Pizza lovers in Manteno can rejoice as the town has another offering available in Domino’s Pizza, at 310 South Creek Drive.
With a soft opening held just before the New Year, Domino’s Pizza is officially open, finding its groove and serving customers — but they’re looking for more people who want to help this location be a success, whether it’s by slinging dough or delivering pies.
“We had such a great welcoming, and we integrated into the community so easily. We love the idea of the small town local feel versus a metro area,” Dominos Marketing Director Meckeala Potter said of why franchisee Mark Ratterman chose the location.
Ratterman himself is a Domino’s success story, and he hopes to offer that same opportunity to Manteno locals. Starting off as a delivery driver in 1981, Ratterman opened his first Domino’s location in 1983.
With the opening of the Manteno location, Ratterman now has 146 stores.
“We are so excited to invest in the Manteno community, as we hope the new store brings jobs, training, and career opportunities to local residents,” said Ratterman in a press release.
Although Ratterman is not a Manteno local, Manteno Domino’s General Manager David Gryczewski was raised nearby, moved away as an adult, but returned to the area to manage this location, Potter explained.
Domino’s isn’t just looking to serve pizza and hire people, though — they want to become a partner in the community, Potter said.
“We like to get involved with schools, nonprofits, and churches, so we participate in fundraising opportunities called ‘dough-raisers,’ where we donate a portion of sales back to the organizations,” Potter said.
Domino’s also has a program called “slice the price,” where organizations can sell cards with an offer on the front that allows them to raise funds.
“It’s a way to partner so we can support the important parts of the community,” Potter said.
The opening of the Manteno Domino’s was widely anticipated, with multiple posts appearing in Facebook community groups inquiring when it would be ready to serve customers.
In November, Potter said she had multiple cars stop to ask about the opening when she was placing hiring signs outside, and when the store quietly opened, its soft opening became a huge success once word spread they were taking orders.
“It made us feel very welcome. During the soft opening and soft launch, it was a little slower because no one knew, and once someone posted, orders were pouring in. Staff mentioned it was overwhelming but super positive,” Potter explained.
Inside the brand new building, hungry patrons can watch their pizza being made in “an open-concept pizza theater design.” They also have a drive-thru pickup window for carryout orders, which will be especially nice for customers when the weather isn’t so great.
“It was very well received,” Potter added.
To keep up with demand and meet store staffing needs, the Manteno Domino’s location is expected to employ approximately 20 people. It is currently hiring eight-to-10 people for various positions.
Job-seekers don’t need to have experience, and they offer flexible schedules, Potter explained. Those interested in a position should visit jobs.dominos.com.
For those craving some ‘za, pizza makers are cooking up pies starting at 10:30 a.m. every day until midnight, Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For a limited time, they’re offering a special 20 percent off deal with code 1126 for online orders of menu-priced items.