Russ Mentzer’s career took him from behind the wheel delivering pizzas during college to behind the counter as a Domino’s Pizza franchisee.
Mentzer, a longtime community supporter, announced his retirement recently, saying he plans to spend time with his three daughters, five granddaughters and ex-mother-in-law.
As a franchise owner, Mentzer supported many community causes, donating to MTVarts, Food For The Hungry, The Red Cross, baseball programs, and school lunch and parks programs, according to his daughter, Brooke.
He hosted numerous free community events with games, face painting and free pizza over the years.
Mentzer wrote a letter announcing his retirement:
Hello friends,
I am excited to announce I’ve accepted a new role as a full-time “Pop Pop” to five granddaughters. Unfortunately, this means Iʼll be stepping down from my role as a franchisee of the Mount Vernon Domino's Pizza store, a role I've held for the past 39 years.
Iʼm excited to continue to grow in my role as a father of three daughters, three sons-in-law, and one heck of an ex-son-in-law to the one and only G-ma.
My main focus will be to slow the hands of time and savor every moment. Iʼm looking forward to having my toenails painted by my granddaughters, telling fish tales theyʼve heard 100 times and getting to be there to watch them grow up.
Thank you for letting me share my dream with you for nearly four decades. It truly was a dream. I never saw my stores as a Dominoʼs Pizza franchise, but as a Dominoʼs Pizza ministry.
Itʼs surprising how pizza can put a smile on someone’s face, feed the hungry and bring family around the dinner table.
I actually think I may have given away more pizzas than I sold, but I learned early on that you canʼt out-give God.
To my current and past employees, you are part of my family. Thank you for picking my kids up from school with your rooftop light on and embarrassing them on my behalf. Thank you for the early mornings and late nights. Thank you for building success alongside me. The success the stores have shared is because of your determination, drive and commitment to community service.
My buddy Brian Edler has purchased the Mount Vernon store. He is fully committed to keeping the store as a community outreach ministry and will serve Mount Vernon with pride.
A long time ago, Dominoʼs had the slogan, “Delivering a million smiles a day.”
That mantra has always motivated me. I hope I was able to deliver a smile to you. And I hope that you continue that legacy. Deliver smiles to your community, look for people who need help and put others first. Always remember the power of pizza!
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