Godfather’s Pizza grew from Omaha roots & Giveaway

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Guess who turned 40 this year?  And has its corporate headquarters in Omaha?  And literally started serving pizza through a hole in the wall?

It’s Godfather’s Pizza.  It is all true.  We recently learned that Willie Theisen, founder of Godfather’s, started out by serving pizzas through a wall of the bar next door to his first pizza joint. Talk about a restaurant story with humble beginnings.

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While the business started in Omaha, the first franchise actually was opened in Lincoln in 1974.  The company quickly grew to huge success, becoming number one in sales growth for fast food chains in 1978 ,and the largest pizza chain in the US by 1982.

One thing that Godfather’s does is evolve. They realize that they need to in order to keep up with the demands of the market. Their franchisees demand it, as well. In fact, when a franchisee comes on board they currently have four concepts to choose from. I’ve seen a few of the different stores.  They have full service with a buffet, dine-in, delivery, drive-thru and carry-out options to carry-out only locations and to offerings available in convenient stores.

Godfather's lunch buffet
Godfather’s lunch buffet

A new concept recently completed its remodel. The location in northwest Omaha has an old Italian feel to it. We noticed rustic looking paint colors on the walls. Italian music plays in the background. It even has a booth where you can sit for “meeting with the Godfather.” We had lunch here recently, and both Tim and I liked the new décor. It had an updated feel to it, and we almost immediately noticed the rustic colors. IMG_9078

More restaurants will be renovated with this theme, said Derek Hernandez, digital media and public relations manager.

Most people have their favorites when asked what place they prefer for pizza.  We are no exception.  We do prefer Godfather’s, overall.  We enjoy their taco pizza with the golden crust and fresh toppings with salsa on top.  This has also been a great value when we go out to eat with my sister and her kids for a meal.

In addition to the pizza, they are well known for their dessert items including one of my favorites –  their chocolate chip cookie in the size of a small pizza.

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Godfather’s is currently the only Omaha-based chain that we’ve toured this week that you can find around the nation. More than 600 locations can be found in 40 states.

A key marketing campaign is the “Godfather” himself. This role has been performed by only two people since he was introduced in the mid-‘70s. Some of his slogans included “A pizza you can’t refuse” and “Do it!”

IMG_9090The Godfather is so popular that during a United Football League game we attended, people cheered him as he delivered the football to the referees. They booed the mayor.

Theisen eventually sold the chain to Pillsbury. Herman Cain (who later ran for President of the United States) was hired as the CEO. A couple of years later, Cain and a few other senior managers bought the pizza chain from Pillsbury. Cain was later bought out by ownership.

Despite changes in leadership, the pizza has maintained its delicious flavors.

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