Food
We Went Behind-The-Scenes At Domino’s HQ In Michigan
Last month, I had the unique opportunity to visit Domino’s World Resource Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a behind-the-scenes look at the company as part of their Domino’s Digital Insiders Day. I have been eating Domino’s pizza since I was a kid, so I was beyond excited to take part in this!
The history of Domino’s is rather interesting. Back in 1960, Tom Monaghan and his brother James purchased DomiNick’s, a small pizza store in Ypsilanti, Michigan. They borrowed $500 to buy the store. Less than a year later, James wanted out of the pizza game, trading his half of the business to Tom for the Volkswagen Beetle they used for pizza deliveries. That proved to be a very costly mistake.
By 1965, Monaghan had purchased two additional stores, and he renamed the business Domino’s Pizza, Inc. Those three dots on the company logo? They represent those first three stores. In 1967, the first Domino’s Pizza franchise store opened, and the rest is history. Today, Domino’s operates over 14,000 stores in more than 85 international markets, and they are recognized as the world leader in pizza delivery.
Armed with some history on the brand, we set out on a tour of the building. In the lobby area, there’s a replica of the iconic VW Beetle that Tom sold to his brother, along with the DXP, a crazy purpose-built pizza delivery vehicle that can hold up to 80 pizzas, along with other Domino’s menu items. It may have started it’s life as a Chevrolet Spark, but after Roush got done working their magic on it, you’d be hard-pressed to tell.
With a quick swipe of a security badge, we entered the massive IT department. While you might not think of technology when it comes to pizza, Domino’s is a trailblazer in the ever-changing e-commerce landscape, offering customers a multitude of ways to place their orders:
- Google Home
- Facebook Messenger
- Zero-click ordering
- Text-to-order
- Tweet-to-order
- Amazon Echo
- Samsung SMART TV
- Ford SYNC
- Apple Watch / Android Wear
- Domino’s App
- Domino’s Website
- Voice ordering
Needless to say, it is easier than ever to place an order if you are suddenly in the mood for pizza. We had a chance to place test orders using these different platforms, and they worked flawlessly in each scenario.
Afterwards, we headed to the Domino’s Test Kitchen to learn how to make our very own Domino’s pizza! Our instructor made it look easy, but stretching out the dough into a perfect circle is a lot harder than you think. I eventually got the technique down, and my dough looked pretty respectable. Next, I applied my tomato sauce with a ladle, spreading it in a circular motion to ensure even coverage. Then I moved on to the toppings area, where I added a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
Eight minutes later, my delicious creation came out of the oven, and I was like a proud parent, taking pictures of my precious pizza, before applying a little garlic drizzle to the crust (that’s what makes it taste so good). Once we were all done making our pizzas, we got to eat them. The verdict? YUM!
Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, the Domino’s folks brought in their new Bread Twists for us to try, which come in 3 varieties: Parmesan, Garlic, and Cinnamon. A twist on traditional bread sticks (see what I did there?), these sides are hand twisted and baked to perfection. My favorite one was the Cinnamon Twist (which comes with a side of vanilla-flavored icing), but honestly all three of them were great.
All in all, I had a great time visiting Domino’s HQ and learning more about my favorite pizza company. Their expansive menu has something for everyone (they even have salads now), so go check out their menu and place an order today. You won’t be disappointed!
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GIVEAWAY: Guys Gab and Domino’s wants to give one lucky reader a $50 Domino’s gift card so they they can enjoy some delicious pizza, and it couldn’t be easier to enter. Simply leave us a comment below telling which menu item you’re most excited to try. We will pick a winner at random on August 14th at 5pm EST. Contest only open to US residents.
Good luck!
Kim Niland
August 3, 2017 at 8:36 am
I want the bread twists!
Ashley C.
August 3, 2017 at 8:47 am
I’m excited to try the cinnamon bread twists!
Char
August 3, 2017 at 8:47 am
Those little twists are so delicious looking. I would love to try that, thank you so much! I love your blog.
Deborah N.
August 3, 2017 at 9:18 am
I would love to try the new Garlic Bread twists! I love regular bread sticks and these just look even better.
Samantha Perry
August 3, 2017 at 9:23 am
I think the cinn bread twists sound amazing! Sign me up for about 20 orders of those STAT! YUM! And what a cool experience to go to the Donimo’s pizza hq!
Kelly D
August 3, 2017 at 9:35 am
I would like to try the Pasta Primavera.
Pat
August 3, 2017 at 9:37 am
I’d like to try the Parmesan Bread Twists!
