Pasquale Donofrio

Longtime Cleveland resident Pasquale Donofrio founded the Panini’s Franchise Group in 1988. In the subsequent years, the restaurant has expanded to 19 franchise locations across northern Ohio, with Mr. Donofrio continuing to function as owner of the Brunswick and Kent establishments. Born in Coreno, Italy, he moved to the United States at the age of 11 and went on to attend Cleveland’s Max Hayes High School. Joining the United States Marine Corps following his graduation, Pasquale Donofrio was shipped to San Diego, where he trained as a mortar man at Camp Pendleton before serving in Panama.

After receiving an honorable military discharge, Pasquale Donofrio entered into the wine import business first as a warehouse manager with Vento Wines and then as the owner and operator of World Imports. Along with his current role with the Panini's Franchise Group, he maintains a managing interest in The Beer Market franchise. The entrepreneur actively supports the Cleveland Foundation and, when not attending to his professional responsibilities, enjoys traveling.