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A Living Tribute
More Than a Building.A Living Legacy.
Tom Monaghan, The Mueller Family & The Domino's Community:
Investing in the Next Generation
“You win or you learn.”
— Richard P. Mueller
The Story
The Man Behind the Brand
Richard P. Mueller and the making of Domino's Pizza
Every great enterprise begins with vision — and endures because of the people who carry it forward. For Domino's Pizza, that vision belonged to Tom Monaghan. Its foundation was built by leaders like Richard P. Mueller — a man who transformed vision into reality.
As Domino's first Vice President of Operations, Richard Mueller built the systems, standards, and culture that allowed the company to grow from a handful of stores into a global brand. He didn't just build operations — he built a way of doing business rooted in discipline, integrity, and excellence.
Together, Tom and Richard created more than a company. They created opportunity — for franchisees, for employees, and for families across the world.
The Standard He Set
First to open. Last to close.
His Philosophy
“You win or you learn.”
The Tribute
Mueller's: A Gathering Place
Where students gather, and a great American story comes to life
Ave Maria University is creating a new student gathering space — named Mueller's in honor of Richard P. Mueller. It will be the heart of student life on campus: a place to gather, connect, celebrate, and be inspired.
But Mueller's will be more than a gathering hall. The space will bring the Domino's journey to life through immersive visual displays, telling the story of the people who built something extraordinary from nothing.
Visual History Gallery
An immersive display tracing the Domino's story — from a single store to a global brand — and Richard Mueller's essential role in building it.
Student Gathering Space
A vibrant hub for student life, campus events, and community — the beating heart of Ave Maria University.
Legacy of Leadership
A lasting tribute honoring Richard P. Mueller — his name, his principles, and the culture of excellence he helped create.
A Lasting Tribute
Mueller's will stand as a permanent tribute to Richard P. Mueller — seen by every student, family, and visitor to campus for generations to come.
The Domino's Indy Car — Suspended from the Ceiling
The centerpiece of Mueller's: the iconic Domino's racing car displayed overhead — a bold, unforgettable symbol of the brand's legacy and the spirit of the people who built it.
The Invitation
An Invitation to the Domino's Family
For those who have built something worth passing on
Franchise owners understand what it means to build something that lasts. You've lived this story. You've built teams. Developed people. Created opportunity in your communities. The Mueller legacy lives in every store that carries that spirit forward.
Now, you are invited to extend that legacy at Ave Maria University — and to ensure that the man who helped make Domino's great is honored for generations.
“My goal is to further the legacy of RPM Pizza and the Mueller family by striving to be the best pizza company in every neighborhood we operate, taking care of our Team Members and giving back to the communities we serve.”
“One of my favorite things about Domino's is helping to prepare and train a team member, and then watching them go on to use their skills to become a successful franchisee.”
“I came into the world penniless and as a Catholic Christian I know that I cannot take any of it with me, so it has long been my desire to use the material resources that I have been blessed with to help others in the most meaningful ways possible.”
We invite you to honor Richard P. Mueller with a tribute gift to bring Mueller's to life.
Honor the past. Inspire the future. Leave a tribute that lasts.
You can honor Richard P. Mueller today with a gift to the Richard P. Mueller Memorial Fund.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jim Thomas.