Ethan Badger: Domino’s Franchisee and First Recipient of Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund

“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.”

Ethan Badger began working at Domino’s as a dish washer when he was 16 years old. If you would’ve told him that he would own his own store by the age of 25, he would’ve laughed and said, “Yeah right.”

Fast forward seven years and Ethan is the proud owner of Domino’s in Metropolis, Illinois, and the first recipient of Domino’s Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund.

Domino’s created its Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund in 2021 to create a legacy that enables strong Black ownership across the Domino’s community and among franchise owners in particular. It was created with three things in mind: to illustrate Domino’s commitment to franchise diversity; to instill that building franchisee diversity is not an event – it is who we are; and lastly, to redefine the company for generations by enabling strong Black ownership.

“It’s just another reason why I love Domino’s so much,” said Ethan. “This opportunity is truly amazing and a dream come true! I’m proud to be the first recipient of the Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund, but I’m even more excited for all of us in the initial group to pave the road for future programs that are as awesome as this one!”

Domino’s Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund recipients receive a scholarship to cover Franchise Management School costs such as tuition, travel and expenses. The scholarship also includes $50,000 of working capital that franchisees can put towards their first store. Recipients also receive financial and franchisee mentorship as part of the program. With the financial help, training and mentorship provided by Domino’s Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund, Ethan was able to purchase his first store from fellow franchisee Ed Razban.

“I fell in love with Domino’s when I truly started to understand the flow of things,” said Ethan. “My competitive side kicks in when getting the store ready before the rush to see how well we can handle it.”

After joining Domino’s and working his way up, Ethan became a general manager for franchise owners Mark Ratterman and Lance Vosburgh in Mount Vernon, Illinois. While there, he knew that he’d want to open his own Domino’s store one day.

“I would like to show the kids and people in our community that you don’t have to be a celebrity or famous to have everything you want in life,” Ethan said. “Opportunities are always out there. It takes hard work and perseverance to achieve your goals.”

And Ethan did just that.

“Ethan has a strong work ethic, a great attitude and has what it takes to succeed,” Mark said. “He has pizza sauce running through his veins and is going to make a wonderful Domino’s franchise owner. He knows the hard work it takes – and I have no doubt in my mind, he is going to be great!”

So what’s next for Ethan?

“I would love to purchase a second store in the next five years,” he said.

Ethan, we can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you’ll do!

If you’re interested in joining the Domino’s team, visit jobs.dominos.com.