If It Is Broken, You Fix It. Right, Domino’s?
Mama was right when she said, “Learn from your mistakes.” Too many people fail to recognize the things they do wrong and the results are never good. Last week I visited Domino’s Pizza World Resource Center to learn that even corporations can learn from their mistakes and turn their businesses around.
Although I only spent two days in Ann Arbor with 7 other bloggers as part of Domino’s Blogger Day, it felt like a lot longer. A number of resources were at our disposal which allowed us to learn many inner workings and voice our opinions to a variety of different departments. We took a tour of the facility (including the test kitchen and blind tasting areas), visited one of their new store models, toured the supply chain center, learned how to make pizzas, met the teams who handle marketing, product innovation and social media then ultimately participated in panel discussion with executives, including President and CEO Patrick Doyle.
So let’s talk about that dough. That is the base of any pizza and there was a time when Domino’s lost the way and ended up with a product that people (including myself) chose not to eat. They finally came to terms with their failures and revisited, retested, recreated themselves. The result: a delicious dough that made for a delicious pizza.
One of the stops on the trip was at the supply chain center where the dough is made and delivered along with all the ingredients, equipment and supplies needed by the stores. It was pretty cool watching the pizza dough being made and packaged. Did you know that stores have to file a special request to carry an ingredient that isn’t included on their nationwide menu? Some stores offer salads while others have regional toppings. Taco Pizzas are big here in the Midwest while my specific geographic area offers a specialty pizza that includes sauerkraut. Don’t scoff… it’s really good.
We also visited a local store that had been remodeled to showcase their new store design referred to as the “Pizza Theater.” No, you can’t go in and watch movies. It’s not THAT kind of theater. The difference is that the stores now offer seating areas so you can eat right there. It’s called a theater because there’s a glass divider so you can watch your food being prepared.
Remember how I said that we learn from our mistakes? Domino’s did and they revamped the dough along with a number of other things they didn’t like. You know why? Because they listen. Seriously listen. During our meeting, they allowed us to ask questions and they answered all of them. No dodging anything. Complete transparency. They even asked us questions about what we didn’t like. We’re bloggers so we were honest. Brutally honest, you might even say. Our readers let us know things they did (and didn’t) like and we certainly passed those ideas along. I watched as Dennis Maloney, VP – Chief Digital Officer, took notes about the things we said pertaining to his department. People who don’t care don’t take notes. But they care. They also learn from mistakes.
One of the interesting features about the new online ordering system is that people are able to track the progress of their pizza to see what stage of the process it is in. Through that app there is an option to make notes – for the driver, the staff or just general comments about what the customer thought. Those comments are displayed on screens everywhere. We saw them at the store but we also saw them at the corporate office. Not only are they proud of the great things that are said, but they heed the call when something is wrong.
That’s also what we found pretty inspiring about the social team and their approach to customer service. They take their job seriously and make resolve as needed. They also are quirky and fun if they see an opportunity. Tweet something out to them or leave a message on the Domino’s Facebook page and see how they reply.
As I’m sure you know, Domino’s is more than just pizza now. Their menu includes sandwiches, chicken and desserts among other items. We learned that they don’t offer seasonal items because the investment in advertising and promotion takes away from the rest of their efforts. If it isn’t good enough to be on their everyday menu then it doesn’t belong on the menu at all. We sampled a variety of items from their menu and I didn’t find anything I did NOT like. One of their latest creations is the Marbled Cooke Brownie. I didn’t like that it only had one center piece. Other than that, I loved it.
Domino’s wants people to know that they’ve changed their tune and their food is much better. (Really, it is!) They’ve given us a $20 gift card to give to one lucky SahmReviews.com reader. Enter is easy using the entry form. Come back every day to be rewarded with additional entry options. Speaking of rewards, don’t forget to sign up for Domino’s new “Piece of the Pie” rewards program. You can earn rewards toward free pizzas and we all know how awesome FREE stuff is!
Domino’s Gift Card Giveaway
What is your favorite item to order from Domino’s?
Free Pizza!! We love Domino’s!
My must have is pizza!
I love their pizza and the wings are yummy too!
What a great experience and yummy blogger event! We love Domino’s and love how they have moved forward
I am a huge fan of that pizza tracker on their site. They’re coming out with so many great changes. I can’t wait to see their pizza theater idea in action.
Dominos is great… I can order online and they usually show up at my door in about 15 minutes with some steaming hot pies!
This is so cool, it must have been a fun experience for you guys. I love Domino’s! Thanks for the giveaway.
