Press Release Details

PHOENIX, Ariz., June 20, 2002 – Domino's Pizza, the world's recognized leader in pizza delivery, today celebrated two extraordinary events in Phoenix. Domino's invited the community to take part in festivities for the grand re-opening of 79 Phoenix-area stores, as well as the first anniversary of its national partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America.

"This is a great day for Domino's Pizza," said Patrick Knotts, Executive Vice President, Flawless Execution, Domino's Pizza. "We are excited about the opportunity to grow along with the Greater Phoenix community. Our new ownership of the stores in this market has enabled us to expand our corporate store network, further helping us to do what we do best in one of the country's top markets – make great pizzas and deliver them with exceptional service."

Knotts kicked off the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the largest acquisition in company history, at the 6650 West Thomas Road Domino's location in Phoenix. Arizona Secretary of State Betsey Bayless participated in the ceremony and delivered a special message proclaiming June 20th Domino's Pizza Day in the State of Arizona.

Domino's showed its dedication to the community by presenting $75,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, commemorating the first anniversary of the national partnership, which has delivered 11 wishes nationwide to date. As part of the partnership, "Domino's Delivers Incredible Wishes," Domino's sponsors and delivers wishes to 12 wish children in different cities each year, in addition to supporting chapters throughout the country with pizza donations, fundraisers and event sponsorships.

Two children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Southern Arizona celebrated their wishes at the event. In the coming weeks, Domino's will deliver three-year-old Jessica's wish for her own playground set from Rainbow Play Systems, and 10-year-old Isaac's wish for a deluxe game room, filled with freestanding arcade games.

Paula Van Ness, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, and Rebecca Villicana, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Southern Arizona, joined Domino's Patrick Knotts for the ceremony. Other Domino's Pizza and Make-A-Wish team members were also in attendance, as well as representatives from Congressman Ed Pastor's office.

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation is delighted to celebrate our partnership with Domino's Pizza," said Van Ness. "Domino's has set the goal of sponsoring and granting wishes to at least one child from each Make-A-Wish Foundation chapter and international affiliate, and they are well on their way. Their generosity is commendable and exemplary of how corporations can actively participate in their communities."

Additionally, in honor of the grand re-opening, Domino's Pizza stores in the Greater Phoenix and Flagstaff areas kicked off two meal promotions. Starting today, Domino's will donate $2 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every "Make-A-Wish® Meal Deal" ordered through August 25, 2002. The Meal Deal includes two large one-topping pizzas, Buffalo Wings, Breadsticks and a two-liter Coke Classic®.  Domino's is also offering the "Domino's Summer Mega Deal" for $8.99, which includes any medium or large pizza with favorite toppings for free!

Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, operates a network of 7,076 owned and franchised stores in the United States and more than 60 international markets. In February 2002, Domino's acquired the franchised stores in the Phoenix market, making it the largest store acquisition in the company's history. 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Southern Arizona is the founding chapter of the organization created in 1980. The Chapter grants wishes in its territories to children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Through referrals from volunteers, families and the medical community, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Southern Arizona hopes to grant 150 wishes in 2002.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It is the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 79 chapters in the United States and its territories and 23 international affiliates spanning five continents. Through private donations and the efforts of more than 25,000 creative wish-granting volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 97,000 wishes around the world since its inception in 1980.