Beloved Iowa pizza franchise serves up ‘more than pizza’ for its customers

For more than 50 years, Happy Joe’s Pizza has been serving up more than just their famed pizza and ice cream, it’s found something more important: a "safe haven" for children and families, according to the company’s Chief "Happiness" Officer, Tom Sacco.

The brand, which is headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, began in 1972 and was founded by Joe Whitty. A "baker by trade," he ended up working for Shakey’s Pizza. 

"From what I understand, he went to Shakey’s and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got an opportunity with my background...