San Rafael, Calif. – August 24, 2010 – Duke Marketing LLC, an integrated marketing communications firm, announced today Straw Hat Pizza, the 51 year old originator of “genuine California pizza,” comprised of 77 locations and chosen 5th fastest growing Restaurant Company has chosen Duke Marketing as their marketing agency of record. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Duke Marketing will manage communications, branding, and public relations for the expanding restaurant chain.
“As a native Californian I have eaten Straw Hat Pizza since I was a little girl,” said Linda Duke, chief executive of Duke Marketing. “As a long time fan of Straw Hat, I couldn’t be happier to get them back on consumers’ radar and to introduce many more fans across the country to the brand,” she continued. Duke Marketing has already begun developing concepts for Straw Hat’s new locations opening soon outside of California.
Straw Hat Pizza has been making its signature “genuine California pizza”, with a layered, crispy crust, the freshest toppings, light sauce, and their own blend of six California naturally aged cheeses since 1959. The fifty one year old company is growing outside of its West Coast with new stores opening in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas with growth plans to reach 150 locations within two years.
“There’s a lot of growth happening for us,” says Straw Hat Pizza’s president, Jonathan Fornaci. “We needed a firm to communicate our brand outside of California and Duke Marketing has great brand insight and expertise to do just that,” he said.
About Duke Marketing, LLC®
Duke Marketing, LLC is a California-based Integrated Marketing Communications company with expertise in integrated marketing communications for multi-location and franchise organizations. Duke Marketing combines a full range of services, including: thought-leadership, local store marketing, public relations, consumer promotions and cause marketing, franchise communications, market-by-market planning, creative development and media buying with on-target strategies, fresh ideas and creative concepts to offer complete solutions.
