Chester Business of the Month: Domino's Pizza is first honoree in new chamber awards program

The Chester Chamber of Commerce has chosen Domino's Pizza as its inaugural Business of the Month, a new program to honor chamber members who provide exceptional service to the community.

The recipients will get signage to display for the month at their business, as well as recognition on the Chamber's message board and social media.

Nick Burch, general manager of Southern Illinois Pizza LLC, the franchise holder of the local Domino's, said Jan. 2 was Domino's ninth anniversary in Chester. he said the store will get remodeled sometime in 2020 before their 10th anniversary here.

"Domino's has evolved quite a bit over the past 10 years," Burch said. "Our recipe was revamped in 2009 and since then we continue to make improvements all the time. In fact, not much is the same as it was 10 years ago. Our uniforms have changed, the logo has changed, and even the look of our stores have changed."

Part of the renovation will involve transforming the restaurant into a "Pizza Theater" to allow for a more interactive experience, as well as a fresh new look.

"We are so thankful that the community of Chester has supported us over the years, and we try to give back in any way we can," Burch said.

"Sometimes people think that because you are part of a national franchise, you are not a "local" business," he added. "In some cases that is true, but in the case of Domino's, over 90% of their franchise owners started out as delivery drivers and pizza makers and built their own American dream."

Burch said the Chester chamber has been an "invaluable" asset, "that we are proud to be a part of. I encourage anyone who is not already a member to join."

The chamber looks forward to recognizing more members throughout the year.