Donatos Leverages Southeastern Momentum for Strategic Growth
Donatos Pizza isn’t just expanding for expansion’s sake—its latest move into the Carolinas shows a calculated strategy to bring its “Edge-to-Edge®” pizza footprint into high-opportunity markets. According to QSR Magazine, the brand is partnering with new franchisees to develop 50+ new locations across North and South Carolina in the coming years. QSR Magazine+2Shopping Center Business+2 From cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington to Spartanburg, Columbia and Greenville, the franchise is casting a wide net and betting on growth grounded in regionally-aware execution. Shopping Center Business+1
Smart Expansion Starts With Support and Proven Systems
What sets this campaign apart isn’t just volume—it’s positioning. Donatos already has strong brand recognition in the Carolinas via non-traditional channels (including partnering locations at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers) and is using that as a launchpad for full-scale franchise development. “We have the proven system, strong support, proven demand in the area,” says Jeff Baldwin, VP of Development & Franchising at Donatos. Retail & Restaurant Facility Business+1 For prospective franchise partners, this means entering a market with a brand familiar to the region and an operator committed to sustained, well-supported growth—not simply “open fast and hope.” The takeaway: Scaling a franchise in a new region works best when recognition, operations and partner support align.