COLUMBUS, OH — Donatos Pizza, renowned for its Edge to Edge® toppings, will open Ohio’s first fully autonomous pizza restaurant in June 2025 at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, as announced on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM EDT. Located pre-security in front of Concourse B, the innovative venture, operated by HMSHost, is a collaboration between Donatos, its sister company Agápe Automation, and Appetronix, aiming to deliver fast, made-to-order pizzas for travelers.
The 24/7 autonomous kitchen will utilize advanced robotics and AI-powered technology to streamline the pizza-making process, ensuring precision and speed while maintaining Donatos’ signature quality. Customers can watch their pizzas being freshly prepared in real time, adding an engaging visual element to the experience. “We’re not just adding tech to a restaurant; we’re jumping in with a fully autonomous restaurant,” said Kevin King, President and CEO of Donatos Pizza, emphasizing the company’s commitment to great taste and customer experience in the fast-paced airport setting.
Nipun Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of Appetronix, called the project a “transformative leap for the QSR space,” highlighting its potential to set new standards for consistency and efficiency. Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, noted that the technology enhances the passenger experience by offering a quick taste of a local favorite. HMSHost’s Tosin Kasali added that the 24/7 dining option aligns with their goal to improve traveler satisfaction by expanding pre-security food amenities.
Jane Grote Abell, Executive Chairwoman of Donatos, reflected on the company’s 62-year legacy of innovation, stating, “More innovation, more passion, and more opportunities to eat great pizza—that’s what this is all about.” The project aligns with Donatos’ four-point strategy to disrupt the pizza industry and supports its mission to promote goodwill through innovative solutions. The technology is poised to expand to non-traditional settings like hospitals and campuses, redefining where high-quality food can be served.
For more details, visit www.donatos.com.