Carrie G
August 3, 2017 at 10:57 am
I want to try all the pastas
Kaila
August 3, 2017 at 11:43 am
I really want to try the bread twists !! They look amazing.
Tajreen
August 3, 2017 at 12:54 pm
I’ve always been a fan of garlic, so the garlic bread twists sound delicious!
Janice L
August 3, 2017 at 2:08 pm
I want to try the Garlic Bread Twists.
Carly S
August 3, 2017 at 2:08 pm
I am so excited to try the new vegan pizzas that Domino’s is debuting soon! Thank you
jeremy mclaughlin
August 3, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Would like to try the Garlic bread twists.
Kim O
August 3, 2017 at 2:15 pm
I would try the parmesan bread twists
Anish Rao
August 3, 2017 at 2:25 pm
Garlic bread twists look sooooooo good!
Nicole Lancaster
August 3, 2017 at 2:32 pm
I am excited to try the Specialty Chicken – Spicy Jalapeno – Pineapple.
Noah Ramer
August 3, 2017 at 2:44 pm
I would love to try the Garlic Bread Twists!
Steve Weber
August 3, 2017 at 3:07 pm
I’d like to try the Parmesan Bread Twists!
Arend
August 3, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Want to try the Garlic bread twists please!
Darlene Carbajal
August 3, 2017 at 3:19 pm
I want to try the Honolulu Hawaiian pizza.
meghan
August 3, 2017 at 3:34 pm
The new Garlic Bread sticks!
Bryan Vice
August 3, 2017 at 4:24 pm
I want to try the Parmesan bread twists… my favorite pizza from Domino’s is the Philly Steak and cheese man i love that pizza
Mary Beth Elderton
August 3, 2017 at 4:37 pm
I like the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and the Crispy Bacon Tomato Chicken bites.
Megan Wulff
August 3, 2017 at 4:38 pm
I’m most excited to try the Parmesan bread twists.
Megan
August 3, 2017 at 4:43 pm
The Parmesan sticks look DOPE!!!!!! 😀 love Parmesan so much!!!!!!!
Megan
August 3, 2017 at 4:44 pm
I LOVE DOMINOS!!!!!!! YES FRIGGEN YES DOMINOS WOO ALSO LIVE IN ANN ARBOR RIGHT NEAR HEADQUARTERS SO U ARE CLOSE TO MY HEART LITERALLY
Trinity Rosario
August 3, 2017 at 5:36 pm
The Parmesan Bread Twists!!
Sarah Brecheisen
August 3, 2017 at 6:10 pm
I’m excited to try the cinnamon bread twists! Yum!
Sarah B.
August 3, 2017 at 6:11 pm
I’m excited to try the cinnamon bread twists! Yum!
Austin Hanczarek
August 3, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Stuffed cheesy bread with bacon and jalapeno sounds really good.
Marlin Medina
August 3, 2017 at 7:04 pm
So difficult to decide but definitely cinnamon!!!!!! <3 <3
Jen D.
August 3, 2017 at 7:17 pm
I would love to try two things the most: Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza and Build Your Own Pasta – both sound equally delicious!!
Heather Joslin
August 3, 2017 at 7:31 pm
The cinnamon bread twists look like a delicious dessert for the family!
tamatha hunter
August 3, 2017 at 7:31 pm
the brookies (half brownie half cookie) are the best
Jenny Scheldberg
August 3, 2017 at 8:42 pm
I love the veggie pizza.
Phil Hysell
August 3, 2017 at 8:42 pm
I’m excited to try cinnamon bread twists.
Rhonda Y
August 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm
I’ve been seeing the bread twists commercials on TV and it looks so yummy.
JONI Mitchell
August 3, 2017 at 8:54 pm
I would like to try the cinnamon bread twitsts
Wendy R.
August 3, 2017 at 9:04 pm
Ya, those bread twists look shamefully good!
Carrie Messer
August 3, 2017 at 9:16 pm
I want to try the cinnamon bread twists!
Carolyn S
August 3, 2017 at 9:25 pm
I would love to try the parmesan bread twists. Heck, I’d love to try all the bread twists because they seem delicious!
joanna
August 3, 2017 at 10:20 pm
I want those bread twists
Jessica W.
August 3, 2017 at 10:46 pm
I love freshly hot breadsticks. I want to try their garlic bread twists! I’m getting hungry thinking about it.
Robert Olinger
August 3, 2017 at 11:28 pm
The bread twists look awesome
elcane desir
August 4, 2017 at 12:19 am
I want to try the buffalo chicken sandwich
Jeanne Rousseau
August 4, 2017 at 12:58 am
I’ve had just about everything from Domino’s besides the bread twists, so I need to try those!!!
