Title
To recognize Donatos on their 50th anniversary of doing business in Central Ohio and to celebrate their outstanding community service and charitable works.
Body
WHEREAS, in 1963, Jim Grote, a college sophomore at The Ohio State University, purchased a small pizzeria on the South Side of Columbus that would become one of the most respected family-owned pizza chains in the industry; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Grote built Donatos by creating a superior product, hiring great people, and adhering to strong principles that promote goodwill in business and the community; and
WHEREAS, today, under the leadership of current CEO Mrs. Jane Grote Abel, Donatos continues to grow with nearly 150 restaurants in 7 states while also maintaining the original pizza shop on Thurman Avenue in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Donatos continues to be a great employer that promises a fair, fun and caring atmosphere to promote the growth and development of their associates; and
WHEREAS, Donatos' guiding principle - to serve food with love that nourishes the soul and the highest quality and freshest ingredients - led them to become a beloved Columbus icon; and
WHEREAS, the name Donatos is derived from a Latin phrase meaning "to bestow a gift" and the company has been active and generous in our community through their charitable work with the Stefanie Spielman Foundation, Pelotonia, the Central Ohio YMCA, the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation, City Year, and over 600 nonprofits in Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Donatos and the Grote family continue to be catalysts for the revitalization of the South Side of Columbus, with a $1 million donation to support redevelopment efforts in the community; and
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby honor and recognize Donatos for their business excellence, service and commitment to the community.