Franchising

Donatos to expand in Oklahoma

Provided

February 27, 2023

Donatos will expand into Oklahoma with a franchise partner group led by Pattye Moore, former board chairman and interim CEO at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and also a former Sonic Drive-In president, and operating partners Matt and Will McClain, the sons of former Sonic President Scott McLain, according to a press release.

The group plans to open dozens of Donatos locations in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas. The first restaurant is expected to open this summer in Edmond.

"I first got acquainted with Donatos while I was at Red Robin and we were developing the partnership," Moore said in the partnership. "I was so impressed with Donatos that I knew I wanted to bring this high-quality pizza to Oklahoma. I'm delighted to partner with Matt and Will McLain, two smart young entrepreneurs who I have known for a long time."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with strong restaurant industry leaders to expand the Donatos brand across the great state of Oklahoma. Everyone within the Donatos family is looking forward to sharing our premium pizza with members of the community," said Jeff Baldwin, vice president of development and franchising for Donatos. "There is a tremendous opportunity for success and growth here as we know that our Edge to Edge abundantly topped pizzas will be well received by the residents. We are so excited for the continued expansion of the brand into this new market and establishing strong connections in the local communities we will serve."

Including a franchise fee of $30,000, the initial investment to own and operate a Donatos restaurant ranges from $391,500 to $750,747. The average store is 2,000 square feet and employs roughly 30 primarily part-time associates. The average unit volume nationwide exceeds $1.29 million.