People First, Pizza Always: The Donatos Growth Playbook

E143 - People First, Pizza Always: The Donatos Growth Playbook

Published: June 30, 2026

Duration: 36:15

Donatos Pizza President and CEO Kevin King joins Hospitality Hangout to share the growth playbook behind a legacy pizza brand built on culture, consistency, and a people-first approach to hospitality.

From starting as a dishwasher at 14 to leading one of America’s most recognizable pizza brands, Kevin explains how Donatos has stayed relevant while staying true to its values. He breaks down the company’s Agape Capitalism philosophy: lead with love, follow the Golden Rule, and do the right thing.

The conversation explores what restaurant growth looks like when people come before systems, how Donatos appr...