Our must have menu item is classic pepperoni pizza. You just can’t go wrong with a classic!
I love their pepperoni and mushroom classic pizza!
I love their Chicken Parm sandwich!
How fun! We LOVE Dominos – they have gluten-free pizza! We just ate their yummies Thursday night actually LOL
We get the boneless chicken and Bacon Cheeseburger feast pizza.
I love their pepperoni pizza!
i like the pepperoni pizza
I love there cheese and pepperoni pizza.
Thank you for the offer!
We love their thin crusts. Yum! Good luck!!!
I love to order the pacific veggie pizza when I eat at Dominos.
Bacon and pineapple pizza
My must have is a Brooklyn crust pizza- but I don’t always get it because hubby’s must have is the thin crust!
My must-have Domino’s menu item is cheese pizza.
My must have is pepperoni pizza!
My must-have Domino’s item is breadsticks.
I must have a pepperoni pizza.
I love their pizza. I’m glad they learn from their mistakes so that they can improve their business. I wish more would follow their moto.
I live in a smaller town, so when it comes to late night food options, Dominos is it! I love there online tracker! I literally stalk the thing when I order lol.
Just plain cheese pizzas with extra cheese for the kids. Get it often!
I haven’t eaten Dominoes in years, because the cheese always did something to me; but that was way before all of the changes they have made as a restaurant. I’ve been thinking about giving them a try lately and I don’t know what I would have to try first. They have so many options now, way more than they used to have
Sounds like a great day with a great staff http://www.parentinghealthy.com/
My first boyfriend worked a their rival pizza place (won’t name drop). It was VERY hard work, customer service and food service are two of the hardest jobs ever. I personally love Domino’s delivery, we don’t have one as close to us anymore.
I love Domino’s Bacon Cheeseburger pizza.
My must have is a ground beef and mushroom pizza!
Chicken And Bacon Carbonara pizza! Thanks for the chance!
Ok so I am really kind of hungry now. I like that they answered your questions.
have to have the Cinna Stix
Mushroom and pineapple pizza, mmmmm!!!
This looks like so much fun. I want to learn how to make these pizzas with Nicole.
I like the progress tracker for the pizza. I’ve been ordering pizzas for my son since he went to college a couple years ago and I always watch to make sure they are off for delivery before I close the screen.
I love their Cinnamon Sticks!
I honestly have not eaten at Dominos in years, but I would be interested in trying the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich!
I love the Domino’s Honolulu Hawaiian Pizza.
that dessert looks to die for o_o
Love Domino’s!
I must have the cheesy breadsticks and garlic sauce!
looks delish!
I love a handtossed with garlic white sauce & chicken & bacon on top! DELICIOUS!
My must have is a hand tossed with bacon, canadian bacon and sausage! Too good!
No such thing as too much bacon, right?
My must have Domino’s menu item is their Buffalo Chicken Pizza 🙂
Would love to win!
My must have is the artisan spinach feta pizza.
Pepperoni Pizza w/double cheese please! Now I’m craving one and it’s 11pm!!! See what you did lol I’m going to dream about Domino’s Pizza!!!
I love their gluten free pizza
My must-have Domino’s menu item is the Memphis BBQ Chicken Pizza
Thank You for the chance
I love Dominos Ham & Pineapple pizza.
Looks like a LOT of fun was had! I would love to win this for my family!
My must have item from Domino’s Pizza is sausage and pepperoni pizza.
I just love their cheese pizza with extra cheese!
I love their pepperoni pizza
my must have item is a pepperoni pizza
The must to would be pizza!
I’ve never ordered from them before so I don’t have a favorite. I do like pizza of most any kind.
Thanks for the contest.
I like their thin crispy pepperoni pizza. Thank you!
I like their pepperoni pizza with extra cheese!
I love the Buffalo Chicken Pizza
I like their pizza with onions & sausage on it
Ham and Pinapple pizza
hmmm usually a pizza and breadsticks
I like the Parmesan Bread Bites.
Chicken Bacon Hawaiian Pizza YUM
Chicken Bacon Hawaiian Pizza YUM
I love their pepperoni and italian sausage pizza
Must have – Meat Lover’s Pizza
My families must have menu item is classic pepperoni pizza
Gotta have their cheese pizza and Cinna Stix <3
I love a handtossed with garlic white sauce & chicken & bacon on top! DELICIOUS!
We just had Domino’s pizza last night. I tried the garlic parmesan sauce on a thin veggie pizza and it was awesome!
I love their pizza meat one or cheese and mushroom or pineapple and ham shoot just pizza period lol
No toppings.