Pizza Schmizza
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food and beverage |
| Founded | August 6, 1993 in Hillsboro, Oregon, United States |
| Founder | Andre Jehan, Roger Jehan |
| Headquarters | Salem , United States |
Area served | Portland metropolitan region, Southern Oregon |
Key people | Doug Wetter (former CEO) |
| Products | Pizza (thin crust, by the slice) |
| Parent | Figaro's Pizza (2008–2014) |
Pizza Schmizza is a U.S.-based pizza franchise operating nine outlets within the Portland metropolitan region and two additional locations in southern Oregon. The brand is known for its focus on thin crust pizza by the slice offerings.
History
The establishment of Pizza Schmizza took place on August 6, 1993, in downtown Hillsboro, Oregon, founded by siblings Andre and Roger Jehan.
In 2003, the business encountered controversy after employing homeless individuals to display signs stating "Pizza Schmizza paid me to hold this sign instead of asking for money." Andre Jehan, the owner, justified this initiative as a constructive method to assist the homeless community.
In 2004, the brand received commendation from the Oregon Department of Human Services for its involvement in a campaign aimed at preventing underage alcohol use.
Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the Southwest Montgomery branch of Pizza Schmizza attracted media coverage by launching a promotion that included a complimentary roll of toilet paper with each purchase, responding to widespread shortages triggered by pandemic-related supply chain issues.
Acquisition by Figaro's Pizza
Following operational challenges faced by CEO Doug Wetter, Pizza Schmizza entered acquisition discussions with Figaro's Pizza and was subsequently purchased on March 31, 2008. This partnership concluded when Figaro's divested Pizza Schmizza in December 2014.
Related Restaurants
The proprietor of the Pizza Schmizza brand, Schmizza International, expanded its footprint in Portland through ventures such as Bethany Public House and Schmizza Public House—an elevated franchise model that builds upon the original brand’s achievements.
See also
External links
- Companies based in Salem, Oregon
- Pizza chains of the United States
- Privately held companies based in Oregon
- Regional restaurant chains in the United States
- Restaurants established in 1993
- Restaurants in Oregon
- Restaurants in Washington (state)
- 1993 establishments in Oregon
- Food and drink companies based in Oregon
- American companies established in 1993
- 2008 mergers and acquisitions