Photo courtesy of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria may be famous for its coal-brick oven, Brooklyn-style pizza, but in Arizona it has also become synonymous with community. When the brand opened its first location outside New York in Old Town Scottsdale in 2003, it brought more than a beloved East Coast staple to the Valley. It brought a philosophy that a neighborhood restaurant should be part of the fabric of local life. Today, with six Valley locations and more than 45 restaurants nationwide, that philosophy is reflected in how Grimaldi’s gives back.
Owner and CEO Joseph Ciolli, an ASU alum who helped bring the concept west, has long believed that business success comes with responsibility. “Our annual giveback initiatives help create local impact, and I’m proud to launch them each year,” Ciolli says. “This is our way to recognize the continued hard work of nonprofits, schools, hospitals and organizations whose efforts align with our values.”
What began as occasional charitable efforts has evolved into a structured approach to community engagement. Under the banner of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in the Community, the company supports charitable giving, food donations and outreach efforts focused on children, families and vulnerable populations. While Grimaldi’s does not operate a formal foundation, its priorities are clear: support nonprofits doing critical work, respond to local needs, and encourage employees and guests to participate in meaningful acts of service.
Photo courtesy of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
One of Grimaldi’s signature initiatives is its participation in National Random Acts of Kindness Week each February. What started as a simple idea, surprising community partners with pizza, has grown into a nationwide tradition. Each year, restaurant teams deliver meals to first responders, shelters, schools and nonprofit organizations.
For those receiving the unexpected gesture, the impact extends beyond the meal itself. “Receiving a surprise delivery of free pizzas from Grimaldi’s during Random Acts of Kindness Week was such an uplifting moment for our team,” says Seanna Perry, donor relations manager at Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. “It not only brought everyone together but also reminded us how powerful small gestures can be in strengthening our community.”
Ciolli sees that same spirit reflected within the company. “Our employees look forward to giving back to the community every year,” he says. “They take pride in supporting our philanthropic programs, and their enthusiasm helps us make a meaningful difference for local nonprofits, children and families.”
Another key initiative is Spirit Nights, which partners with school PTOs and nonprofit organizations for dine-out fundraisers. On designated evenings, a portion of restaurant sales is donated back to participating groups. Over the past year, Spirit Nights generated more than $4,000 for 22 nonprofits nationwide, giving families an easy way to support local causes while sharing a meal together.
Grimaldi’s longest-running national partnership is with No Kid Hungry, the nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Each September during Hunger Awareness Month, guests are invited to contribute to the campaign while Grimaldi’s offers matching bounce-back card incentives. The partnership has become a cornerstone of the company’s charitable efforts, raising $71,000 in 2025 alone.
“Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has been a dedicated partner in the fight against childhood hunger,” says Sara Jamshidi, senior director of corporate partnerships at No Kid Hungry. “Their longstanding commitment helps ensure more children have access to the nutritious meals they rely on each day.”
Photo courtesy of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Beyond these flagship programs, Grimaldi’s maintains a donation request portal for qualifying nonprofit organizations seeking support for community events and fundraising efforts. The company also recognizes those who serve others through special discounts for teachers, nurses, military personnel and veterans.
Community involvement is reflected in leadership as well. Ciolli serves on the board of Childhelp, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse. His service reinforces the company’s longstanding commitment to improving the lives of children and families both inside and outside the restaurant.
While Grimaldi’s does not operate a formal employee volunteer program, its culture of service is evident throughout the organization. Initiatives like Random Acts of Kindness Week have become points of pride for restaurant teams across the country, reinforcing a belief that community support should be an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time campaign.
From its Brooklyn origins to its deep Arizona roots, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has built a legacy defined not only by its iconic pizza but by its dedication to giving back. Through partnerships, fundraising, charitable giving and simple acts of kindness, the company continues to demonstrate that a neighborhood restaurant can serve far more than a meal; it can help strengthen the community around it.
Grimaldi’s in the Community
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as a strategic CSR consultant for Omnicom.
Did You Know: Nonprofits interested in being considered for Grimaldi’s community support can apply online at www.grimaldispizzeria.com/our-story/donation-request.
