Domino's remodels with dine-in option

Fast-food pizza chain Domino's will spend $32 million over the next few years upgrading its New Zealand and Australian stores, it was announced yesterday.

The refurbishment will include seating for customers who want to dine in, and where possible a pizza "make line" will be at the front of the store, so customers can see their pizza being made.

Other changes will include wood panelling, new signage and softer tones to create a more "welcoming" atmosphere.

Domino's NZ general manager, Josh Kilimnik, said customers would also be able to customise their pizzas and decide their own toppings.

"If someone wants more onions or prawns, we can oblige that," he said.

Domino's launched a healthy range of pizzas last month, Kilimnik said.

"Our new range ensure customers can make healthier choices if they want to. We know health-conscious people still want to go out and have fun, and the good choice range ensures they can still lead a balanced life."

Kilimnik said the company had conducted focus groups to determine what customers wanted, and being able to eat a pizza at Domino's was a common request.

"Where the site permits, there will be a make line at the front of the store. People love to see what's happening, and see their pizzas being made. There is a bit of theatre about it.

"We will be updating our signature, putting in Wi-Fi so that people on iPhones or other devices can access the internet. The back-end will be changed, we're upgrading equipment."

Franchised stores would also refurbish their stores to ensure they kept up with retail trends and customer demands, he said. Domino's chief development and franchising officer, Pat McMichael, said many older-looking stores were in need of an upgrade, and the project was a "huge capital expenditure" for Domino's and its franchisees.

"Domino's has been in the New Zealand and Australian market for many years but unfortunately we have some older stores which have become visually unappealing to customers.

"We currently have 40 existing franchise and corporate stores undergoing a new fit-out across New Zealand and Australia."

Domino's and its franchisees have 538 stores in New Zealand and Australia.

The company employs 14,500 part- and full-time staff members in those regions.