Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza is a fast casual restaurant chain founded in 1963 by college sophomore Jim Grote. The first Donatos was in Columbus, Ohio. Donatos currently has locations in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Indianapolis and Orlando. They also briefly had locations in Atlanta, however these were subsequently closed. Donatos was also briefly owned by McDonalds, along with Boston Market and Chipotle Mexican Grill, but a majority interest in Donatos was repurchased by Grote as McDonalds sought to refocus on their core business. Donatos serves pizza, subs, salads and wings. With over 170 restaurants, it is one of the most successful pizzerias in the U.S.
Donatos, however, is slightly different from fast-food pizza chains such as Domino's or Pizza Hut. Donatos offers pick-up, delivery, and (in some locations) sit-down dining with full service. Its higher quality product and somewhat higher prices position it as a more "upscale" pizzeria as opposed to pizza buffets or lower priced chains.