Donatos Pizza | 11
bly grow. His daughter, Jane, is now Board
Chairman and part-owner. Krouse attributes
a quote from her that goes, “We’re not a fam-
ily business. We’re a business of family.”
And sense of family is a strong aspect
of business attention. Krouse says it is im-
parted in the way professional peers interact
with one another, and carries through in the
manner that franchise partners work within
their respective communities. They partner
with school lunch programs and church
gatherings and initiatives where elements of
family gather.
As for future gathering, Krouse says
present emphasis includes markets in Vir-
ginia and Washington D.C.
While the plan is very much about
growing through franchising, Krouse asserts
that it isn’t about numbers, but doing things
the right way and smart way. “We want to be
the growing and beloved pizza brand, fueled
by happy and engaged associates … support-
ed by world class systems and products,” he
says.
And building a future doesn’t mean forsak-
ing the past, notes Krouse while reminding,
“A business built on principles is good busi-
ness.”
Founders Favorite
Chicken
Harvest Salad