THOMAS R. KROUSE
CEO
Donatos Pizza
Tom Krouse has been part of the Donatos Family since 2000, serving in various leadership roles. In October 2010, Krouse become only the fourth CEO in the company’s nearly 60-year history. He has led the brand to new heights through both traditional franchise growth and strategic partnerships that have expanded the Donatos footprint to feature its pizza being served in 22 different states coast to coast in nearly 380 different locations.
Under Krouse’s leadership, Donatos was recognized as the top-ranked fast-casual pizza chain in the country by Technomic in 2014 and continues to be among the top in Restaurant Business’ Fast Casual Restaurant polls. In 2012, Columbus CEO named Donatos the “Best Family Owned Business” in Columbus, and in 2015 Donatos received recognition as the Conway Center Family Business of the Year. Additional accolades include induction into the PMQ Pizza Hall of Fame in 2015, named one of America’s Top 35 Pizza Chains by The Daily Meal, and named Top 9 Best Franchise Deals by QSR Magazine in 2016. In December 2019, Krouse was named CEO of the Year in the large business category by Columbus CEO Magazine. Krouse was also named “Executive of the Year” by Columbus Business First in October 2014.
Prior to joining Donatos in June 2000, Krouse was Vice President of Marketing for Wendy’s International where he spent 12 years in various field and brand marketing positions. Before joining Wendy’s, he spent his early years in the advertising agency business including being a co-founder and partner of Daly, Lewis & Krouse, a marketing communications firm.
As an active member of the community, Tom is a Co-Founder, Board Member and past Chair of the Columbus Music Commission. He currently serves on the Board of Columbus Association of Performing Arts (CAPA). He is a past Chairman of the Board of Junior Achievement of Central Ohio and past board member of Harmony Project and Columbus Songwriters Association. In addition, Tom is a founding member and front man for Grassinine, a popular mountain rock band in central Ohio.
Tom is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He and his wife, Jane, reside in Bexley. Tom has 3 sons and Jane has 1 son, 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren.
Company Website: https://www.donatos.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DonatosPizza