Franchising

Jordan Hospitality Group becomes largest Donatos franchise partner

Ron Jordan, CEO of Jordan Hospitality Group. Provided.

January 12, 2022

Donatos has announced that the Jordan Hospitality Group has taken over the ownership and daily operation of the 21 restaurants in the Indianapolis market, according to a press release.

Ron Jordan, CEO of Jordan Hospitality Group, is a Columbus, Ohio, native who grew up eating Donatos pizza with his family on Friday nights and at other special occasions. Jordan is now the largest traditional Donatos franchise partner as well as the largest minority-owned franchise partner.

"We're on a mission to be one of the exceptional players in experiential dining," Jordan said in the release. "But it's more than just building restaurants. We're creating experiences that thrill our guests. My inspiration to grow to be the best stems from the commitment I made to my grandparents years ago to create generational wealth for my family and future generations of not only Jordans, but for the people our company employs. It is especially rewarding to have the opportunity to do this through a company in Donatos that I have loved since childhood."

"We are excited to have Ron Jordan and JHG join our family," Tom Krouse, CEO of Donatos, said in the release. "Not only does JHG bring experienced operational oversight to an already existing team of operators in the Indianapolis market, but they also bring tremendous energy and fresh perspective that will serve the customers better and further grow the market."

Jordan's franchising efforts are assisted by 22 Ventures, which is led by former NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and Ohio State University team captain Michael Redd.

"Black entrepreneurs have long faced systemic barriers to growth, including access to loans and capital, biased community perceptions, and gentrification challenges," Jordan said in the release. "Having Michael Redd as a business partner gets us in front of the right people to scale our business."

"This new partnership between 22 Ventures and Jordan Hospitality Group is a powerful combination and we are excited to bring our vision to the Greater Indianapolis market through Donatos," Redd, chairman and co-Founder of 22 Ventures, said in the release. "Both of our teams take a rigorous and evidence-based approach to development, which is why we will deliver consistent restaurant service and memorable experiences. Together, we will work to uplift Black and Brown businesses across the state, and we will do that here, starting with the management of the Donatos brand in Indiana."

With 379 locations in 22 states, Donatos and its franchise partners operate 169 traditional restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Donatos' products are also served in 210 non-traditional locations (199 locations with Red Robin, 10 sports and entertainment venues, and one REEF Kitchen).

Jordan Hospitality Group is a family-owned and operated hospitality group based in Columbus, Ohio.