Donatos Pizza is set for a significant expansion in the Mid-Atlantic, with plans to open more than 20 traditional and non-traditional locations across the Maryland and Virginia region over the next 2-3 years, according to QSR Magazine.
This strategic growth is part of the brand’s larger initiative to increase its footprint in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) and Atlanta metro areas.
The first wave of new locations is slated for Northern Virginia, with initial franchise agreements targeting the Ashburn, Herndon, and Reston areas. The first of these restaurants is projected to open its doors by the first quarter of 2026. Specific locations in Maryland have not yet been mentioned, but it’s available locally through Red Robin in Germantown.
The brand’s return to this region is an exciting development for pizza lovers. Donatos, an Ohio-based chain, is known for its signature “Edge to Edge” pizzas, which feature abundant toppings spread all the way to the crust’s edge. This expansion will include both “traditional” and “non-traditional” locations. Traditional locations are the standard standalone restaurants, while the non-traditional ones are likely to be Donatos’ pizza-by-the-slice operations inside other venues.
This includes their ongoing partnership with the restaurant chain Red Robin, where Donatos pizzas are already offered on the menu in select locations. This partnership has helped introduce the brand to new customers and has been a successful part of their expansion strategy.
