Tom Krouse, CEO of Donatos Pizza since 2010, will retire in October, and Donatos’ current president, Kevin King, will be elevated to chief executive, the pizza chain announced Wednesday.
Krouse, who joined Columbus, Ohio-based Donatos in 2000 after 18 years with Wendy’s, has left a significant mark on the brand. Under his leadership, the chain has doubled in size. Donatos currently has 178 traditional restaurants in 11 states, as well as 290 non-traditional locations. Most of those non-traditional sites are inside Red Robin restaurants.
Donatos’ 2023 sales and units both rose 2.9%, according to data from RB sister firm Technomic’s Top 500 chain restaurant report.
Tom Krouse and Kevin King. | Photo courtesy of Donatos Pizza
Also during Krouse’s tenure, Donatos’ franchise system has grown from 10 to 45 franchisees.
“He believes in the possible and clearly sets strategy and vision for the future,” Jim Grote, who founded Donatos in 1963, said in a statement. “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.”
King has a long history with Donatos. He served as VP of development from 1990 to 2003 and has been the chain’s president for the past two years. King has also worked with pizza chains Domino’s Pizza and Papa Murphy’s, as well as serving as chief development officer at Smoothie King International for nearly six years.
“Tom’s leadership and counsel since rejoining Donatos has been nothing short of exceptional,” King said. “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.”
Going forward, King will focus on growth and innovation, Donatos said.
“Kevin has demonstrated a genuine commitment to fostering our people-first culture, upholding our mission and core values as his first priority,” said Jane Grote Abell, the chain’s chief purpose officer and chairwoman of its board. “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.
Donatos is known for its “edge-to-edge” pizzas that are loaded with toppings.
The chain’s founder also founded Agape Automation, which produces internet-connected pizza-making devices, as well as foodservice equipment manufacturer Grote Co.
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