Papa Gino's
| File:PapaGinoLogo.png | |
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurants |
| Founded | Boston, Massachusetts (October 23, 1961) |
| Founder | Michael Valerio Helen Valerio |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 200 |
Area served | New England |
Key people | Rick Wolf, CEO |
| Products | Fast food Italian-American cuisine Pizza · Subs · Pasta |
| Revenue | US$ 200 million (2004 estimate from Hoover's, Inc.) |
| Parent | Papa Gino's Holdings Corporation, LLC |
| Website | papaginos |
Papa Gino's is a restaurant chain based in Dedham, Massachusetts specializing in American-style pizza along with pasta, subs, salads, and a variety of appetizers. There are over 200 Papa Gino's locations in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
History
Papa Gino's originated in East Boston, Massachusetts as a single location named "Piece O' Pizza," which opened in 1961. In 1968, the owners, Helen and Michael Valerio, changed the name to "Papa Gino's" and began expanding the business to multiple locations.[1]
In 1997 Papa Gino's bought D'Angelo Sandwich Shops, another Massachusetts-based fast-food outlet specializing in sandwiches, from prior owner Yum! Brands (then known as Pepsico Inc.'s Pizza Hut unit).[2]
Plans for expansion beyond New England were announced in early 2005, with franchisees securing the rights to develop locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida.[3] A few months later, executives of the holding corporation bought out the company.[4]
Changes to the restaurants over the years include removal of the salad bar and the addition of self-service beverage bars and take-out counters. Many visual elements remain such as the gingham-printed laminated tables, light oak wood finishes, and pizzas made in full view of customers.[5]
Advertising
Since the late 1990s, the chain has entered a corporate sponsorship agreement with the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, as well as individual players with the teams such as current Red Sox DH David Ortiz. Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi replaced kicker Adam Vinatieri as pitchman in fall 2006 after Vinatieri was signed by the Indianapolis Colts.[6]
Now that Ted Bruschi has since retired, Papa Ginos has decided to reach out to local franchise owners in hope of finding "the next big thing". Currently new franchise owner Gerald Rose has been selected to star in the new "Papa Ginos Hears You Campaign", which is meant to lure customers to provide input about Papa Ginos, in hopes of it invigerating sales. This, however hasn't caused a stir. Gerald is legally deaf, and to be able to improve his hearing he is forced to wear giant outdated hearing aids, in addition he looks like a creeper. When interviewed Rose offered an odd explanation to the him being a creeper claim he stated "...if theres no grass in the field, then play in the mud...". Papa Ginos has declined to comment further while they continue thier internal investigation. Rose refuses to take the paid leave he was offered during this, and instead continues to ride his bike to and from work each day.
Papa Gino's and participating D'Angelo's have also started a Customer Loyalty program in which customers sign up for a free loyalty card and are rewarded with points that convert to dollars, at 50 points equals $5, for dining at either of the two chains.
References
- ^ Abelson, Jenn (2007-03-09). "Papa Gino's seeks bigger slice of pie". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
- ^ "Papa Gino's to acquire D'Angelo's Sandwich Shops". Boston Business Journal. American City Business Journals, Inc. 1997-08-13. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
- ^ Kooker, Naomi R. (2005-01-31). "Papa Gino's parent preps growth outside N.E." Boston Business Journal. American City Business Journals, Inc. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Execs lead buyout of Papa Gino's Holding Corp". Boston Business Journal. American City Business Journals, Inc. 2005-03-28. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
- ^ McGregor, Sheri (July/August 2003). "Going Through Changes". Pizza Today. Archived from the original on 2006-12-24. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Reed, Keith (2006-09-05). "Bruschi to replace former Patriots' kicker Vinatieri in Papa Gino's ad". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
