COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Donatos Pizza has opened at the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC). Donatos signed a 10-year lease to become a tenant in the GCCC's Food Court & Shops on Level 1.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=30825
"We are thrilled to welcome a new merchant the caliber of Donatos, a company founded locally that has grown to be a regional favorite under the admirable direction of the Grote family and their management team," said GCCC General Manager John R. Page.
Donatos is located in the 1,328-square-foot suite formerly occupied by Noble Roman's Pizza and Tony J's Mexican Grill. Donatos complete menu of Edge to Edge® pizzas, oven baked subs, garden fresh salads, wings and desserts is available. There is also a convenient "Grab & Go" counter that features readymade individual pepperoni and cheese pizzas, fresh salads and drinks. The new location offers catering and delivery service to downtown addresses.
"The Convention Center is an important part of our community, and thus it is very important to Donatos," said Donatos Chief Operating Officer Tom Pendrey. "Our business at all levels has grown significantly in 2014, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to Central Ohio with this effort."
Donatos' company growth is outpacing industry trends, according to Pendrey. After reporting significant increases in sales and customer counts over the last year, the company continues to invest in its hometown of Columbus. "Donatos will continue to show our commitment to where we got our start in Central Ohio," said Pendrey. "As we continue to grow on a national level, we will always be looking for ways to grow our hometown presence."
In September 2014, Donatos announced plans to add 200 new jobs in Central Ohio in both the company's restaurant and bakery divisions.
"The arrival of Donatos is a key example of the enhanced level of service we'll be providing to our guests in the Food Court & Shops and throughout the entire facility," said Page. "Our facility will become even more vibrant as we've added this popular new tenant, commenced construction of the 800-space Goodale Garage, selected a new exclusive caterer and are preparing for a $125 million expansion and full renovation of the Greater Columbus Convention Center."
Photo Caption: Tom Krouse, president and CEO, Donatos Pizza; John Page, general manager, Greater Columbus Convention Center; Sally Bloomfield, chairperson, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority Board of Directors; Don Brown, executive director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and Tom Pendrey, COO, Donatos Pizza celebrate the grand opening of Donatos Pizza at the Greater Columbus Convention Center with a pizza cutting.
About the Greater Columbus Convention Center
The Greater Columbus Convention Center, located in downtown Columbus, hosted an estimated 2.5 million visitors in 2014. The facility is owned by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and is managed by SMG.
Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston's NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 130 accounts worldwide.
Visit www.columbusconventions.com and www.smgworld.com for more information.
About Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza, founded in 1963 by Jim Grote, is family-owned and operated, and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The creator of Edge to Edge® pizza, Donatos is recognized as one of the premier regional pizza chains in the USA, using only the freshest ingredients and highest food and safety standards to create delicious, quality products. Donatos and its franchise partners operate more than 150 restaurants in six states, and its products are proudly served in more than 15 entertainment and sports venues. For more information on Donatos Pizza, visit www.donatos.com .
Jennifer B. Davis Marketing & Communications Manager Greater Columbus Convention Center (614) 827-2538 Cell: (614) 937-8981 Tom Santor Donatos Pizza (614) 416-7883 Email:
