Domino’s looking to open next month

Work is continuing on the new Domino’s franchise here, with owners Dave and Terri Ashworth looking to start serving up pizzas next month.
The couple purchased the building at 283 Scott St., the former M&S Bootery store, and had hoped to be open in time for the start of the all-Ontario boys’ hockey championship here March 22.
But “building issues” caused a three-week delay, and the couple now is aiming for the Easter weekend (April 15-16).
Work on the location started this week and it will be an extensive makeover, from the floor up to the walls, which will include a seating and ordering area, and, of course, a kitchen to make the pizzas.
The building has had to be gutted and renovated according to Domino’s specifications, noted Ashworth. “People won’t recognize it when they come in,” he promised.
Ashworth was in Burlington, Ont. for a six-week course in franchisee training in early January and feels prepared for when he opens for business.
“It was really a crash course on everything from the ground up,” he noted. “Everything from pizza-making to deliveries to running the business. You get an appreciation for what everyone does.
“It’s refreshing to go into a franchise where everything is laid out for you,” he added. “I’m excited about it.”
As for the product, local residents can expect quality, pricing, and prompt delivery, Ashworth added. Like other Domino’s franchises, pizzas can be ordered for delivery and takeout, but not to dine in.
He also noted this will be one of only a handful of Domino’s franchises out there that will make its own dough.
Ashworth said he’s looking forward to opening the doors.
“I’m incredibly anxious. It’s fun to go through this part of the process, but we want to get going selling pizzas,” he remarked.
“I’m also proud to be in the downtown core. Business is still thriving here,” he noted, adding “hot, fresh ideas” and a will to invest in them is key to the downtown’s vitality.
In related news, the Ashworths also have just begun the interview process for employees. More than 100 applications come in for jobs at the new franchise.
Ashworth said he expects to hire between 15 and 20 people to start with.
Ashworth had been the owner of Jam21, a local Internet service provider, until he sold the business to Vianet in October, 2004.