Giordano’s, the iconic Chicago-based pizza chain, has officially named Nick Scarpino as its new CEO, effective December 9. Scarpino steps into this role following the retirement of Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, who has been at the helm since 2011. During his tenure, Koutsogiorgas masterminded significant growth, doubling the number of locations and expanding the brand from its core market in Illinois to nine other states. Under his leadership, Giordano’s now boasts over 60 U.S. locations, split between 33 franchised units and 29 company-owned spots.
Koutsogiorgas wasn’t just focused on physical expansion; he also ushered Giordano’s into the digital age. In 2012, he launched the chain’s e-commerce platform, allowing customers to enjoy Giordano’s famous stuffed pizzas well beyond its retail locations. This innovative move included partnerships with delivery services like Gold Belly, making it simpler than ever for fans nationwide to satisfy their cravings. Beyond the digital realm, Giordano’s became an integral part of Chicago’s sports scene, fostering exclusive partnerships with teams like the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks, thereby solidifying its community presence.
Nick Scarpino joins Giordano’s with an impressive background in marketing, amassing 20 years of experience, a decade of which he spent in the restaurant industry. His most recent role was as the Chief Marketing Officer at Portillo’s since 2015, where he played a pivotal part in establishing the brand’s online ordering platform, nationwide delivery services, and securing key brand partnerships. Scarpino also boasts digital leadership experience from his time at Google, adding a distinct edge to his strategic capabilities. Given his diverse skill set and track record of successful branding initiatives, Scarpino’s appointment is a calculated move to uphold and amplify Giordano’s competitiveness in the pizza industry.
As Giordano’s looks ahead to 2024, the company appears well-positioned to achieve positive customer traffic and strong sales relative to the previous year. Koutsogiorgas will remain on the board of directors, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in vision. The industry will be watching closely to see how Nick Scarpino’s fresh leadership will steer the beloved pizza chain into a new era, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor. This strategic leadership change aims to foster innovative growth, blending seasoned expertise with new-age digital prowess to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry.
