ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Tomorrow, Tuesday February 20, 2018, Dion’s celebrates its 40th anniversary. The past 40 years have been filled with plenty of hand-crafted pizza and Ranch dressing.
The company now employs over 1,600 people and runs 23 restaurants in three states. 40 years ago the co-founders of Dion’s, Jon Patten and Bill Scott, came to Albuquerque from Michigan with dreams of opening a Greek restaurant. Their dream changed when their customers fell in love with the pizza they served before their gyro and baklava equipment arrived. Patten said, “We’ve always believed great food comes first, and when our customers requested more pizza we knew we had to keep making it.” The only reminder of Dion’s original restaurant concept on the menu is its Greek salad and dressing. Dion’s has received numerous awards over the past 40 years, including “The Quick-Track Award of Excellence” from Sandelman and Associates, where Dion’s was ranked as a top-five quick-serve restaurant multiple times. Dion’s was also voted “Best Pizza” by Albuquerque the Magazine, “Best Sandwich” in the Albuquerque Journal Reader’s Choice Awards, and “Most Admired” company in New Mexico’s Private 100 List in 2015. “It is crazy to think it’s been 40 years since we opened the first Dion’s,” said Scott. “We had no idea what we were doing then, and shouldn’t have made it this far. After the buzz around the release of Green Chile Ranch last year, it is safe to say a lot of people are very glad we kept growing.” Since the new dressing went viral, more than 2.5 million ounces have been sold. When reflecting on the past 40 years, Scott said, “We made mistakes and learned along the way, it’s been an exciting and rewarding journey.” Patten said, “We are honored by the enthusiasm of Dion’s fans and are as committed as ever to serving amazing food in a comfortable environment. We are anxious to see what the next 40 years, and beyond, will bring.” About Dion’s Dion’s provides great food and a place for people to relax and connect with family and friends. We create ease, simplicity, and connection amidst the hustle and bustle of busy lives. We hold ourselves to an expectation of authenticity and excellence. Our employees, customers, and community members are partners in success. Together we develop opportunities to grow and thrive as a company, as individuals, and as a community. For more information, visit www.dions.com or call 505-858-1010, Facebook: facebook.com/DionsPizza, Twitter: @dionspizza or Instagram: instagram.com/dionspizza. 
