News

Pizza Inn logo gets whole new mojo

January 18, 2017

A little more than two years after 58-year-old brand Pizza Inn resurrected its vintage JoJo mascot, the little fellow is getting a makeover, according to a news release. The is even getting a new tagline to go with JoJo's facelift, "America's Hometown Pizza Place."

Pizza Inn parent company, Rave Restaurant Group, worked with its agency of record, Johnson & Sekin, to refresh the mascot, said Pizza Inn President Bob Bafundo. 

"The new logo and tagline reflect the almost 60 years of history of our brand with an eye towards our next generation and future," Bafundo said in a news release. "They are not conveying major changes with the company or our great pizza. But rather, better communicating our pride in being America's Hometown Pizza Place."

Although JoJo 2.0 is keeping a few former elements, like his red hat and thick mustache, he's wearing a more welcoming face and is tossing Pizza Inn dough as well. After all, it's been nearly 60 years, so it makes sense he should start doing some of the work.

The rebrand is refreshing all items and marketing associated with Pizza Inn, including packaging, crew wearables and a new website, which hosts a video celebrating the brand's roots, according to a news release.

"Ask anyone, and they have a story or memory about Pizza Inn in their hometown or where they currently live," Johnson & Sekin Executive Creative Director Chris Sekin said in a news release. "The brand is deeply personal for people, and it encapsulates the values of a great American hometown."

The rebranding announcement comes just a few days after Rave made public that it had hired former Smashburger CEO Scott Crane as Pizza Inn's CEO.