Happy Joe’s Pizza Celebrates Record Growth Year for Franchise Expansion

For over 50 years, Happy Joe’s Pizza has been more than just a purveyor of delicious pizza and ice cream; it has become a “safe haven” for families and children, as described by Tom Sacco, the company’s Chief “Happiness” Officer.

Founded in 1972 by Joe Whitty in Davenport, Iowa, Happy Joe’s Pizza has a rich history. Whitty, a “baker by trade,” initially worked for Shakey’s Pizza, where he sought to improve their pizza dough. Sacco recalls, “From what I understand, he went to Shakey’s and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got an opportunity with my background, I think I can really improve our pizza dough.’” When the company challenged him to leave and start his own restaurant, he did just that, and the legacy of Happy Joe’s began.

Today, the brand still utilizes that original dough recipe, a testament to its commitment to quality. “I try to be as true, not knowing him, but understanding some of his characteristics and attributes,” Sacco shared with FOX Business.

With a career rooted in the restaurant industry, Sacco began working in his grandfather’s kitchen at just eight years old. After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, along with a law degree, he chose to follow his passion for food and hospitality. He joined Happy Joe’s Pizza in 2020, drawn by the brand’s family-oriented mission.

Happy Joe’s Pizza was the first restaurant company in the world to create a Taco Pizza, according to their website. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)

During a visit to Iowa before taking the helm, Sacco engaged with locals about their experiences with Happy Joe’s. He was moved by the “magical memories” they shared, prompting him to think, “I’m going to help them because I want my family, my grandchildren, to grow up with the same memories that I was told by all these people.”

In 2025, Happy Joe’s celebrated a “milestone year” of growth and community impact. The brand reopened a franchise in New Ulm, Minnesota, and is expanding its presence in Texas and Arizona. “This year showed what is possible when franchisees, team members, and guests believe in that mission,” Sacco stated.

The company debuted a food truck in October 2025, according to reports. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)

Despite facing inflationary pressures, Sacco revitalized the original recipes just before the COVID-19 pandemic. “When everybody was taking a hit, we saw an uptick in sales,” he noted. This success continued into 2025, demonstrating the brand’s resilience.

Happy Joe’s is also committed to philanthropy and community involvement. The company has received numerous awards for its efforts to give back to the communities that have supported its growth.

The restaurant has various locations throughout the Quad Cities area and is looking to expand into Texas, Arizona, and more, according to Sacco. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)

In a heartfelt moment, Sacco expressed that while Happy Joe’s Pizza operates as a business, “the calling is so much more.” The company hosts an annual event known as Happy Joe’s Holiday Parties for Children with Special Needs, which saw around 2,000 attendees this year. “It’s so touching to me to see these kids care that much about a pizza,” he said, visibly moved. “It’s not the pizza; it’s the magic that the pizza creates for them.”

As Happy Joe’s looks forward to 2026, Sacco aims to continue his role as a “servant leader.” “I try to be the best servant leader I can be. I try to lead by example… If you care, that’s what you do,” he concluded. “Bringing back caring to Happy Joe’s was one of the missing elements.”

For over 50 years, Happy Joe’s Pizza has been more than just a purveyor of delicious pizza and ice cream; it has become a “safe haven” for families and children, as described by Tom Sacco, the company’s Chief “Happiness” Officer.

Founded in 1972 by Joe Whitty in Davenport, Iowa, Happy Joe’s Pizza has a rich history. Whitty, a “baker by trade,” initially worked for Shakey’s Pizza, where he sought to improve their pizza dough. Sacco recalls, “From what I understand, he went to Shakey’s and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got an opportunity with my background, I think I can really improve our pizza dough.’” When the company challenged him to leave and start his own restaurant, he did just that, and the legacy of Happy Joe’s began.

Today, the brand still utilizes that original dough recipe, a testament to its commitment to quality. “I try to be as true, not knowing him, but understanding some of his characteristics and attributes,” Sacco shared with FOX Business.

With a career rooted in the restaurant industry, Sacco began working in his grandfather’s kitchen at just eight years old. After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, along with a law degree, he chose to follow his passion for food and hospitality. He joined Happy Joe’s Pizza in 2020, drawn by the brand’s family-oriented mission.

Happy Joe’s Pizza was the first restaurant company in the world to create a Taco Pizza, according to their website. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)

During a visit to Iowa before taking the helm, Sacco engaged with locals about their experiences with Happy Joe’s. He was moved by the “magical memories” they shared, prompting him to think, “I’m going to help them because I want my family, my grandchildren, to grow up with the same memories that I was told by all these people.”

In 2025, Happy Joe’s celebrated a “milestone year” of growth and community impact. The brand reopened a franchise in New Ulm, Minnesota, and is expanding its presence in Texas and Arizona. “This year showed what is possible when franchisees, team members, and guests believe in that mission,” Sacco stated.

The company debuted a food truck in October 2025, according to reports. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)

Despite facing inflationary pressures, Sacco revitalized the original recipes just before the COVID-19 pandemic. “When everybody was taking a hit, we saw an uptick in sales,” he noted. This success continued into 2025, demonstrating the brand’s resilience.

Happy Joe’s is also committed to philanthropy and community involvement. The company has received numerous awards for its efforts to give back to the communities that have supported its growth.

The restaurant has various locations throughout the Quad Cities area and is looking to expand into Texas, Arizona, and more, according to Sacco. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)

In a heartfelt moment, Sacco expressed that while Happy Joe’s Pizza operates as a business, “the calling is so much more.” The company hosts an annual event known as Happy Joe’s Holiday Parties for Children with Special Needs, which saw around 2,000 attendees this year. “It’s so touching to me to see these kids care that much about a pizza,” he said, visibly moved. “It’s not the pizza; it’s the magic that the pizza creates for them.”

As Happy Joe’s looks forward to 2026, Sacco aims to continue his role as a “servant leader.” “I try to be the best servant leader I can be. I try to lead by example… If you care, that’s what you do,” he concluded. “Bringing back caring to Happy Joe’s was one of the missing elements.”