March 17, 2009

Industry Headlines

Pizza Fusion Unveils World's First LEED certified pizzeria

Pizza Fusion, pioneer of the environmental and organic restaurant movements, was recently awarded Gold and Silver certifications by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for its first two restaurants built to LEED specifications - Palm Beach Gardens and Weston, Florida.  This recognition makes Pizza Fusion the first LEED certified pizzeria in the world.

"It's very rewarding to see our first two LEED projects officially comply with the strict specifications of the USGBC's building and operational standards," says Mike Gordon, vice president of store development and co-founder of Pizza Fusion.  "These certifications represent our commitment to building all our restaurants to this standard as we've grown to 19 locations nationwide in the last year."
 
Pizza Fusion's restaurants feature a number of unique, eco-efficient products, techniques and designs. Pizza Fusion restaurants' eco-elements include countertops made of re-used glass bottles from other Pizza Fusions and manufactured using a cradle-to-cradle approach, bamboo flooring, 30-percent recaptured industrial concrete, non-VOC paints, energy start certified appliances, insulation made from recycled blue jeans, ceiling baffles made from recycled composite board, low voltage lighting, furniture made from reclaimed wood, and much more –– all the way down to the 100 percent recycled toilet paper in their bathrooms.
 
In the United States, restaurants are the top electricity consumer among retail businesses, accounting for 33 percent of the total consumption. Each restaurant produces an average of 50,000 pounds of waste per year. Pizza Fusion's LEED certified restaurants reduce water waste by 40 percent and electricity consumption by 20 percent annually.
 
Founded in the best interest of the individual and the environment, Pizza Fusion combines a fresh, organic menu with an industry-leading environmental approach to restaurant service in chic dining destinations built to LEED certification standards.

Burke fully cooked meat pizza toppings make your job easier by bringing you convenience, consistency, safety and authenticity. We specialize in Hand-Pinched Style® toppings, Italian sausage, beef & pork pizza toppings, meatballs, pepperoni, bacon bits, diced ham, taco meats, shredded meats, chicken and beef strips. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through accurate product development, consistent products, responsive customer service, and on-time deliveries. Custom formulation and private labeling available.  www.burkecorp.com

U.S. Military veteran opens second store under Little Caesars Veterans Program

Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. has announced that U.S. veteran Rick Loz's second store recently held a grand opening in Easton, Pennsylvania. One year ago, Loz opened his first Little Caesars franchise in Allentown. "My Little Caesars store has been very well received in Allentown, and I'm excited to grow my business and bring the Little Caesars brand to customers in Easton," said Loz. "The Little Caesars Veterans Program has given me the opportunity to become my own boss and build for my family's future."

As a Little Caesars franchisee, Loz is able to apply the military skills he gained while he served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force to run his business. Before becoming a Little Caesars franchisee, he also was a project manager for a large telecommunications company. Loz was looking to transition into a new phase in his career and opted to become an entrepreneur to gain more independence.

Since the program launched two years ago, interest has remained high in the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than 50 veterans are applying more than $1.5 million in credits and benefits to help them grow their Little Caesars businesses. To date, 2,500 inquires have been made about the program. Several veterans have opened second stores and more are expected to open their first stores under the program in the coming months.

The Little Caesars Veterans Program was created in 2006 to thank veterans for their service and provide them with career opportunities when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. It offers honorably discharged, service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, a benefit of up to approximately $68,000 on their first store. Honorably discharged, non-service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, such as Loz, are eligible for a benefit of up to approximately $20,000 on their first store.

Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan in 1959. The company has since expanded nationwide.

 
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1000 Jumbo Supreme Pizza Magnets for $180!
The bigger the magnet...the bigger the exposure! Jumbo Supreme Pizza Magnets become the focal point of the customer’s refrigerator; never again will your customers struggle to find your phone number! Only 18¢ per quantity 1000!   

Domino’s Pizza CEO delivers super big taste bailout to lucky winners  

 Dave Brandon, CEO of Domino’s Pizza is taking to the streets for the launch of the “Domino’s Big Taste Bailout” promotion. The TV commercials will premier today during Fox’s American Idol and will air on most major networks and cable stations starting today.

Filmed on location in Washington, D.C., New York and New Jersey, the TV and on-line spots feature Brandon guiding us from Capitol Hill via Wall Street to Main Street, with an offer to deliver three or more medium, one topping pizzas or oven baked sandwiches for just $5 each to American consumers.
 
