New Website and App!

Setting Our Sites High 

Back in 1959, we could never have imagined the digitally-fueled world we now live in. During that Golden Age, brand reach was driven by word-of-mouth. There were no KPIs, ROI, or SEO strategies. If you liked it, you came back. And if you came back, you probably told a friend or family member about how much you enjoyed your food—that was it. The only AI people could relate to? Probably the vowels in the word P-I-Z-Z-A.

Taking a High Tech/High Touch Approach

Today, success in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry means keeping up with how people order food and engage with brands. This means embracing what we call "digital hospitality"—the integration of technology to create seamless, personalized, and welcoming guest experiences across all touchpoints, from initial search to post-visit engagement. It translates traditional, in-person warmth into online interactions through websites, apps, kiosks, QR codes, and automated messaging to build loyalty, enhance convenience, and drive brand value.

In short, it's a commitment to the mantra "Adapt or Die." And statistically speaking, in the restaurant industry, this means adopting new technologies to stay relevant.

Recent surveys show that approximately 60% to 66% of U.S. consumers prefer using self-service technology—kiosks or apps—when ordering food. This begs the question: is human connection overrated?

At Santucci's, we don't think so. For over six decades, excellent customer service has been integral to our brand DNA. Nothing can match the emotional impact of a terrific greeting.

"An authentic 'hello, how are you today' can actually be mood-altering," explains Frank Santucci, Jr., third-generation co-owner and operations director of Santucci's Franchising, LLC. "We know people can go to many other businesses to get really great pizza, but they choose us. A big reason for that is how we've been able to make all customers feel welcomed and appreciated over the years."

Why the Digital Shift?

The data tells a compelling story:

• 70% of consumers prefer to order digitally (app/website) over in-person
• 67% of customers prefer a contactless option when available
• 84% of Gen Z and 76% of Millennials prefer tech-based checkouts
• 71% choose self-service simply because it's faster
• Roughly 30% of Americans experience "menu anxiety" and prefer to avoid real-time conversation when ordering

To Frank's point, a significant portion—roughly 33% to 40%—still value traditional, in-person service. By blending the emotional touch of traditional hospitality with digital speed and convenience, our overarching brand goal is to honor both in-person guest satisfaction and the normalized efficiencies of the digital realm. 

No Line Online

"Three clicks is the new table touch," explains Jami Slotnick, Santucci's brand and marketing director, who has worked with other fast-casual brands during their ambitious scaling periods. "If customers can't get what they want in three clicks or less, they'll likely move on to the next restaurant on their list. Gen Z and Alphas are digital natives. They've never NOT known the power of the smartphone. It's just how they're wired. Santucci's has leveled up our owned assets and doubled down on a sticky digital presence. We don't want to be followers—we want to be trailblazers in this space."

"A great website might not immediately lead to an uptick in sales," shares Alicia Santucci, President and CEO, "but it does tell the world that our legacy brand, a Philadelphia staple, has modernized, innovated, and kept up with the times. We want our customers to engage with us in meaningful ways, whether that's on the app, perusing our new website, or providing feedback on Google. It's a two-way relationship, and like all relationships, things change, the world changes, and we must change with it. This becomes even more evident when we meet with prospective franchisees who are looking for a digital-first brand that still believes in great in-person service."

We built this for you. Our new website gives you a reason to return. From exciting events to interesting blog posts and more, the site is fun, offers a dynamic user experience, and—who can resist—features our fun-loving brand mascot, Slicey!

App-ly Ever After

We're also proud to announce that Santucci's recently launched a free app, currently available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. If you haven't downloaded it yet, search "SANTUCCI'S" in your app store of choice. What we love about the new website and app is how they work together to improve your experience. For instance, you can sign up for our Pizza Perks Rewards program online, then track points on the app, and vice versa.

"Given that 16-to-21-year-olds prefer interacting with their devices, we really wanted to double down on our strategic efforts, focusing on elevating the brand across the board digitally," explains Alicia. "In addition to our owned assets, we're also increasing our presence on platforms like TikTok because there's more to marketing than just ranking on page one. Our franchise owners are so animated and funny. Short-form videos give the public what they're hungry for—slice-of-life, behind-the-scenes footage of entertaining and comical moments."

"Our app is just one more way we can connect with customers," adds Frank. "It's all about the power to connect with brands right in your back pocket. Think of our app as the engine of our Pizza Perks Rewards program. It's never been easier to earn, track, and redeem points. Our customers really love knowing how many points away they are from their next reward."

Fast-casual service in 2025 is all about making it easy for customers to order without glitches or snafus, which is why many of Santucci's locations feature tableside ordering via QR code scans. This option is a favorite among parties who just want to grab a table and skip the line during busy times. Our tables are matched to orders, and customers enjoy the seamlessness of ordering and paying right at the table. It's not a substitute for human interaction—it's just another way to Santucci!

What's Next?

As we expand our footprint, reaching more communities and opening locations in neighborhoods that have been clamoring for great pizza, stromboli, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and so much more, our attention will be focused on sustaining our unwavering commitment to high-quality food and ensuring a positive guest experience. Maintaining an internal culture of positivity is also important to the fabric of our brand. That's why we truly value each team member and take the time to train properly, answer questions, and foster a culture of inclusion and kindness. We're proud of our new website, app, and other digital advances, but we're committed to staying true to our knitting—serving great food to great people for the next three generations and beyond!

We're glad you're here. Our new website is the official digital hub for all things happening at Santucci's and a reflection of our fresh new look and feel. We built it with you in mind—to make your experience easier, faster, and more enjoyable. We're excited to hear what you think! Feel free to let us know at wecare@santuccispizza.com.