Jack B
August 4, 2017 at 1:11 am
I’d love to try the Garlic Bread Twists.
Travis
August 4, 2017 at 3:09 am
The Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Spinach & Feta sounds like something I would like.
SHAYNA BROOKMAN
August 4, 2017 at 8:17 am
I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THEIR BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH 🙂
Paul Gardner
August 4, 2017 at 8:23 am
i would like to try the bread twists! i love anything that resembles a pretzel!
Jovanna Martinez
August 4, 2017 at 12:13 pm
I would like to try the new Garlic Bread twists! They seem delicious.
Jovanna Martinez
August 4, 2017 at 12:14 pm
I would like to try the Garlic Bread twists! They seem delicious.
Christine Labelle
August 4, 2017 at 1:15 pm
I have always wanted to try their oven baked sandwiches. I already love the pizza and bread sticks so I bet the knots would be good too!
Sheila K.
August 4, 2017 at 1:27 pm
I would love to try the Specialty Chicken – Crispy Bacon & Tomato!
latanya
August 4, 2017 at 3:39 pm
the garlic bread twists
Larell McCaffrey
August 4, 2017 at 5:57 pm
The bread twists look amazing!!
Steve Heinlein
August 4, 2017 at 6:07 pm
show me the wings!
elizabeth miller
August 4, 2017 at 7:24 pm
I want to try the spicy wings. It is a must have during game days around my home.
Billie R
August 4, 2017 at 8:49 pm
I would love to try the new bread twists with the garlic drizzle you mentioned. Yum! Thanks for the chance to win.
Suzanne
August 4, 2017 at 9:45 pm
Cinnastix
Darcy Koch
August 4, 2017 at 11:57 pm
I would like to try the Parmesan and Cinnamon bread twists.
Christine Lee
August 5, 2017 at 12:46 am
cinnamon bread twists sounds delightful
greentopiaries
August 5, 2017 at 4:15 am
I’m most interested in trying the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich. Thanks for the chance! 🙂
Nedra Whittemore
August 5, 2017 at 10:32 am
The Parmesan Breadsticks sound really good!
Allison
August 6, 2017 at 1:27 am
The garlic bread twists sound good.
Mary West
August 6, 2017 at 11:52 am
I want to try the Honolulu Hawaiian pizza!
`Laura Do
August 6, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Those bread twists look yum! Def tryin that.
Stacey
August 6, 2017 at 4:43 pm
The cinnamon bread sticks!
sylvia
August 7, 2017 at 8:13 pm
I’d love to try the cinnamon bread sticks. I also love pepper and onion pizza, so that would be on the order too. 🙂
jacqueline viera
August 7, 2017 at 8:46 pm
i cant wait to try the cinnamon bread twists
Gail Fernandez
August 7, 2017 at 9:26 pm
I can’t wait to try the new Bread Twists – in all the flavors!
Marlo
August 8, 2017 at 2:23 am
I want to try the bread twists.
al
August 8, 2017 at 11:27 am
The Cinnamon Twist/
Jenny Scheldberg
August 8, 2017 at 8:53 pm
The twists look really good. I love their pepperoni pizza too.
Cheryl Chervitz
August 9, 2017 at 9:14 am
Cinnamon bread twists look very good. We order from Domino’s all the time.
Sara Rowe
August 9, 2017 at 10:24 pm
Oooh, Cinnastix
Chris L
August 10, 2017 at 3:17 pm
I want to try the Bread twists, both the garlic & the parmesan.
Martin D Conley
August 11, 2017 at 11:49 pm
Cinnamon twists look like they would be awesome.
Amber Hites
August 12, 2017 at 1:53 am
I would try the new bread twists!
Bridgett Wilbur
August 12, 2017 at 8:57 am
I would love to try there chicken wings.
Aaron B.
August 12, 2017 at 9:31 am
I would like to try the Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Spinach & Feta.
erica hall
August 13, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Cinnastix and Hawaiian pizza.
Lesley F
August 13, 2017 at 1:36 pm
The Bread Twists look amazing and would love to try them
christina moore
August 13, 2017 at 2:34 pm
the garlic bread twists
Lisa A
August 13, 2017 at 7:42 pm
I have to agree the garlic bread twists look delicious!
Jennifer H.
August 14, 2017 at 3:58 am
I would like to try the Wisconsin 6 Cheese pizza.
John H.
August 14, 2017 at 4:01 am
I think that the Chicken Habanero sounds good.
