Blackjack Pizza is a Colorado-based pizza delivery chain founded in 1983 by a former Domino's Pizza employee, Vince Schmuhl, because Domino's Pizza was the only major pizza delivery company in the Rocky Mountain region[1] and he thought customers would appreciate an alternative.[2] On January 1, 2013, Blackjack Pizza was acquired by Askar Brands.
History
While a University of Northern Colorado college student, Vince Schmuhl was a delivery driver for Domino's Pizza.[3] After receiving a business degree in 1981, there were few jobs available, and Schmuhl wanted to provide another option to the major pizza companies.[3] In exchange for equity, his parents, Jim and Wilma Schmuhl, gave him $10,000 to start Blackjack Pizza.[3]
In 1988, Blackjack became a franchisor with the sale of several corporate stores to franchisees.Blackjack Pizza operated 45 stores in five states.[9] Blackjack's tagline is "Better Pizza, Better Price."[10]
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the high schoolseniors who committed the 1999 Columbine High School massacre worked at the Blackjack Pizza store in Littleton, Colorado, and Harris eventually became shift manager.[11] At this pizza parlor, the two teens made important acquaintances who were inadvertently connected to the attack at Columbine High School.[12] The two teens were able to meet Mark Manes, the man who sold them the TEC-9 that they used in the attack, through the connection of Philip Duran, a fellow employee at the Blackjack Pizza store where they worked.[13][14][15]
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith frequently appeared in Blackjack commercials until October 2008 when Blackjack rolled out a new ad campaign featuring the cast of Impulse Theater.[16] Smith's slogan for Blackjack Pizza ads was "Stick with the home team."[17][18]
Philanthropy
Blackjack Pizza has donated money to several organizations. In 2005, Blackjack donated $8,842.40 to the Bonfils Blood Center Foundation, which Blackjack Pizza selected to be the winner of the "80 Cent Pizza Promotion".[9][19] The pizzeria also sponsored a Future Farmers of America program in Fort Morgan, Colorado.[20] In 2006, the franchise offered a deal to customers: every time they ordered the "Children's Hospital Special", the franchise would give a dollar to the Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.[21]
Acquisitions
On January 1, 2013, Blackjack Pizza was acquired by Askar Brands, a Michigan-based company.[22]
8.United States Summary, 2010: Population and housing unit counts. U.S. Census Bureau, 2012.p. V-20 (SL22-PA20). "CENTENNIAL CITY, CO (2010 population rank 281). Incorporated in 2001, including all of Castlewood and Southglenn CDPs."^
