The Burning Question: Who Holds the Dough at Boston Pizza?
Ever sat down at a Boston Pizza, debating between the signature Hawaiian (pineapple is totally a pizza topping, fight me) and the meat lover's, and wondered, "Who is the mastermind behind this cheesy empire?" Well, my friend, buckle up for a delectable dive into the world of Boston Pizza ownership!
From Humble Beginnings to Pizza Powerhouse
It all started in 1964, when a Greek immigrant named Gus Agioritis had a brilliant idea: open a place called "Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House" in Edmonton, Alberta. Now, you might be thinking, "Edmonton? Isn't that where winter lasts nine months and apologizing is an Olympic sport?" But hey, even Canadians gotta get their pizza fix!
Enter the Franchise Force: Jim Treliving and George Melville
Fast forward to 1968. A young RCMP officer named Jim Treliving, with a nose for deliciousness (and probably a healthy appetite after chasing down bad guys), decides to buy a Boston Pizza franchise. This is where things get interesting. Jim meets George Melville, a chartered accountant who might not have been chasing criminals, but was definitely crunching numbers with the precision of a pizzaiolo tossing dough.
The Dynamic Duo: Taking Over the Pizzaverse
These two became the ultimate power couple (of business, that is), eventually buying the entire Boston Pizza chain in 1983. Treliving, with his business savvy honed from his RCMP days, and Melville, the financial wizard, were the perfect recipe for success. They franchised most of their restaurants, set up a system to ensure consistent quality (no soggy crust nightmares here!), and voila! Boston Pizza became a Canadian icon.
But Wait, There's More! Boston Pizza Goes Global
Hungry for more (pun intended!), Boston Pizza didn't stop at the Canadian border. In 2000, they ventured south, rebranding themselves as "Boston's The Gourmet Pizza" in the US and Mexico. Now, wherever you crave a slice of that signature Boston Pizza goodness, chances are you can find it!
So, Who Owns Boston Pizza Today?
Boston Pizza is currently owned by Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund. Basically, a bunch of investors who clearly understand the importance of a good pizza night.
Treliving and Melville? Still Pizza Legends
While they don't directly own the company anymore, Jim Treliving and George Melville remain legendary figures in Boston Pizza history. Treliving even went on to become a TV personality on the show "Dragons' Den," proving he has a nose for not just good pizza, but also promising business ventures!
How To... Boston Pizza Edition
Curious about more than just ownership? Here's a quick FAQ to answer your burning Boston Pizza questions:
- How to order the perfect pizza? Customize it to your heart's content! Pineapple is always an option (but we won't judge if you disagree).
- How to find a Boston Pizza near you? Their website has a handy store locator.
- How to impress your date at Boston Pizza? Share a giant order of their legendary wings. Guaranteed conversation starter (and maybe a little messy, but hey, that's part of the fun!).
- How to handle leftovers? Cold pizza for breakfast is a perfectly acceptable life choice.
- How to celebrate a win (or cope with a loss)? There's a pizza for that! Boston Pizza's got you covered.
