In the fall of 1973, Willy Theisen and Greg Johnson took a bold step by creating a pizza restaurant within Willy’s bar, introducing the first Godfather’s Pizza in Omaha, Nebraska.

By 1974, the demand for their unique pizza concept was so high that they began franchising, with the first franchise opening in Lincoln, Nebraska. This laid the foundation for Godfather’s Pizza’s rapid expansion and popularity.

In 1976, the Godfather character was introduced, becoming the enforcer of great pizza with the slogan “An offer you can’t refuse®.” The brand’s thick, topping-loaded pizza quickly gained national recognition.

By 1982, Godfather’s Pizza had expanded to 632 franchise locations, making it the second-largest pizza chain in the U.S. during this period. The brand’s focus on quality and consistent products helped fuel its incredible growth, earning top rankings in sales growth for several consecutive years.

In 1988, Godfather’s Pizza underwent a significant change as it became privately owned under new leadership. This era saw innovation with the introduction of Godfather’s Pizza Express, catering to travelers and busy customers with quick, fresh pizza options in convenience stores.

In 1990, the company launched the “Math by the Slice” program, blending education and pizza to help students improve math skills, reinforcing Godfather’s Pizza
community-focused approach while continuing to grow its customer base.

In 1995, Ron Gartlan became President and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, ushering in a new era of leadership.

Under his direction, the brand embraced a fresh message in 1996: “Pizza the way pizza was meant to be,” which resonated with customers who appreciated the classic, quality-driven approach to pizza. This period marked a return to the company’s roots, emphasizing the importance of high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship in every pizza.

In 2004, Godfather’s Pizza became the national sponsor of Boys Town, partnering to raise awareness for the organization’s efforts to support children and families in crisis. The Boys Town National Hotline was featured on millions of pizza boxes, reflecting Godfather’s Pizza’s strong dedication to helping communities.

By 2008, Godfather’s Pizza proudly celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking over three decades of serving high-quality, delicious pizza to communities across the nation.

In 2023, Godfather’s Pizza proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for a company that started with a single location in Omaha, Nebraska. Over five decades, Godfather’s Pizza has stayed true to its commitment to quality, serving pizzas piled high with fresh ingredients. As the brand continues to grow, it remains focused on delivering the best pizza experience to customers. And just like The Boss would say, when it comes to pizza, we make you A Pizza You Can’t Refuse®.