVING, Texas—CEC Entertainment, Inc., parent of Chuck E. Cheese's, announced the appointment of Chris Morris to the position of senior vice president and…

Judge rules for Shakey's Pizza franchisees in bond hearing

December 15, 2003

LOS ANGELES—On Dec. 12, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled against Chin Yong Wong, chairman of the board of directors of Shakey's Inc. and managing…

Papa John's announces earnings forecast of $2.20 to $2.28 in 2004

December 11, 2003

LOUISIVLLE, Ky. — Papa John's International Inc. announced it expects 2004 earnings to be in the range of $2.20 to $2.28 per share, according to a news release.

Grotto Pizza, charities partner on unique Parade of Trees fundraiser

December 10, 2003

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.—Fifteen-unit Grotto Pizza has found a unique way of tying together a business-building opportunity, Christmas trees and charitable…

Papa John's appoints Langstaff marketing chief, stock spikes

December 10, 2003

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—For the first time in more than two years, Papa John's International has a marketing chief.

Can Your Pizza Business Survive an Audit?

Christmas is coming, but if you're a pizza operator or a tipped employee who hasn't recorded his income correctly in 2003, you'd better watch out—for the IRS.

The Loop Pizza Grill sees 50 new stores in next few years

December 9, 2003

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Owners of The Loop Pizza Grill, a 22-unit fast-casual pizza-centered chain, believe they can grow the company to more than 70 units over the…

First ground-up Pizza Hut/Pasta Bravo combo opens in Tennessee

December 9, 2003

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.—When the nation's first freestanding Pizza Hut/Pasta Bravo restaurant opens here on Dec. 10, it shouldn't take long for customers to see…

First-ever Pizza Operators Workshop to kick off 2004 North America Pizza & Ice Cream Show

December 8, 2003

Four industry pros will share their best profit-building ideas during an intense eight-hour seminar.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Every restaurant needs a "no nibbling" policy

December 8, 2003

Take Jim Laube's advice to help employees stop nibbling with a good employee meal agreement.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Fight over pizza delivery mistake ends in court fine

December 8, 2003

DUBAI, U.A.E.—A pizza delivery driver was fined $272 for assaulting a man who refused to take delivery of a pizza he never ordered.

Q3 Pizza Hut comp-sales rise in N.Z., Australia

December 8, 2003

AUCKLAND, N.Z.—Restaurant Brands, operator of Pizza Hut in New Zealand and Australia, reported that comparable-store sales at its New Zealand Pizza Hut units…

Rascal House of Pizza donates share of profits to laid-off firefighters, officers

December 7, 2003

CLEVELAND—When Mike Frangos heard that hundreds of Cleveland's firefighters and police officers will be laid off this holiday season, the owner of Rascal House…

Domino's Pizza turns 43, donates 12,000 pizzas to non-profits

December 7, 2003

ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Domino's Pizza is celebrating its 43rd birthday with a nationwide "pizza party" on Dec. 9.

Receiver for Domino's Pizza Israel submits recovery plan

December 4, 2003

JERSALEM—The receiver for the Israeli franchisee of Domino's Pizza, Roni Matari, submitted a plan to a bankruptcy court on Dec. 4, to keep the chain running…

Pizza Patron franchisee envisions 15 stores for San Antonio

December 3, 2003

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—As the doors open on the city's newest pizza chain, the franchisee behind the Pizza Patrón already sees the potential for more stores.

New loan helps Domino's Pizza Israel stay open

December 3, 2003

JERSALEM—Bank Hapoalim yesterday approved a plan for the continued operation of Domino's Pizza Israel, a 25-unit franchisee.

Pizza Hut's U.S. sales climb 1% for November

December 3, 2003

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Sales at U.S. corporate-owned Pizza Huts climbed 1 percent for the company's four-week accounting period 12, ended Nov. 29.