The History of Domino’s Pizza
A domino is a small rectangular block used to play a game of skill and chance with oneself or with other people. Each domino has a number of spots on one side that correspond to the numbers on dice. Each domino can then be arranged and set up to create a pattern or to be knocked over by another domino. Dominoes are also used to create works of art by forming lines and shapes, grids that form pictures when they fall, or 3D structures such as towers or pyramids. They can be made from wood, plastic, or cardboard.
When a domino falls, it slips against the next piece of the set, causing some friction that generates heat and makes some sound as well as potentially pushing the other piece to the side. Once that happens, all the potential energy in that first domino is unleashed. This potential energy pushes the rest of the set over. In a very short period of time, thousands and even millions of dominoes can be pushed over by just a few pieces.
The word “domino” was originally a Latin word that referred to an individual tile or piece of a puzzle called a “fidèle.” The fidèle had a series of holes in it that fit together like pegs on a board and the tiles were used for various games, including the infamous “race of the ants.” The earliest dominoes were probably created from ivory, but they are now typically made from plastic or wood.
In the late 1960s, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan was able to expand his company with the help of business strategist and advertising expert Joe Cecil. He encouraged Monaghan to set up Domino’s stores in areas close to colleges, as this would ensure that the chain could serve students who were hungry for quick food. The strategy worked, and by the end of 1969, Domino’s had over 100 locations.
While the initial success of Domino’s was impressive, the company was still in a precarious position. In 2004, the company had more than $943 million in debt, and same-store sales were slumping. By 2009, the company was in danger of going out of business.
To turn things around, the company decided to implement a bold new marketing campaign. Its leadership embraced a mindset of unflinching honesty in which they were willing to admit their mistakes and take responsibility for them. One of the most iconic parts of the campaign was a video featuring Domino’s leaders and employees reading scathing customer criticisms of the company’s pizza.
The resulting video went viral and turned Domino’s around. Sales started to climb, and the company was soon profitable again. Since then, Domino’s has continued to grow its market share and dominate the pizza industry. It’s a perfect example of the Domino Effect, a concept wherein one action is capable of triggering many other actions. This idea can be applied to many different aspects of life, from the personal to the professional. For example, if you get up and make your bed every day, this small victory will set the tone for your whole day and might even inspire you to do more.