Pino's Pizza: An Instructional Case^*

Abstract This case asks students to prepare a report addressing a number of strategic and operational issues at Pino's Pizza, a small chain of pizzerias in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Pino's son, Mario, is taking over the business and has several new ideas that he wants to explore. He has asked for help in assessing various expansion opportunities, introducing new products, changing the current delivery method, and developing a better information system. Students must obtain an understanding of Pino's current vision and mission, strategic position, and financial situation before analyzing the strategic fit and quantitative and qualitative implications of the alternatives under consideration. These strategic alternatives include franchising the Pino's Pizza name, opening a new sit‐down restaurant, and entering into a new partnership with a local winery. Mario is also considering offering gluten‐free pizza, outsourcing pizza delivery, and designing a new computer system to ensure adequate controls. The case will enable students to integrate a number of issues faced by a small business seeking growth through evaluating strategic and operational issues and providing supported recommendations.