PHOTOS: First Domino’s Pizza store in Croatia opens its doors

ZAGREB, 27 July 2020 – The first Domino ́s Pizza store in Croatia has opened its doors in the capital Zagreb.

Domino’s Pizza, which was founded in 1960 and is the world leader in pizza delivery with over 17,000 stores in over 90 countries, opened on Ulica Kneza Mislava 1 in downtown Zagreb on Monday. 

Domino’s in Zagreb opened today 

Domino’s entry onto the Croatian market is being executed by Australian Nils David Gornall and Zagreb local Mihael Sviben. 

Originally from Perth, Nils started at Domino ́s Pizza as a teenager whilst in high school and worked his way up to become a Domino ́s franchisee in Australia.

Nils used to own 13 Domino’s stores before he sold them and decided to travel the world. He settled in Canada and his entrepreneurial mind was always looking for the next opportunity which arose taking Domino ́s Pizza, the brand he knows so well and loves, to Croatia. 

Nils, who has been living in Zagreb for one year, has quickly fallen in love with the city. 

“I been living in Zagreb for over a year now and absolutely love it. Zagreb is such a great city,. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. I really enjoy the outdoor events that are always on, especially the Christmas market. I am a big coffee lover and the coffee here is the best,” Nils says. 

His business partner Mihael was born and raised in Zagreb. On a sailing trip, Mihael got into a conversation with a long-term Domino ́s entrepreneur. After that meeting, Mihael says he could not stop thinking how good a fit Domino ́s long term experience in pizza delivery would be with the Croatian love for pizza.

Inside the new Domino ́s in Zagreb

“As much as it was not easy, Domino ́s International was always excited about our plans to bring the brand to Croatia. There are so many things that need to be figured out before we could open, from customising the online ordering platform to Croatian needs over finding the right food suppliers to renting the right store location,” the pair said, before adding. 

“At Domino’s, we carefully select our store locations to be ideally located for a smooth delivery process. Since we are passionate about delivery times, 100% e-bike deliveries and small delivery areas (to ensure that the pizzas are hot), it is crucial to select locations that are close to people ́s homes.”

Domino ́s is located in downtown Zagreb

Nils and Mihael believe that with Domino’s experience and American-inspired menu will bring something new to the already exciting Croatian pizza scene. 

“Our promise to our customers is that we will relentlessly focus on their satisfaction and with that to establish our name in the Croatian market. In regard to our menu assortment, we strive to offer the best of both worlds: The American inspired pizza recipes on which Domino ́s is built on as well as locally rooted combinations. We are people that are passionate about pizza, customer service and great delivery times,” they said. 

The focus first is on Zagreb

Since they will focus on a small delivery area, Domino’s will only be delivering to parts of Zagreb. 

Domino ́s Zagreb

“When we think of further expansion, our focus is on Zagreb first. Our dreams go beyond that and we hope to open stores in all larger Croatian cities. We could talk about Domino’s all day, from how Domino’s grew from one to more than 17,000 stores, over our pizzas that are always made with 100% mozzarella, e-bikes we use for deliveries and the team of passionate Dominoids. But our best advice is to come and try our pizzas and to experience Domino ́s Croatia yourself,” they concluded.