Gary Glen of Bubba Pizza and Pasta, Pakenham, and Rosa Santo of Mama Rosa Pizza Ristorante, Pakenham, are ready to take on Domino’s Pizza as the franchise prepares to open a store in town.By Glen Atwell
A NEW Domino’s Pizza store has landed in Pakenham and is ready to reignite the Pakenham pizza wars.
With flavours such as Meatball Monster and Toni Pepperoni, Domino’s Pizza will turn up the heat on the hotly contested industry.
There are already eight pizza outlets in Pakenham, including Mama Rosa’s, on Main Street, and Bubba Pizza and Pasta on the highway.
Domino’s is Australia’s largest pizza maker, serving about 40 million pizzas a year.
Area manager Brett Parsons said the new Pakenham store expected to make up to 2000 pizzas a week.
“We expect to use more than 280 kilograms of mozzarella and 180kg of pizza sauce to keep up with the orders,” he said.
But Rosa Santo from Mama Rosa Pizza Ristorante said Domino’s Pizza was just playing the numbers game.
“Every time a new franchise comes to Pakenham I get told my business will suffer, but it never does,” Mama Rosa said.
Rosa said the key was quality, not quantity.
“I’ve been working in Main Street for 17 years, we have a number of loyal, dedicated customers.
“Our dough is not premade, each pizza you order, you’ll see the dough thrown into the air,” she said.
And whether you’re favourite is Meatlovers or Hawaiian, Rosa said it’s all about the passion behind the pizza.
“You have to love the art of making pizza, so franchising is not really a good idea,” she said.
Rosa said the pizza business was tough, but the principles of success were the same.
“Look after your customers and only use the best quality ingredients,” she said.
Gary Glen from, Bubba Pizza and Pasta, said the Domino’s chain had targeted his store for a takeover.
“Obviously they want the best location possible, and our highway location is prime.
“Thankfully they weren’t successful in taking us over,” Gary said.
Gary said his store sells about 1500 pizzas a week and welcomes the new competition.
“In the first few weeks, customers will try the new pizzas out, that’s understandable.
“Domino’s will be offering discounts and cheap pizza,” he said. Gary said he and his staff would be the first to tastetest the new competition.
“Pakenham is a big and growing area, we welcome new businesses,” he said.
After months of speculation, the location of the Domino’s store has been finalised – it will be located on the Princes Highway next door to Battery World.
But Gary, who has decades of experience in the pizza industry, said just opening a store doesn’t guarantee success.
“You need a good balance.
“With toppings, there’s a fine line between too little and too much,” he said.
And the secret of a great pizza?
“When you’re driving along and you can eat a slice of pizza without any toppings falling off. That’s the ultimate test,” Gary said.
