Tom Sacco, the Chief Executive Officer, president, and principal “joy” officer at Happy Joe’s Pizza, characterizes the company as a “commercial venture,” yet he asserts that its “mission transcends far beyond” simply serving the communities. (Fox News Digital / Olivia Palombo)
For over five decades, Happy Joe’s Pizza has offered much more than just its renowned pizza and ice cream; it has cultivated something even more significant: a “secure sanctuary” for young people and families, according to Tom Sacco, the company’s Chief “Happiness” Officer.
The enterprise, headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, commenced its operations in 1972, established by Joe Whitty. Originally a “baker by profession,” he eventually worked for Shakey’s Pizza.
“As I gather, he approached Shakey’s and stated, ‘With my background, I believe I can significantly enhance our pizza dough,’” recounted Tom Sacco, the current Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief “Happiness” Officer of Happy Joe’s Pizza.
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“They responded, ‘If you doubt the quality of our pizza dough, perhaps you should depart and open your own pizza establishment,’” Sacco continued.
To this present day, the brand maintains the utilization of that identical dough recipe, Sacco affirmed.
“I endeavor to remain as faithful as possible, despite not having known him personally, but by comprehending some of his traits and attributes,” Sacco shared with FOX Business.
Sacco has dedicated his entire professional life to the restaurant sector, beginning his work in his grandfather’s kitchen at the tender age of eight. Even after earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and concluding law school, he still opted to pursue a vocation within the food service industry.
Happy Joe’s Pizza introduced the world’s first Taco Pizza, according to its official website. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)
Following a career spent with various other eateries, he became a part of Happy Joe’s Pizza in 2020.
“I feel quite at ease within this industry, but what genuinely captivated me was the fundamental essence of Happy Joe’s. It consistently centers on kinship and revolves around youngsters,” Sacco elaborated.
Sacco recalled that during a visit to Iowa prior to assuming leadership of the company, he toured several stores, inquiring if patrons were acquainted with the brand. He explained that those he conversed with “would then proceed to recount [him] all these marvelous recollections they possessed.”
“I reflected, ‘You know what? I’m going to assist them because it’s a commendable brand, but I’m also going to be self-serving,” Sacco revealed. “I will aid them because I desire my kin, my grandkids, to mature with the identical fond memories that countless individuals shared with me.”
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In 2025, the corporation reported a “landmark year” of expansion and community influence, according to a press release distributed to Fox Business.
The company re-opened a franchised location in New Ulm, Minn., accompanied by “renewed developmental initiatives” supporting anticipated growth across Texas and Iowa, among other states. It is also broadening its presence on the West Coast, with a new opening slated for Oro Valley, Ariz., in the spring.
“This year demonstrated the potential when franchisees, team members, and patrons embrace that objective,” Sacco stated in the release. “We expanded into novel markets, garnered recognition from our sector, and fostered significant experiences for the communities we cherish. As we look ahead to 2026, we are dedicated to preserving that ethos at the core of all our endeavors.”
The enterprise introduced a food truck in October 2025, as per various reports. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)
While the organization has achieved considerable prosperity over the past few years, this has not been without encountering regular inflationary pressures. Sacco indicated that despite these economic strains, he “revived” the authentic products that Whitty had been utilizing just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So when everyone else was enduring a setback, we observed an increase in sales,” Sacco mentioned. “That upward trend persisted, truly, until the conclusion of [2025].”
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Sacco expressed that this endeavor felt like he was “going against conventional wisdom.”
“It was almost as if I intended to diverge from the norm, not because I needed to implement something distinct, but because I believed that when the long-standing franchisees advised, ‘Tom, if there’s one thing we can impart, [it’s to] adhere to [Whitty’s] recipe,’” said Sacco.
The company is also deeply invested in charitable activities and community engagement. According to its web portal, the firm has received numerous accolades and developed a range of initiatives to “reciprocate to the localities that have contributed to [their] immense success.”
The eatery boasts various branches throughout the Quad Cities vicinity and aims to expand into Texas, Arizona, and other areas, according to Sacco. (Happy Joe’s Pizza / Unknown)
In a poignant moment, Sacco articulated that while the organization operates as a business, “the true objective [of Happy Joe’s Pizza] is immeasurably greater.”
The corporation organizes an annual celebration known as Happy Joe’s Holiday Parties for Children with Special Needs. This year, the company reported an approximate attendance of 2,000 youngsters. Sacco remarked that these instances are what “energize him” for what lies ahead.
“It’s profoundly moving for me to witness these kids care so deeply about a pizza,” Sacco uttered, his eyes glistening with tears. “It’s not merely the pizza; it’s the enchantment that the pizza conjures for them.”
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As the enterprise progresses with its expansion efforts in 2026, Sacco affirmed his intention to continue serving as a “supportive leader.”
“I strive to be the most effective servant leader I can be. I aim to lead by personal conduct… If you genuinely care, that is what you do,” Sacco declared. “I believe reintroducing empathy to Happy Joe’s was one of the components that had been absent.”