Carol
August 14, 2017 at 4:39 am
I’d pick the Stuffed Cheesy Bread.
Lynne
August 14, 2017 at 8:00 am
I would like to try the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza.
gala
August 14, 2017 at 8:39 am
I’d love to try new Cinnamon Bread Twists
accontests6
August 14, 2017 at 8:44 am
Bread Twists
Kristina Leezer
August 14, 2017 at 8:51 am
The bread twists look really yummy!
Natalie
August 14, 2017 at 8:55 am
The sandwiches look good ,big enough to share
Heather Ely
August 14, 2017 at 8:56 am
I would love to try the cinnamon twist.
mami2jcn
August 14, 2017 at 8:56 am
I’d like to try the cinnamon bread twists.
Tabathia B
August 14, 2017 at 8:57 am
The stuffed cheesy bread and chicken Caesar salad
tbarrettno1 at gmail for com
Liz
August 14, 2017 at 8:57 am
The parmesan breadsticks
susan smoaks
August 14, 2017 at 8:58 am
i can’t wait to try the bread twists. they really look good.
Marti Tabora
August 14, 2017 at 8:58 am
I would love to try the cinnamon twists, especially with a side of vanilla icing. It sounds fantastic. Thank you.
jennifer horn
August 14, 2017 at 9:08 am
Would love to try the garlic knots.
Chrissy
August 14, 2017 at 9:20 am
I am most excited to try the cinnamon twists! My husband always says we don’t need them but if I win a gift card I’m pretty sure I can over rule that!
Helga
August 14, 2017 at 9:22 am
The garlic knots look good to me.
Katrina Brockavich
August 14, 2017 at 9:52 am
The garlic twists sound delicious! I’m most excited to try the Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza – yum! I would definitely want an order of twists with it, too!
beth
August 14, 2017 at 10:06 am
I am most excited to try the bread twists, they look delicious!
Nancy
August 14, 2017 at 10:17 am
I love their interesting new menu! I’d be most excited to try their ExtravaganZZa™ pizza.
Lauren
August 14, 2017 at 10:22 am
I would like to try the garlic bread twists.
Laurajj
August 14, 2017 at 10:22 am
Oh wow, I didnt know there was so many easy ways to order! I cannot wait to try their new Garlic Bread Twists!!! Those look so yummy!
Donna L
August 14, 2017 at 10:25 am
I would pick the pretzel knots.
Erinn Sluka
August 14, 2017 at 10:25 am
We live the garlic chicken. It is so addicting erinnsluka@gmail
Summer D
August 14, 2017 at 10:35 am
I love anything garlic, so the garlic bread twists would be my thing.
Sheila K.
August 14, 2017 at 11:08 am
The garlic bread twists sound good to me!
Jayedee Dewitt
August 14, 2017 at 11:18 am
I’m pretty sure as I looked at the menu I saw my name printed over the Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza!!
Amber Cheras
August 14, 2017 at 11:30 am
I can’t wait to try Domino’s garlic bread twists! They sound amazing and I love how there’s plenty to go around for my family!
sheila ressel
August 14, 2017 at 11:43 am
I am most excited to try the parmesan bread twists.
Brandy Williams
August 14, 2017 at 11:56 am
I am most excited to try the cinnamon twist! They look so good!!
Michelle Stice
August 14, 2017 at 12:00 pm
The cinnamon bread twists look yummy ! Definitely want to try.
Mary Jacobowitz
August 14, 2017 at 12:31 pm
I am also a fan of the garlic bread twists.
Breanna Pollard
August 14, 2017 at 12:35 pm
THE GARLIC CINNAMON BREAD TWISTS LOOKS AND SOUNDS SO GOOD.
wen budro
August 14, 2017 at 12:41 pm
The cinnamon twists with vanilla icing sounds super yummy. It looks like fun to make your own pizza.
Annemarie Z.
August 14, 2017 at 1:18 pm
I would love to try the Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Bacon & Jalapeno!
amy guillaume linderman
August 14, 2017 at 1:21 pm
mmm i know my whole family would love the parmesan bread twists! they always ask me to order some kind of bread when we get pizza!
Donna Cheatle
August 14, 2017 at 1:40 pm
I’m really excited to try the parmesan bread twists! Actually, I’d love to try all the different versions of the bread twists.
MichelleS
August 14, 2017 at 2:13 pm
I am most excited to try the bread twists with the cinnamon topping.
