Key Takeaways
- Pizza Factory Dunsmuir’s 40-year story reflects the mentorship culture that defines the Pizza Factory franchise
- Multi-generational franchise owners like Gary and Jean Rogers help create strong community ties and support future operators.
- Pizza Factory franchisees benefit from operational systems and join a network built around connection, collaboration, and long-term growth.
- Community-first pizza franchises continue to thrive in smaller West Coast markets.
For many restaurant franchise owners, achievement is measured in unit counts or years in business. Of course, the numbers matter, but at Pizza Factory, what sets our pizza franchise opportunity apart is an emphasis on long-term relationships and community building.
Those relationships are exactly what make Pizza Factory Dunsmuir such a special part of our story.
This year marks 40 years since Gary and Jean Rogers opened Pizza Factory Dunsmuir. What began as a hometown pizza restaurant in 1986 has grown into something far larger than a single location. Over the decades, the Rogers family has helped mentor franchise owners, launch careers, and inspire the next generation of Pizza Factory franchise operators across Northern California.
Their story reflects what makes Pizza Factory different: when franchisees join our system, they become part of a community built around long-term support, mentorship, and hometown connection.
The Pizza Factory Dunsmuir Story
When Gary and Jean Rogers opened Pizza Factory Dunsmuir in May 1986, they were planting strong roots in a community they loved. Over the next four decades, their location became a staple for locals traveling along Interstate 5 through Northern California. Families gathered after Little League games, travelers stopped in on road trips, and generations of employees learned valuable life and leadership skills inside the restaurant’s walls.
According to Jean Rogers, the couple has employed roughly 500 people over the years. Many of those team members were working their very first jobs.
“We gave them a safe place and taught them skills they could use later in life,” Jean shared in a recent interview.
Within the Pizza Factory franchise system, the Rogers’ impact extended far beyond Dunsmuir itself. Over the years, they encouraged and mentored future Pizza Factory owners who would eventually open and operate locations of their own throughout the region. That includes Carlos and Alicia Pizano, owners of Pizza Factory Shasta Lake and Pizza Factory Redding, who credit Gary and Jean’s guidance for helping them seize the pizza franchise opportunity.
Pizza Factory Mt. Shasta: How Marlee & Matt Kept the Legacy Going
Perhaps no story reflects that legacy more clearly than Matt and Marlee Rogers, who officially opened Pizza Factory Mt. Shasta in late 2025.
Matt, Gary and Jean’s son, spent more than 20 years working inside Pizza Factory Dunsmuir alongside Marlee, who eventually became both his wife and business partner. Before opening Mt. Shasta, the couple spent the previous five years managing the Dunsmuir location together.
For Marlee, Pizza Factory has always represented more than a restaurant.
“Pizza Factory is where I started my career, where I met my husband, and where our family has built so many memories,” Marlee shared when the Mt. Shasta location opened. “Opening this new location is truly a full-circle moment.”
Today, the couple is continuing the same community-first approach that defined Pizza Factory Dunsmuir for decades.
Why Franchising with Pizza Factory Builds Community
At Pizza Factory, we believe strong franchise systems are built on strong relationships. Our franchisees receive the operational tools they need to succeed, including training, marketing support, and ongoing guidance. But what truly sets Pizza Factory apart is the culture.
That community-driven mindset creates long-term consistency for franchisees while helping restaurants become true hometown staples.
Forty years after opening Pizza Factory Dunsmuir, Gary and Jean Rogers’ influence can still be seen across Northern California. Their story is a reminder that the Pizza Factory franchise is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and growing alongside a brand that values community as much as great pizza.
If you’re looking to build something lasting in your community, Pizza Factory may be the perfect fit. Learn more about Pizza Factory franchise opportunities by filling out our inquiry form today.