“We know times are hard, it’s a reality we are all facing,” says Brandon. “But I didn’t go to Washington to ask for a bailout. Instead, we are giving one. I’m proud to be able to offer our consumers a promotion with such a great deal on pizza. By adding our oven baked sandwiches to the mix we are further increasing the number of taste varieties to the offering.”
 
In an on-line continuation of the promotion, Domino’s is launching the Super Big Taste Bailout. Here, consumers are encouraged to nominate a friend in need of a bailout. Two winners, as well as their nominating friends, will receive a year’s worth of Domino’s Pizza products with the prize delivered directly to their door by Dave Brandon himself.

Leading up to the delivery, a countdown can be viewed on Dominos.com indicating when the delivery will take place. On the day of the first delivery, the site will change to show Brandon’s location as he arrives at the winner’s house. Once the delivery has been made, the countdown for the next recipient of the Super Big Taste Bailout will begin.
 
In addition to the grand prizes, lucky consumers also have the opportunity to win a Big Taste Bailout meal throughout the promotion.
 
In his 21-year history as a corporate CEO, and 10 years as Domino’s chief, this is only the second time Brandon has agreed to be featured in ads from agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky.  “I don’t intend to be part of every campaign we launch moving forward, but the message behind this promotion is something that I felt was important. I’m looking forward to delivering a year’s worth of Domino’s Pizza to the lucky winners of the sweepstakes,” Brandon says.

 

Papa John's Promotes William Mitchell to President, USA

Papa John's International, Inc. has announced the promotion of William Mitchell to President, USA. Mitchell succeeds William Van Epps, who is leaving to pursue other interests after seven years with the company. As President, USA, Mitchell will report to the CEO and be responsible for leading U.S. corporate and franchise restaurant operations, real estate and new business development.

Van Epps will work with the company to assist with the transition of his responsibilities as needed over the coming months.

Mitchell has served as Papa John’s senior vice president of domestic operations since February 2007, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s U.S. operations. From 2006 to 2007, he served as Papa John’s division vice president for the Midwest, the company’s largest division. And from 2000 to 2006, he served as Papa John’s Operations Vice President for the central United States.

“Bill Mitchell is a talented operator and I am pleased to have him lead our U.S. corporate and franchise operations teams,” said John Schnatter, Papa John’s founder chairman and interim chief executive officer. “Bill and his outstanding team of operators in the field do a great job delivering on our ‘Better Ingredients. Better Pizza’ brand promise every day.”
In total, Mitchell has nearly 20 years of experience in restaurant operations.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. is the world's third largest pizza company.

Marco’s Pizza announces 10th quarter of same-store sales growth

The close of 2008 marked Marco’s Pizza’s tenth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth. Same-store sales for the year were up from last year by more than 4.5 percent – more than 7 percent for company-managed stores and more than 3.5 percent for franchised stores.

“Tough economy or not, Marco’s continues out outpace competitors,” said Jack Butorac, CEO of the company. “Despite negative news in the restaurant industry and beyond, some businesses are succeeding and growing. Marco’s is impressed but not satisfied with our same-store sales growth, and we expect to continue increasing profitability as we expand nationwide.”
 
The company currently operates more than 170 stores and has more than 700 new stores contracted.
 
 Marco’s Pizza (Marco’s Franchising, LLC), headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, was founded in 1978 by Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco. Since then, the franchise has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate more than 170 stores in 16 states.

Papa Murphy’s Appoints VP of Business Development

Papa Murphy’s International has announced the expansion of its franchise sales department with the appointment of Steve Figliola to vice president of business development.

“Steve’s focus will be signing area developers in Canada and Western-U.S. markets where we see the highest potential for multiple locations,” said Kevin King, senior vice president of development at Papa Murphy’s. “I’m confident that Steve is a fantastic addition to our team and will help us continue to add high-quality franchise partners to the brand.”

In January Papa Murphy’s announced five new area development agreements that translate into 35 stores over the next three years. According to King, the company is well-suited for the current economy. “We are a low investment franchise with an easy operating structure and very strong value propositions,” he added.

Steve Figliola joins Papa Murphy’s following a 14-year stint with Yum! Brands’ subsidiary Taco Bell Corporation. For the past four years, Figliola held the position of operations director at Taco Bell where he provided operating process and discipline for the company’s 5,000+ restaurants. Figliola began his career with Yum! in 1994 as a market manager. Figliola received a Bachelor’s of Commerce Degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  

Papa Murphy's operates over 1,100 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 31 states and Canada.