Reece Arroyave’s story begins with a pizza flyer. At just 12 years old, he started walking door to door in Libertyville, passing out Domino’s coupons for his older sister’s manager. That small opportunity sparked something big. By the age of 24, Reece had franchised his first Domino’s location. Over the years, he grew his business to include as many as 36 stores throughout Chicagoland. Today, he owns eight locations, including the South Elgin Domino’s, where his daughter has proudly worked for nearly three years.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this June, Reece represents the heart of fatherhood — hard work, perseverance, and leading by example. Married for nearly 23 years, Reece and his wife are raising three children: a 16-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 11 and 13. Their life is centered in the Fox Valley, where he not only runs his business but also volunteers as a football and soccer coach — something he’s done since his children were toddlers.

Reece is no stranger to setbacks. The recession of 2008-2009 brought significant financial challenges, with dramatic sales losses nearly pushing him into bankruptcy. Then came COVID-19, which wiped out half of his workforce and forced reduced hours and limited service. But Reece never gave up. He credits those experiences for strengthening both his leadership and his team. “If you aren’t losing, you aren’t learning,” he says. “The best business owners I know have had countless setbacks — and they fought to win.”

His business, M&M Pizza II, Inc., operates with the motto “Passion, Heart & Pride.” That shows up in more than just pizza. His stores regularly serve school lunches, provide pizzas for sports teams and special events, and even partner with the South Elgin Fire Department during Fire Safety Awareness Month to deliver pizzas via fire trucks.

Reece’s legacy is rooted in giving others a chance — just like he was given. “We give teens and adults the opportunity to learn how to run and own a business,” he says. He hopes one day his own children will join the family business after experiencing the world and earning college degrees.

For Reece, success isn’t just measured in sales. It’s in the customer who says, “Your team made it right,” and in the child who looks up to their coach and sees what commitment really means.

Contact Domino’s Pizza in South Elgin for your next pizza order at 847-289-2200.