As Elizabethtown welcomes new waves of transplants and bursts of economic growth, cementing its status as the fastest growing city in Kentucky, this new location will meet growing demand for high-quality, local dining experiences in the area by showcasing the Donatos difference: pizzas generously covered with fresh toppings all the way to the edge, creating a pizza experience that is second to none.
Meet the Owner: Phillip Justice, Donatos’ #1 Fan turned Franchisee
This new location will be owned and operated by Kentucky native, Phillip Justice. Formerly the director of a men’s drug and rehabilitation center, Justice’s career path has kept community service and compassion in the forefront of his professional journey. As he sought career options with a better work-life balance and upward mobility, Justice realized that franchising with Donatos Pizza would not only help him achieve his goals, but would also allow him to use his resources as a business owner to support his community in a bigger, more meaningful way.
“I always say that Donatos Pizza and I have had quite a long and passionate love affair. I’ve been in love with this pizza since I was a teenager and vividly recall driving all the way to the Lexington store for a slice. I would drive as far as I needed to, even when I was on a road trip or didn’t live in the area, to get my hands on some Donatos,” said Phillip Justice, owner of Donatos Pizza in Elizabethtown. “I also had my first date and subsequently fell in love with my husband at a pizzeria. As our relationship grew, we realized we shared a Donatos obsession, and it eventually became our go-to date spot over the years. I hope to facilitate a space where everyone can bond and make memories over some phenomenal food, just like I have.”
Much like Donatos Pizza, Phillip is eager to form meaningful community partnerships with non-profits, student groups and other local organizations. This not only aligns with, but embodies, the Donatos Pizza mission of community service and giving back. With the new store set to bring at least 50 jobs into the area, Phillip hopes to gradually increase this number as he opens more locations throughout the region.
“I am thrilled to have Phillip spearheading Donatos’ foray into Elizabethtown. It’s a quaint, pleasant area with a culinarily-curious community that embodies Southern hospitality and appreciates locally-owned businesses,” said Kevin King, President and CEO of Donatos Pizza. “For Phillip, it’s about more than just pizza; it’s about providing a space to create special memories and bond over a good meal with good people. Phillip embodies these values better than anyone, and I am confident he will bring something exceptional to the area.”
Donatos Pizza was founded in 1963 when Ohio State sophomore Jim Grote bought a small pizza shop in Columbus, Ohio. Donatos Pizza serves oven-baked wings and sub sandwiches, appetizers, and salads in addition to its award-winning Edge to Edge® pizza. Donatos Pizza’s trademark refers to abundant toppings that go right to the edge of every thin-crust pizza. Along with the dine-in experience, Donatos Pizza also offers pick-up, delivery, and catering services. Today, Donatos Pizza has expanded to over 470 locations across 29 states.
For more information on Donatos Pizza in Elizabethtown, please visit https://www.donatos.com or call (270) 506-4100
About Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza, founded by Jim Grote in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio, is a family-owned business known for its famous thin-crust pizzas with abundant toppings spread Edge to Edge®. Headquartered in Columbus, Donatos and its franchise partners operate over 175 stores. Additionally, Donatos Pizza is proudly served in nearly 300 non-traditional locations nationwide, including select Red Robin restaurants. Committed to quality, community, and customer satisfaction, Donatos Pizza has received numerous awards and accolades, reflecting its dedication to excellence and innovation. For more information about Donatos Pizza and franchising opportunities, visit www.donatosfranchise.com.