Domino’s Shuts Down 13 Ohio Stores Amid Franchise Dispute
Domino's closes 13 Ohio locations due to franchise issues. Employees fired via text, sparking walkouts.
POLICY WIRE — Mansfield, United States — Domino’s has shut down 13 of its locations in Ohio, citing an issue with a single franchisee rather than broader performance concerns.
The closures, which took place in the state’s north-central region, involve stores operated by Anthony Satterwhite’s company, Mile High Pizza. The pizza chain is now seeking new owners for the affected locations.
A Domino’s spokesperson stated, “This is an isolated franchisee matter and is not reflective of the strength or performance of the Domino’s brand.” Employees at several locations were abruptly notified of their termination via text message on September 4, leading to a mass walkout at one store, according to a manager who described the suddenness of the decision.
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According to reports, Satterwhite owned 25 Domino’s locations in Ohio, with the closed stores located in Mansfield, Canal Fulton, Galion, Crestline, Ashland, Akron, Barberton, Wadsworth, and Mount Gilead. A manager in Galion said employees were told to work through the weekend before the stores closed, prompting immediate resignation.
There is potential for some workers to return if the stores are taken over by new franchisees. A Domino’s representative told the Mansfield News Journal that the company hopes impacted employees will have opportunities with the new owners.
Other pizza chains have also experienced similar challenges. Yum! Brands, the parent company of Pizza Hut, announced plans to close 250 underperforming locations by mid-2026, while Papa John’s recently revealed plans to shutter around 300 stores in North America by the end of 2027.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
