Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza, Inc. has grown from a single pizzeria in Ypsilanti, Michigan, into the world's largest pizza company based on global retail sales. The company, originally named DomiNick's and purchased by brothers Tom and James Monaghan for $900, has evolved into a global powerhouse with over 20,500 locations in more than 90 markets worldwide as of early 2024. The vast majority of these stores, approximately 98%, are operated by independent franchisees. This franchise-centric business model has been a cornerstone of Domino's rapid expansion and success, allowing for significant global reach while maintaining a focus on local operations. The company's headquarters, known as Domino's Farms, is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After decades of leadership, founder Tom Monaghan sold 93% of the company to Bain Capital in 1998, leading to its eventual initial public offering (IPO) in 2004 on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DPZ.
Domino's is renowned for its significant contributions to the food delivery industry, pioneering many of the technologies and service standards that are now commonplace. The company's menu extends beyond its signature pizzas to include a variety of other items such as chicken wings, pasta, oven-baked sandwiches, and desserts. A pivotal moment in the company's history was the 'Pizza Turnaround' campaign in 2009-2010, where it publicly acknowledged criticisms of its pizza recipe and introduced a new, improved version, which led to a significant revitalization of its brand and a sustained period of sales growth. Technology and innovation are at the core of Domino's strategy. It has heavily invested in its digital ordering platforms, which now account for a majority of its sales in the U.S. The company's 'AnyWare' suite of ordering technologies allows customers to order through various digital channels, including smartwatches and social media platforms. This focus on technology, combined with a robust supply chain that serves its thousands of franchise locations, solidifies Domino's position as a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, often describing itself as a 'tech company that happens to sell pizza'.