Tom Krouse to
Retire in October after Twenty-Four Years of Transformation and
Growth
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Donatos Pizza today announced the upcoming
retirement in October of its Chief Executive Officer, Tom Krouse. Kevin
King, who has served as President of Donatos Pizza for the
past two years, will assume the role of CEO and President upon
Krouse's retirement. This well-planned succession ensures a smooth
handover and continued success for the brand, built on the strong
foundation of family values.
A Family Affair: Honoring Tradition & Building on
Success
Krouse joined Donatos Pizza in 2000 after 18 years at Wendy's.
Before becoming President and CEO in 2010, Krouse oversaw Donatos
Pizza's franchise expansion and development of the brand's retail
division, Jane's Dough Premium Foods. Throughout his career, his
decisions transcended strategy; they were deeply rooted in the
ideals established by the founder of Donatos Pizza, Jim Grote. Krouse ensured these core values – a
commitment to community, fostering a family atmosphere within the
company, and delivering exceptional customer service – were all key
parts of the Donatos Pizza experience.
"I feel like the luckiest guy alive to have had the opportunity
to lead a company with amazing people and an awesome mission," said
Tom. "I'm truly honored. I am so happy for Kevin and Donatos
because he is the perfect choice to take this company into the
future."
Beyond Krouse's unwavering commitment to the brand's values, he
will also be remembered for his remarkable leadership in expanding
the Donatos Pizza footprint. Under his guidance, Donatos Pizza has
achieved the following:
- Company has doubled in size.
- Franchise system has grown from 10 partners to 45
partners.
- Chain named one of five innovative restaurant brands recognized
by Nation's Restaurant News with a 2023 CREATORS Award.
- Average unit sales 60% higher than pizza industry average.
- Franchise satisfaction rating 13 points higher than franchise
benchmark.
"When Jane and I promoted Tom to President and CEO, we knew we
were about to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation,"
said Jim Grote, Founder of Donatos
Pizza. "Tom's leadership and passion have had a profound impact on
our family business. He has been a living example of our philosophy
of Agape Capitalism by leading with love, living the Golden Rule,
and always striving to do the right thing. He believes in the
possible and clearly sets strategy and vision for the future. Tom's
creative approach to growth is deep-rooted in his belief of 'saying
yes until there is a reason to say no.' He has built a solid
foundation for a prosperous future."
"I have had the distinct advantage and privilege of witnessing
firsthand Tom's drive, innovative thinking, and unwavering passion
for our people-first culture from the personal side as his wife and
from the business side as his colleague," said Jane Grote Abell, Donatos Pizza Chief Purpose
Officer and Chairwoman of the Board. "Family has been the heart and
soul of our business since 1963, and Tom has embodied this
throughout his tenure. He has not only been a remarkable leader,
but also a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Tom's
impact will continue to resonate, shaping the foundation of our
company for generations to come."
A Familiar Face Takes the Helm
Succeeding Krouse is
Kevin King, a longtime friend of the
family who has a rich history with the Donatos Pizza brand, having
served as VP of Development from 1990 to 2003. King's early career
was spent at Domino's Pizza, serving in operations, then multi-unit
supervision, and finally in international operations in
Australia. Prior to rejoining
Donatos Pizza as President in 2022, King solidified his expertise
in the pizza industry at Papa Murphy's. While serving as Senior
Vice President of Operations and as Chief Development Officer, he
led the strategic and tactical aspects of the successful expansion
of the world's largest take-n-bake pizza chain. King then served as
Chief Development Officer at Smoothie King International for almost
six years, expanding the fast-growing chain throughout the US and
internationally.
"Tom's leadership and counsel since rejoining Donatos has been
nothing short of exceptional," said Kevin
King. "He's been a phenomenal mentor and a true friend. I'm
incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and build
upon his legacy. Together, with our talented and diverse leadership
team, I'm excited to continue to elevate Donatos' reputation for
delicious food, strong community ties, and an unwavering commitment
to our values."
Building on a Solid Family Foundation for Continued
Growth
King's vision for the future prioritizes growth and innovation.
He plans to leverage the brand's robust foundation and core values
to expand its reach while remaining true to its heritage.
Furthermore, King and Krouse have proactively cultivated a talented
leadership team, ensuring a well-rounded perspective as Donatos
Pizza embarks on its next chapter.
"Jim and I have complete confidence in Kevin as the perfect
leader for Donatos in our next chapter of growth," said
Jane Grote Abell. "Kevin has
demonstrated a genuine commitment to fostering our people-first
culture, upholding our mission and core values as his first
priority. His extensive expertise in operations and growth within
the franchise industry, paired with his deep understanding of our
company mission and values, make him the ideal person to continue
building upon the legacy that Tom has built."
About Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza, founded by Jim
Grote in 1963, is known for their famous thin crust pizzas
loaded with toppings spread Edge to Edge®. With 468 locations in 28
states, Donatos and its franchise partners operate 178 traditional
restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, South
Carolina, Alabama,
Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida and Oklahoma. Donatos' products are also proudly
served in 290 non-traditional locations (276 locations with Red
Robin, nine sports and entertainment venues, and five REEF
Kitchens). For more information,
visit www.donatosfranchise.com.
Contact: Betty Anne Richardson |
Franchise Elevator PR | brichardson@franchiseelevator.com | (847)
945-1300 ext. 245
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SOURCE Donatos Pizza