Domino’s Pizza Announces Carryout Deals as Deliveries Falter

Domino’s Pizza has announced its intentions to provide carryout deals for its customers following news that its carryout business has increased recently, in part due to increased delivery prices.

PR Newswire is reporting that the pizza giant will have carryout specials from Aug. 12 to Aug. 18, where customers can snag large two-topping pizzas for $6.99 each.

“Domino’s weeklong carryout special is one of our customers’ favorite deals and we’re excited to bring it back, as we know how much customers appreciate delicious food at a great value,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s senior vice president – chief brand officer, in a statement accompanying the press release. “August is already here and before we know it, summer will be winding down. Whatever your activities are this week – whether enjoying a beach day, outdoor sporting event, picnic or preparing to go back to school – we hope you make the carryout special a part of your plans.”

Domino’s customers can choose between Hand Tossed, Crunchy Thin, and New York Style crust, and any two toppings are acceptable.

News of this week-long carryout special comes shortly after the brand downgraded its full-year profit forecast in the UK. According to the Financial Times, the London-based UK franchise of the U.S. pizza delivery company announced that its profit would be “towards the lower end of the current range of market expectations.”

Earlier this month, Domino’s Pizza CEO Russell Weiner came under fire for attacking the premise of “value meals” launched by the chain’s competition, such as McDonald’s, Del Taco, and Burger King. 

Weiner attempted to allay investors’ concerns regarding the pizza giant’s recent 14% price loss, which they described as “its worst one-day stock decline in more than a decade.”

The franchisee declared its intention to close up to 80 low-volume stores in Japan and reduce the total number of sites in France by 10 to 20 in mid-July. According to Weiner, the company has not changed its forecast for sales and profits, and the expansion of stores in countries like China and India helps to somewhat offset the worldwide slowdown.

The chain’s rise in order counts in the United States across all income cohorts was seen favorably by analysts, despite same-store sales in the second quarter falling short of projections. Weiner said that the increase was caused by larger orders placed by both new and returning consumers.

Weiner claimed that this is primarily because of the products and services the company offers, which he is trying to market as being better than those of competitors. Discounts on specific menu items have been offered by chains such as McDonald’s for a restricted period of time. In contrast, Domino’s Pizza sells nearly every pair of items on its menu — including gourmet pizzas and loaded cheesy breads — for $6.99 each when you purchase two or more.

“It’s like ‘hey, the rest of our menu is expensive, but you can get this one thing you may or may not like cheaper,’” Weiner said. “That’s not value.”