---
title: "Iconic Midwest Pizza Franchise to Open Locations in Houston for the First Time"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/81abb1e1-4925-4201-95c0-aa4872637dda
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260106_iconic_midwest_pizza_franchise_to_open_locations_in_houston_for_the_first_t.html
category: "Pizza"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Pizza"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-01-06T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T16:54:10.725Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/donatospizza.jpg
---

# Iconic Midwest Pizza Franchise to Open Locations in Houston for the First Time

**TL;DR:** Donatos Pizza is expanding into Houston and aims to open over 100 locations in Texas over the next several years. The brand has already opened multiple locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and is looking to sign franchise groups and partners to build early locations throughout the state.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-01-06. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260106_iconic_midwest_pizza_franchise_to_open_locations_in_houston_for_the_first_t.html).*

## Story

With Houston in development and multiple locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth opening in the past year, Donatos is looking to increase its footprint with immediate market opportunities in DFW, Waco and across East Texas. The brand has ambitious goals to open over 100 locations over the next several years, aiming to become a household name in the Lone Star State.

“As an iconic Midwest brand, we’re excited to build up a fan following with the help of these Houston groups, and spread our pizzas Edge to Edge® across the state,” said Vice President of Development and Franchising at Donatos Pizza, Jeff Baldwin. “We are looking to sign franchise groups and partners to build the early locations throughout the state of Texas and continue to grow these markets.”

The recent Houston development and continued Texas efforts showcase that the brand has firmly set its sights on the Lone Star State, signaling its commitment to expanding into a key market. With this move, the brand is not only making a bold entrance into the thriving and competitive Houston region but also demonstrating that it is poised to become a major player in the state.

“As we continue to grow our presence in Texas, we’re excited to announce the first location in Houston,” said Kevin King, CEO and President at Donatos Pizza. “We are looking to add additional locations across DFW and Houston and we look forward to welcoming aspiring Texas entrepreneurs to explore our franchise opportunity. Most importantly, we are excited for customers and the community to experience the difference of our high-quality pizza.”

Donatos Pizza, founded by Jim Grote in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio, is a family-owned business known for its famous thin-crust pizzas with abundant toppings spread Edge to Edge®. Headquartered in Columbus, Donatos and its franchise partners operate over 179 stores. Additionally, Donatos Pizza is proudly served in nearly 300 non-traditional locations nationwide, including select Red Robin restaurants.

Committed to quality, community, and customer satisfaction, Donatos Pizza has received numerous awards and accolades, reflecting its dedication to excellence and innovation. For more information about Donatos Pizza and franchising opportunities, visit www.donatosfranchise.

Impressive numbers, outstanding support and incredible pizza delivery create an opportunity you can’t afford to miss. Join the pizza franchise that combines innovation and a strong ROI to drive success.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- texas (location)
- franchise opportunity (topic)
- houston (location)
- market growth (topic)
- texas expansion (topic)
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (location)
- Donatos Pizza (company)
- Kevin King (person)
- Jim Grote (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260106_iconic_midwest_pizza_franchise_to_open_locations_in_houston_for_the_first_t.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/81abb1e1-4925-4201-95c0-aa4872637dda).