WHATA LOTTA PIZZA IS A TRUE AMERICAN DREAM STORY

During the summer of 1989, Wayne La Vigne, with his wife Bonnie and 2 sons, Michael and Brian, decided to sell everything they owned, cash-in their insurance, maxed out their credit cards and drove 3 weeks in a ’66 Chevy Step van from Michigan to Orange County, California to open a pizzeria and start a pizza business.

Their goal was to open a business offering the best pizzas at the lowest price possible regardless of what the competition was doing. The La Vigne family opened their first store in September 1989 and within the next two years they opened additional stores in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.

The La Vigne family opened their first store in September 1989 in Newport Beach under the name, “Valentina's 2 for 1 Pizza.” The original restaurants were traditional family operated pizzerias offering take out and deliveries with a wide ranging menu. Within the next two years they opened additional stores in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.

Although sales continued to grow at a better than expected rate, Wayne recognized that with the increase in competition, it was the right time to start the concept he initially planned…eliminate all the gimmicks marketed by national chains, move to a limited menu and provide a take-out only pizzeria.

In July of 1992, the La Vigne family created the name ‘Whata Lotta Pizza’ and changed their approach to efficiency-driven everyday value, while continuing to maintain high standards by using the finest ingredients.

By creating these efficiencies in operations, it enabled us to create a concept which focused solely on the customer; the customers would receive the great taste of our pizzas while also receiving the benefits of the lowest price possible.

The family held concept has successfully expanded to its current level today and moreover developed a strategic plan to expand nationwide over the next few years. Even with fluctuations in the economy, Whata Lotta Pizza not only prevailed, but has experienced record sales despite increased competition.

The Whata Lotta Pizza slogan “BETTER TASTE… BETTER PRICE” is becoming increasingly recognized and appreciated by old and new customers alike.

Our first franchisee has enjoyed continuous growth in sales and profitability since opening in 2000. Today, Whata Lotta Pizza is positioned to become a nationally recognized brand within a few years.

This success was the impetus for Wayne La Vigne to be nominated for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2006.

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