Operations

Donatos establishes Donatos Family Foundation

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March 21, 2022

Pizza chain Donatos has established a Donatos Family Foundation, according to a press release.

Rooted in giving back to the community since the family-owned company started on the south side of Columbus, Ohio, almost 60 years ago, the national foundation gives the brand the opportunity to help more people through its nationwide locations.

Donatos was founded by Jim Grote on two core principles — leading with love and treating others the way that he wanted to be treated. This belief in doing business with love became known as Agape Capitalism and goes hand-in-hand with the Latin meaning of the name Donatos — to give a good thing.

"I was raised watching my mom and dad model the idea of loving your neighbor and treating others the way you wanted to be treated, so our family built our giving strategy to reflect our values," Jane Grote Abell, executive chairwoman of the board and chief purpose officer at Donatos, said in the release. "Giving more than we receive is woven into our culture and continuing the Donatos family legacy of giving back supports our mission to promote goodwill through our product, principles, service, and people.

"The Donatos Family Foundation is all that and more. It is planned. It is intentional. It is strategic. It is focused. It is not about being swept up in the moment and writing a check. It is about making a commitment and being in it for sustainable change over time. The Donatos Family Foundation is about taking what is in our heart and making it actionable."

Donatos has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and has pledged to raise at least $100,000 for the non-profit. Donatos also plans to raise money for food banks like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and local hospitals.

Donatos operates 377 locations in 22 states. Donatos' products are also served in 207 non-traditional locations (197 locations with Red Robin, nine sports and entertainment venues, and one REEF Kitchen).