In 1963, Ohio State sophomore Jim Grote purchased the original Donatos located on the south side of Columbus, Ohio, for $1,300. Grote's business principles included: creating a superior product, hiring great people, and to "treat others the way I would like to be treated".

In 1963, Jim Grote’s dad famously warned him, “This whole pizza thing is just a fad.” But with $1,300 borrowed from his father and future father-in-law, Grote opened his first Donatos (donatos.com) pizzeria on the south side of Columbus, Ohio.

Nov 4, 2013 · Jim Grote, 70, and his daughter, Jane Grote Abell, 46, are the only family members currently working for the company. Abell, who is chairman, owns about 20% of the company; Grote owns 70%. The rest of the shares are owned by other family members and a …

Oct 19, 2023 · Jim Grote knows it's hard to believe a business executive who says he always looks to do the right thing, treats others as he wishes to be treated and leads with love.

Dec 8, 2004 · COLUMBUS, Ohio—Jim Grote is a man in full. Contented, confident, wealthy and healthy. At 60 years old, he plays basketball in an "over-50 league," but he probably could lie his way onto the over-40 squad.

From the start, Donatos founder Jim Grote used precise measurements to ensure consistency and turned the “pizza fad” into a 154-location powerhouse. In 1963, Jim Grote’s dad famously warned him, “This whole pizza thing is just a fad.”

Apr 11, 2007 · Her father, Jim Grote, 63, who began the family business on the South Side in 1963, will continue as CEO and chairman, focusing on Donatos' food and pizza-industry innovations.

5 days ago · The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has landed a $10 million gift from Donatos founder, Jim Grote, and his wife, Christina. The Columbus-based health system announced the donation on Thursday, Feb. 20. The funding will support the Center for Integrative Health at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which takes a “holistic ...

Aug 11, 2021 · Donatos founder Jim Grote refused to expand his business outside of Columbus, Ohio until he could ensure the product remained consistent when it was made elsewhere. The major impetus was finding a way to get the perfect pizza dough to each location.

5 days ago · Jim Grote, founder of Donatos, and his wife Christina have pledged $10 million to Ohio State's Center for Integrative Health Sat, 22 Feb 2025 18:22:43 GMT (1740248563770) Story Infinite Scroll ...