Amanda Hoffman
August 14, 2017 at 2:24 pm
I want to try the cinnamon twists
Jerry Marquardt
August 14, 2017 at 2:26 pm
I am most interested in trying their new Bread Twists in the variety of Parmesan and Garlic.
sandra
August 14, 2017 at 2:26 pm
I would like to try their marble cookie brownie
John Joseph
August 14, 2017 at 2:37 pm
The cinnamon bread twists!
Charlene Canfield
August 14, 2017 at 2:56 pm
I would like to try the Cinnamon Twist
Leah Shumack
August 14, 2017 at 3:22 pm
I want to try the cinnamon twists! They look so good!
Danielle Jones
August 14, 2017 at 3:28 pm
I want to try the cinnamon twist. We have enjoyed cinnamon bread from other places but I bet these are even better. It’s great to be able to order pizza and a dessert for delivery!!
Ashley
August 14, 2017 at 3:48 pm
Parmesan and garlic bread twists!
Angelica Dimeo
August 14, 2017 at 3:51 pm
I love their Pan Pizza and want to try their cinnamon twist
janetfaye
August 14, 2017 at 3:56 pm
I would love to try their Chicken Alfredo.
Marcia Goss
August 14, 2017 at 3:59 pm
I want to try the parmesan bread twists.
Norm Parker
August 14, 2017 at 4:06 pm
The Garlic bread and Parmesan Twists look scrumptious.
Kayla Bennett
August 14, 2017 at 4:21 pm
The parmesan bread twists look bomb!
Sherri Jackson
August 14, 2017 at 4:52 pm
The garlic twists sound delicious! I love bread anyway, but garlic makes it so much better.
Julie
August 14, 2017 at 4:57 pm
Would love to try those Cinnamon Twists they look delish?
KENNETH OHL
August 14, 2017 at 4:59 pm
The Parmesan Bread Twists look great
Yona Williams
August 14, 2017 at 5:06 pm
The Garlic Bread Twists are really good, I’d like to try the other flavors
Audrey Stewart
August 14, 2017 at 5:10 pm
I am most excited to try the cinnamon twist. I bet they are great warm.
Jasmine R
August 14, 2017 at 5:11 pm
Those garlic bread twists look too good!!
Kim Reid
August 14, 2017 at 5:16 pm
I would love to try the Cinnamon Bread Twists with the Vanilla flavored Icing, sounds yummy!!
Riley Borgia
August 14, 2017 at 5:37 pm
I’m so glad that Domino’s pizza offers gluten free pizza!!
Margaret Appel
August 14, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Wow, Domino’s has really expanded their menu! I’d love to try their Buffalo Chicken or Philly Cheese Steak oven baked sandwiches!
chickie brewer
August 14, 2017 at 5:47 pm
The garlic chicken sounds very delicious!!
Kristin C
August 14, 2017 at 5:56 pm
I think the cinnamon twists look great!
Kristen Joiner
August 14, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Honestly, I’m most exited to try a simple cheese pizza from Dominos. I haven’t eaten at Dominos in about 15 years or so. But I’ll never say no to a cinnamon bread twist either.
Laura A
August 14, 2017 at 6:39 pm
Mmmm… the cinnamon bread twists sound yummy!
Shanna
August 14, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Bread Twists!!!!
Missy Schutz
August 14, 2017 at 7:26 pm
I’d like to try one of the subs!
Richard Brandt
August 14, 2017 at 7:32 pm
I can’t wait to try the cinnamon bread twists! Well, actually, I guess I’ll have to wait, since I’m saving them for dessert.
Julie R
August 14, 2017 at 7:40 pm
I just want pepperoni pizza
Margaret S Porter
August 14, 2017 at 7:50 pm
I really want to try the Parmesan bread twists
Sandra Preti
August 14, 2017 at 8:58 pm
The bread twists sound delicious!!
Pamela
August 14, 2017 at 9:37 pm
The bread twists with cinnamon sound outstanding!
LeAnn Harbert
August 14, 2017 at 10:26 pm
I want to try the cinnamon twists.
Nicole
August 14, 2017 at 10:39 pm
I may be a bit boring, but I’d pick a pizza! With cinnamon twists for dessert!
Leela
August 14, 2017 at 10:43 pm
I’m excited to try the Bread Twists.
Kayla Klontz
August 14, 2017 at 11:36 pm
I would most like to try the bread twists! They look amazing!
Emmy
August 15, 2017 at 1:07 am
the Bread Twists look spectacular <3 <3 <3
Darlene Cruz
August 15, 2017 at 3:20 am
The bread twist yummy!!!
monique seif
August 15, 2017 at 4:59 pm
I would love to try the bread twists. They sound great