Tyson Foods Acquires Bosco’s Pizza Co.

Tyson Foods acquired the assets of Bosco’s Pizza Co. Bosco’s Pizza produces a variety of stuffed bread sticks and frozen pizzas for food service and retail customers throughout the Midwest and at some retailers nationwide. Terms of the acquisition, which was completed January 18, were not disclosed. “This is part of our company’s strategic plan to grow our domestic prepared foods business,” said Donnie King, Tyson Foods’ president of prepared foods, customer and consumer solutions. “Bosco’s will be a good addition to our diversified portfolio of quality food offerings.” Craig Mulhinch, vice president of Bosco’s sales and marketing, and Paul Morgan, vice president of Bosco’s operations, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations. The company employs about 150 people, all of whom are expected to become Tyson Foods team members. It will become part of Tyson Foods’ Prepared Foods division, but continue to operate under the Bosco’s Pizza Co. name. Customer contacts will not change. “This is a great opportunity for the Bosco’s brand,” Mulhinch said. “We’ve put a lot of effort into creating high-quality products and Tyson Foods has recognized that. This deal will allow us to accelerate our growth while we continue to focus on the fundamentals of making excellent artisan bread products. We’re excited about joining the Tyson team.” Entrepreneur Mark Artinian created Bosco’s as a carry-out pizzeria in 1988 before he started delivering frozen pizzas to area high schools. In 1995, the company started producing frozen stuffed crust pizza, which soon led to stuffed bread sticks, the company’s main product line today. Artinian will remain with the business in an advisory role. “The Bosco’s team built the business the right way,” said Michael Turley, vice president of food service and government sales for Tyson Foods. “Those who know the Bosco’s brand are more than customers – they’re fans. Bosco’s bread used to make its products is excellent, and the brand has a large regional following including those who remember eating Bosco Sticks at school.”