Jane Grote Abell

About Jane Grote Abell

At Donatos, we understand that our business is bigger than the pizza. It’s truly the people side that drives our vision. That’s why as Executive Chairwoman of the Board and Chief Purpose Officer, I use my 4C’s of leadership—Character, Courage, Conviction and Compassion—as constant guideposts.This also guides my belief in agape capitalism: When you follow the golden rule, lead with love and do the right thing, success follows. I’ve seen how this uplifts business and communities all my life.I grew up with the family business and worked in our restaurants from a young age. I learned the importance of hospitality early on when customers were literally invited into our home. I sat with them in our living room while they waited for a fresh pizza from the restaurant.Today, we’ve grown into a $250-million operation with 387 stores in 23 states. Yet no matter how much we grow, we are just as committed to our mission to promote goodwill through our product, service, principles and people—every single time. At Donatos, we recognize that consistency matters, for our pizzas and for who we are as leaders.I learned this firsthand when—after selling the company to McDonald’s in was the catalyst behind buying the company back and led the brand rebuilding that stayed true to our original values. Now as Executive Chairwoman, I focus on continuing that growth, including to:• Set strategy and collaborate with my father, company founder Jim Grote, to work on automation innovations that improve quality and efficiency for our customers and associates.• Serve as guiding light for our vision to “be a billion-dollar company that gives more than we receive.”• Foster a family culture across the organization—I enjoy celebrating milestones in stores alongside our people and recognizing their success.Cultivating strong cultures and communities has always been meaningful for our entire family. This is also the legacy I hope to leave, which is why I co-founded the Reeb Avenue Center on the South Side of Columbus—where Donatos started. The Center houses over a dozen nonprofits focused on education and jobs. We’ve raised millions to help lift people out of poverty and transform communities.Specialties include: strategic vision | executive leadership | community impact

Experience

1. Member Board of Directors

   Texas Roadhouse

   Feb 2024 — Present

Education

• The Ohio State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS

  1984 — 1988