John Schnatter, who founded Papa John’s in 1984 before being ousted as its chairman and CEO about 35 years later, has seldom missed an opportunity to criticize his former company. But if success is the best revenge, Papa John’s must be gloating these days. The once-struggling chain saw its North … More
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Pizza Hut’s Largest U.S. Franchisee Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
NPC International, the country’s largest restaurant franchisee with more than 1,200 Pizza Hut stores, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. NPC, which also owns nearly 400 Wendy’s restaurants, blamed its financial woes partially on poor performance by its 1,2227 Pizza Hut stores, which account for 20 percent of the chain’s … More
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Shaquille O’Neal Came Up With the Latest Signature Pizza from Papa John’s
Papa John’s is hoping Shaquille O’Neal’s idea for a new specialty pizza—the Shaq-a-Roni—will be a slam dunk. The Shaq-a-Roni is an extra-large pie topped with extra cheese and extra pepperoni and cut into Papa John’s largest slice size to date. It comes with a marketing push that offers an exclusive … More
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Ramen Noodle Pizza Delivers ‘Quick Moments of Joy’ to Taiwanese
It sounds like a meal designed with college students in mind: the new ramen noodles-and-pizza hybrid from Pizza Hut Taiwan. Pizza Hut Taiwan collaborated with Menya Musashi, a popular ramen restaurant in Japan, to create the weird pizza innovation. Inspired by Tonkotsu or pork-bone soup ramen, it’s a pizza topped … More
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Lelulo’s Pizzeria Owner Adds Waffle Pizza to Her List of Innovations
Patyn McCune said she “may or may not have been experimenting” with her waffle maker when she hit upon the latest innovation at her restaurant, Lelulo’s Pizzeria, in Plum, Pennsylvania. She debuted the Waffle Pizza on June 25 and quickly earned media coverage from TribLive.com for her efforts. Related: Flamin’ … More
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Domino’s Offers Rain-Check Registry for Postponed Weddings
Planning a wedding is hard enough—postponing or canceling a wedding can be devastating. Domino’s hopes to ease the pain a bit with its new Rain Check Registry, which allows friends and loved ones to show their support by sending pizza to frustrated couples who can’t tie the knot according to … More
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Michigan Set to Legalize Carryout Cocktails for Restaurants and Bars
Restaurant owners in Michigan are ready to propose a toast to lawmakers for legalizing carryout cocktails as a way to help boost sales and profits during the pandemic. The Michigan Legislature on Wednesday approved a bill that allows customers to buy cocktails from restaurants and bars for pickup or delivery. … More
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Buddy’s Pizza Celebrates 74th Anniversary With $7.40 Discount Cards
Few pizza chains, if any, are more closely identified with a specific city than Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit. In honor of the iconic company that reportedly invented Detroit-style pizza, then-Detroit Mayor Dave Bing even proclaimed June 23 as Buddy’s Pizza Day back in 2011—and the annual celebration has continued ever … More
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Rosati’s Pizza CEO Rick Rosati Dies at 70
Fredric “Rick” Rosati, CEO of the national pizza restaurant group Rosati’s Pizza, passed away unexpectedly June 15 at the age of 70 at his home in Cave Creek, Arizona. He died of natural causes. Rosati was the driving force to franchise the Rosati’s Pizza concept in 1979. He opened his … More
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Virginia Pizzeria Reopens for Dine-In With a Tropical Twist
With carryout going gangbusters at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, giving up much of the eatery’s limited space for half-capacity dine-in service just didn’t make sense to owner Dave Nicholas. Instead, he took the operation, located in Alexandria, Virginia, in a decidedly different direction: He turned his upstairs deck into … More
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National Restaurant Association President Praises SCOTUS’ Ruling on DACA
The president of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the Deferred Access for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program as a “validation of the American dream.” The nation’s highest court last week blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the program created by former President … More
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Wisconsin Pizzeria Gives Away Free Pizza to Peacemakers
It’s hard to stay angry with a slice of fresh, hot pizza in your mouth—and that’s what Don Calhoun, owner of a Glass Nickel Pizza location in Wausau, Wisconsin, is counting on with his new “Give Pizza Chance” promotion. The Glass Nickel store currently offers curbside pickup and contactless delivery … More