Full Breakdown
Domino’s Shuts 13 Ohio Stores Amid Franchisee Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Domino’s Pizza abruptly closed 13 locations in Ohio’s north-central region after franchisee Anthony Satterwhite’s company, Mile High Pizza, sent a text-message termination notice to employees on September 4. The stores—situated in Mansfield, Canal Fulton, Galion, Crestline, Ashland, Akron, Barberton, Wadsworth and Mount Gilead—were slated to cease operations the following Sunday, leaving staff without work during the dinner rush.
Background and Franchisee Situation
Satterwhite previously owned 25 Domino’s outlets in Ohio. Local reports describe his franchise operation as financially strained, prompting the sudden decision to close the 13 stores. The closures are framed by Domino’s as an “isolated franchisee matter” and not indicative of the brand’s overall health.
Official Corporate Response
The spokesperson also expressed hope that displaced employees might find positions with the incoming franchisee.
Employee Impact and Reactions
Employees learned of the shutdown via the text message, with manager Joe Mills recounting the abruptness of the notice. Workers voiced concerns about receiving final paychecks and about unfulfilled customer orders. Mills noted that customers were left without refunds for orders placed after the closures. The incident has sparked local frustration and uncertainty for the affected staff.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was like, 'We all just got fired,'” — Joe Mills, a manager of the Domino's store in Galion
- “It was like 6:15 p.m. on Friday night,” — Joe Mills, a manager of the Domino's store in Galion
- “People are saying, ‘We placed an order and we didn’t get our money back,’” — Joe Mills, a manager of the Domino's store in Galion