Pizza Nova Earns Global Acclaim, Stands Alone for Canada on World Stage

TORONTO, ON – March 25, 2026 – In an industry dominated by global giants, Southern Ontario's Pizza Nova has carved out a significant slice of international acclaim. The family-operated pizzeria, a staple in the region for over six decades, was recently distinguished at Pizza Marketplace’s prestigious Top 100 Movers & Shakers awards, earning the remarkable position of being the only Canadian brand on the globally recognized list.

Adding to the honour, the company's president, Domenic Primucci, was individually named a Top Executive, cementing the brand’s leadership credentials on an international stage. This dual recognition validates a business model built on tradition, quality, and a deep connection to its community, proving that a Canadian success story can resonate worldwide.

A Slice of Global Recognition

The Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers awards, presented annually at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, are a benchmark of excellence in the fiercely competitive global pizza industry. The list, compiled by a panel of editors and industry experts, is not merely a measure of size or sales. Instead, it evaluates brands on a comprehensive set of criteria including company growth, innovative customer engagement, and forward-thinking leadership. Securing a spot is considered a “badge of honor” within the sector.

Pizza Nova’s performance was particularly impressive, landing at 12th overall among 75 top-performing brands from around the world. This achievement places the Ontario-based chain in the upper echelon of industry innovators. While other Canadian brands have occasionally appeared on the list in previous years—such as Alberta's The Mash in 2024—Pizza Nova’s high ranking and its status as the sole Canadian representative this year underscore a particularly strong showing.

In a statement from the original announcement, Domenic Primucci attributed the success to his team. “As a Canadian company, being recognized on an international stage reflects the strength of our franchise network and the consistency our team delivers across every location,” he said. “This honour reflects the passion and dedication of our franchise partners and team members, who bring care and quality to everything we do.”

The Primucci Principle: A Legacy of Leadership

The Top Executive honour bestowed upon Domenic Primucci is a nod to a leadership style forged over a lifetime. His journey with the company began at the age of 14 as a dishwasher, learning the business founded by his immigrant parents in 1963 from the ground up. This hands-on experience has cultivated a leadership philosophy rooted in authenticity, communication, and a profound respect for the franchise model.

Described as a hands-on leader, Primucci is known for maintaining open lines of communication with franchisees, a practice that proved invaluable during the recent turbulent economic climate. His approach is driven by a genuine passion for the brand and a commitment to empowering independent business owners to succeed under the Pizza Nova banner. This dedication to fostering a strong, cohesive network was a key factor cited in the award criteria.

Primucci’s influence extends beyond the company’s operations. He is an active community figure, having been inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame in 2018 and recognized with the Restaurateur of the Year award in 2013. His commitment to philanthropy, including chairing campaigns for the Scarborough and Rouge Hospital Foundation, mirrors the community-centric values instilled in the company since its inception.

The Recipe for Success: Quality, Consistency, and Community

Beyond strong leadership, Pizza Nova’s placement on the Movers & Shakers list speaks to its operational excellence and enduring customer loyalty. Since 1963, the brand has differentiated itself with a steadfast commitment to authentic Italian recipes and high-quality ingredients, a philosophy encapsulated in their “Puro Promise” to use thoughtfully sourced products.

While rooted in tradition, the company has not shied away from innovation. It has adapted to evolving consumer tastes by introducing plant-based pepperoni in 2021 and even experimenting with charcoal dough in 2017, demonstrating an ability to embrace modern trends without compromising its core identity. This balance is critical in a market where consumer preferences are constantly shifting towards healthier and more diverse options.

Customer engagement for the brand is a multi-faceted strategy. While rankings based on Google Maps data place Pizza Nova competitively among its national peers with a respectable 3.93/5 rating, its loyalty runs deeper than online reviews. The brand has cultivated a dedicated following through decades of consistency and an award-winning marketing program, including its iconic radio jingle that has been a fixture on Ontario airwaves since 1987. Furthermore, its deep community involvement, from being the official pizza of the Toronto Blue Jays to raising over $200,000 annually for Variety the Children's Charity, transforms customers into brand advocates.

Navigating a Competitive Market

The international recognition arrives as Pizza Nova navigates a dynamic and challenging Canadian pizza market, which was valued at over USD 1 billion in 2023 and is projected to continue its growth. Despite this expanding market, broader economic headwinds, including higher borrowing costs and elevated construction prices, have led the company to adopt a more measured approach to expansion.

Rather than pursuing rapid, widespread growth, Primucci has noted a strategic shift towards “infill” within existing core markets. This strategy focuses on strengthening service in areas where the brand is already established, sharpening delivery coverage, and increasing street-level presence. This cautious but deliberate approach prioritizes sustainability and franchisee success over sheer location count.

This disciplined strategy, combined with a 60-year legacy of quality and community focus, provides a powerful model for sustained success. By doubling down on the fundamentals that earned them international recognition, Pizza Nova is ensuring its foundation remains solid. This focus on sustainable growth and core values may be the very ingredient that ensures the brand remains a mover and shaker for years to come.