Riko’s Pizza closed Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a $10,000 donation to Susan G. Komen after a guest-led checkout campaign across 10 restaurants in October. Customers could round up their bill or donate a larger amount to receive a co-branded Riko’s x Komen sticker or a breast cancer awareness bracelet. The result shows how a focused, neighborhood brand can rally meaningful support.
“Riko’s Pizza is all about family, community, and giving back,” said Rico Imbrogno, Founder and CEO. “When we have the opportunity to use our platform to make a meaningful impact, we’re all in. Fortunately, our rockstar clientele is also dedicated to the same values. On behalf of the entire Riko’s team, I would like to thank every guest who donated to our campaign this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you or someone you love has been affected by breast cancer, we stand with you, and we’re proud to stand with Susan G. Komen in the fight.”
Nicole Marohn, executive director of Susan G. Komen New England, underscored the campaign’s impact. “The generous donation from Riko’s will allow Komen to meet the needs of patients and continue our efforts to make breast health care more affordable and accessible to all,” she said. “We appreciate everyone who donated to this partnership and their support of the mission of Susan G. Komen.”
How the Campaign Worked
Throughout October, team members at participating Riko’s locations prompted guests to give at the point of sale. The brand offered three simple pathways: round up to the nearest dollar, choose a larger preset amount that came with a co-branded sticker, or opt for an elevated donation that included a breast cancer awareness bracelet. Clear in-store signage and quick prompts at checkout made participation easy for dine-in and takeout customers.
Playbook: Donation Options Franchises Can Use at Checkout
Franchise brands looking to replicate Riko’s results can lean into low-friction choices at the register or online cart. Here are practical options to consider:
- Round-Up to Donate: Invite guests to round up their bill to the nearest dollar; this builds momentum through many small gifts.
- Preset Giving Buttons: Offer $3, $5, and $10 donation buttons that add to the ticket in one tap; label each with the nonprofit’s name for clarity.
- Give-and-Get Items: Pair higher tiers with a small thank-you item such as a co-branded sticker or bracelet; keep fulfillment simple at the counter.
- QR Code Boosters: Place a QR code at the table tent or receipt for guests who want to give more after checkout.
- Team Challenges: Track location-level totals and recognize stores weekly; light competition energizes staff conversations.
- Transparent Receipts: List the donation as a separate line item so customers can see exactly where funds are going.
Brand and Mission, Working as One
Founded in 2011, Riko’s Pizza is a neighborhood-driven concept known for super thin crust tavern-style pies like the Hot Oil Pie, oven-roasted wings, made-to-order salads, and a full bar program. The company operates 11 locations across Connecticut, Florida, New York, and North Carolina, with additional sites planned along the East Coast. The restaurants feature modern bars, open dining rooms, outdoor spaces, and TVs that anchor a local, family-friendly vibe.
Komen’s mission aligns with that community-first approach; the organization works to save lives by meeting critical needs in local communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Komen reports nearly $1.1 billion invested in research and approximately $2.5 billion invested overall in advocacy, education, community programs, and patient support services, which include free, personalized navigation through its Patient Care Center. The well-known “1 in 8” statistic underscores the urgency; women in the United States face about a 13 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and mortality has declined in recent decades, a trend linked to earlier detection and improved treatment.
By pairing a neighborhood hospitality model and franchise heart with Komen’s comprehensive, patient-centered mission, Riko’s translated everyday guest traffic into support that reaches both research labs and individuals seeking care and guidance.
