COLUMBUS, Ohio (February 21, 2012) – Donatos Pizza, America’s original Edge to Edge pizza restaurant, is continuing their franchise expansion with the opening of their first store in Virginia.  The newest Donatos store, located in the Washington DC suburb of Vienna VA, will be the first of several Donatos scheduled to open in the state this year.  Franchise Partners Slice of Life Enterprise LLC, headed by 25 year foodservice veteran Martin White and Len Metheny, have also begun development of a second location in nearby Fairfax.

“Donatos is proud to enter the Northern Virginia market and we look forward to becoming a valued member of that great community,” said Tom Krouse, Donatos President and CEO.  “Under Martin and Len’s skillful leadership, Donatos presence in the Northern Virginia area is sure to be a success!”tr

Columbus Ohio-based Donatos is also beginning development in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area with an additional new Franchise Partner group.  Development plans call for the opening of 2 restaurants in that area this year.

“The new openings in Virginia demonstrate our ongoing commitment to grow the Donatos concept through franchising,” said Krouse.  “We are continuing to attract great new Franchise Partner groups in Tennessee and the Carolinas and are excited about our growth prospects throughout the southeastern United States.”

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 offers not only premium quality pizzas, but also oven baked subs, salads, appetizers and desserts all made with the finest and freshest ingredients.  Donatos and its Franchise Partners operate 158 restaurants in 7 states (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, N Carolina, S Carolina, and Virginia).  For more information on Donatos Pizza, visit www.donatos.com