Franchisee Zoltan Nagy says supporting local organizations is part of building a business in the community
The opening of a new Domino’s restaurant in Port Hope became an opportunity to shine a spotlight on several local charities and community organizations.
Rather than limiting the grand opening to a single celebration, local franchisee Zoltan Nagy organized a full week of activities and fundraising efforts supporting organizations including Challenger Baseball, the Youth Hub, Rosecrest and FairShare Food Bank. Local first responders were also recognized during the week.
Nagy, who also operates Domino’s locations in Cobourg and Newcastle, said the idea was to make the opening about more than the restaurant itself and create a larger connection with the community.
For FairShare Food Bank Executive Director Meghan Flindall, those partnerships can provide benefits that extend beyond a single donation.
Flindall said financial contributions can help food banks purchase essential items that may not always come through donations, including meat, milk and eggs. She added that partnerships with local businesses also help raise awareness about the services charities provide.
FairShare, which operates locations in both Port Hope and Cobourg, was the Saturday recipient during the week of community-focused activities.
Flindall said Nagy and his team spread their support across several organizations rather than focusing on just one cause.
Nagy said his approach to community involvement comes from more than two decades working with Domino’s, including experience as a driver, manager, franchise consultant and corporate employee.
Through that experience, he said he saw other franchisees supporting their communities through fundraisers and sponsorships and wanted to continue that approach with his own locations.
Nagy said the response from organizations and residents has reinforced the value of those partnerships.
For Flindall, that shared participation is an important part of what makes local partnerships meaningful. The financial support can help organizations meet immediate needs, while the visibility created through community events can introduce their work to people who may not otherwise know how to get involved.
The opening week may have marked the arrival of a new business in Port Hope, but the larger message focused on the organizations and community members working together behind the scenes.
