Domino is a flat, thumb-sized rectangular block with one face that’s blank and the other that bears from one to six alternating squares of dots or pips. 28 dominoes make up a complete set. The word comes from Latin, where it denoted a type of blocking game that encourages careful rule-making. The word is also used to describe a line or arrangement of such blocks, and as a name for any of the games played with them. Dominoes are usually placed edge to edge to create a sequence of values, or a chain, which can then be flipped over for scoring or play.
In the late 1950s, Domino’s founder David Brandon and his wife began selling pizza by mail order, a service that allowed them to cater to the needs of specific markets. The business took off, and by 1967, the first Domino’s store opened in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A few years later, the company incorporated. The new Domino’s chain focused on high-traffic areas, mainly near college campuses, to target students who were often in a hurry for pizza and other fast foods. Domino’s grew rapidly, reaching 200 locations by 1978.
During this time, the business was faced with many challenges, such as high employee turnover and a weak image in the industry. In an effort to boost sales, Domino’s decided to make its stores more attractive and more modern. The company introduced new products, such as pizza appetizers and pasta, and worked on improving customer satisfaction. It also changed the way it trained managers and franchisees. Previously, managers were considered “leaders” and acted as “guides,” but Domino’s now encouraged its managers to act as “dominoes,” or builders of domino chains, rather than mere supervisors.
The chain also increased its presence on the internet and made it easy for customers to order online, even if they were far from a Domino’s location. In addition, Domino’s offered a loyalty program that allowed people to earn free pizza and other rewards for spending money at the chain. This approach helped Domino’s stay competitive and attract more consumers.
Domino’s strategy was successful, and it has continued to grow today. The company has over 26,000 locations worldwide and generates nearly $7 billion in annual revenue. The chain’s success is attributed to its emphasis on innovation and its focus on the customer. Domino’s is a model for other businesses that seek to become leaders in their industries.
The domino effect refers to any action that causes a series of events to follow one another, like a series of dominoes that fall when you tip the first one ever-so-slightly. When it comes to writing, you can use the domino effect to create a story that has a clear structure and builds toward a dramatic climax.