FranchiseU! Episode 111: Agape Capitalism and a Family’s Legacy with Jane Abell and Tony Capuano from Donatos Pizza

In this episode of FranchiseU!, host Kathy Gosser welcomes Isabel Botero to the podcast, where they interview Jane Abell and Tony Capuano of Donatos Pizza. Abell is the chairwoman of the board, and Capuano is her son, who is also the Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations and Training. Abell shares the history of Donatos, founded by her father in 1963, including selling to and buying back the company from McDonald’s. Capuano describes his journey from being a Snap Fitness franchisee to joining Donatos. The episode highlights the integration of love and capitalism at Donatos, their growth in franchising, innovative automation efforts and the rewarding aspects of working with family in the business.

As a young girl, Abell grew up in a house behind the very first Donatos Pizza store, and her family’s living room was literally the store dining room – always filled with people from the neighborhood. They came, they ate, they laughed, they stayed over! That’s how Abell discovered the energy, buzz and excitement of the pizza business. She loved it–and it stuck.

Since that time, Abell has built her reputation as a catalyst with a unique perspective on family businesses, including mergers and acquisitions. As a strong visionary and strategic leader, she has a track record of empowering people to help make vision a reality. She is a thought leader who has a credible voice in decision making, financial direction and problem solving. Abell has provided over 30 years of transformational leadership in growing brands, corporate and financial governance, operations, marketing, human resources, acquisitions, crisis management, franchising, strategic business development and philanthropic endeavors.

Capuano has seven years of entrepreneurial experience and has spent the last three years learning the Donatos System in positions in Columbus Operations and Ops Development. He has been VP of Franchise Operations since early 2023.

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