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Cottage Inn Pizza

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Cottage Inn Pizza
Company typePrivate
IndustryRestaurants
FoundedAnn Arbor, Michigan in 1948; 76 years ago (1948)
HeadquartersAnn Arbor, Michigan
Number of locations
50+
Area served
United States (Michigan, Ohio)
Products
Websitecottageinn.com

Cottage Inn Pizza is a family-owned, family-operated American pizza franchise delivery company, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[1] The first Cottage Inn restaurant opened in 1948.[2] There are over 50 stores in operation in Michigan and Ohio.[3][4][5]

History

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The Original Cottage Inn

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The original Cottage Inn restaurant opened at 512 East William St. in 1948, near the University of Michigan campus.[6][7] It was a coffee business that eventually included pizza. It was the first establishment to serve pizza in Ann Arbor. The building was purchased by the Michos family in 1961, and was listed for sale in 2023, as the owner decided to retire.[7]

Three modifications were made to the restaurant in 1975, 1980, and 1993. A second story was added to the restaurant to provide services for banquet rooms. Its proximity to the University of Michigan led to a frequent visit.

Cottage Inn Carryout

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By 1978, Cottage Inn had established Cottage Inn Carryout & Delivery Inc., devoted to delivery services. The first Cottage Inn store under this new company was founded at Packard and Hill streets in Ann Arbor. In June 1986, the first franchise opened in Ypsilanti. In 2003, the new corporate headquarters and distribution center opened in Ann Arbor.[8] In 2017, Cottage Inn opened a franchise location in China.[4]

Franchises

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The first franchise was granted in 1986.[2] Early in 2014, Cottage Inn revealed a proposal to use a franchising business model to grow nationally.[9] As of 2022, they had 44 company-owned stores and nine independently franchised locations,[2] and annual sales totaled US $66 million.[10] In 2023, they were named in Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500 List".[2] The company credits their training in social media and digital marketing for growth.[1]

Sponsorships and community support

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In 2012, Cottage Inn partnered with the Michigan International Speedway to become the official pizza vendor on NASCAR weekends.[11] The Cottage Inn's original plan of 24-hour delivery service was scaled back due to logistical and staffing issues.[12] Cottage Inn also serves as a pizza vendor for other events held at the Michigan International Speedway, including the Faster Horses Festival.[13]

They take part in annual community service projects, including the Thanksgiving dinner giveaway.[citation needed]

Food

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They sell Italian and Greek food.[7] Their Cuban pizza, part of the pickle pizza trend, placed in the gourmet pizza category at the 2015 North American Pizza Show.[14]

References

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  1. ^ a b Haynes, Jessica (2017-03-10). "Michigan-based Cottage Inn Pizza planning to double locations, expand in China". The Ann Arbor News. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  2. ^ a b c d The 2023 Franchise 500 List. (2023). Entrepreneur, 51(1), (Sp)124-(Sp)212.
  3. ^ "Franchise Opportunities". CottageInnFranchise.com. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Cottage Inn Pizza looks to win slice of market". China Daily. Archived from the original on 2021-11-24. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  5. ^ "Cottage Inn About Us section".
  6. ^ Coffee, Makayla (2023-09-27). "Original Cottage Inn location is up for sale in Ann Arbor". The Ann Arbor News. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  7. ^ a b c Johnston, Bronwyn; Ji Hoon Choi (2023-09-28). "Original Cottage Inn location up for sale". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  8. ^ "About". CottageInn.com.
  9. ^ "Cottage Inn Set to Increase Locations in Michigan". PRWeb. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
  10. ^ U.S. Systemwide Sales. (2023). Nation’s Restaurant News, 57(6).
  11. ^ Alfs, Lizzy. "Ann Arbor's Cottage Inn partners with Michigan International Speedway for campsite delivery". AnnArbor.com. Ann Arbor.com. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  12. ^ Cunningham, Pete. "Cottage Inn scales back plans for pizza delivery at MIS on NASCAR weekends". AnnArbor.com. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  13. ^ Jennings, Zeke (20 July 2013). "Faster Horses Festival: Food and beverage options are plentiful, including crab cakes". MLive.com. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  14. ^ Raven, Benjamin (2018-10-25). "Pickle pizza is a new trend and here's where to find it in Michigan". mlive. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
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