Domino, also known as dominoes, are small rectangular blocks of rigid material used as gaming pieces. They have a unique feature: when one domino is pushed over, it causes a chain reaction that eventually knocks over other dominoes of the same size and type. Dominoes can be made of wood, bone, ivory, plastic, and even cardboard. The word “domino” is probably derived from the Latin dominus (master of the house). The name has also been attributed to a hooded mask worn by monks, to a type of monastery door referred to as a domineer, and to a game of chance played with domino tiles.
Dominoes are usually white, though colored sets have been produced. Most domino sets have a pattern of dots or pips on both sides, similar to those on dice. Some have a single color on one side and a different color on the other. This arrangement allows for a variety of games to be played, including blocking and scoring games and those that duplicate card games. Dominoes are also sometimes used in puzzles.
In the 1960s, Dominick “Domino” Monaghan opened the first Domino’s Pizza location in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He emphasized placing his pizzerias near college campuses, a strategy that fueled growth.
By the 1980s, Domino’s had more than 200 locations. But a series of leadership changes, coupled with slumping sales, brought the company to the brink of collapse. In 2004, it had more than $943 million in debt and was losing money every year. The company was in danger of disappearing from the business landscape altogether.
New leadership at the company took hold in 2006, and a plan was put in place to restore profitability. In an effort to streamline the business, Domino’s eliminated several products from its menu and rolled out a number of innovations in its delivery service.
Domino’s success relies heavily on technology. Half of the company’s workers work in software analytics. Its online ordering system has been praised for its ease of use and integration with other systems, such as Facebook. Domino’s is also leading the way in developing new ways for customers to order, including by text or voice command.
A Domino’s executive has also advocated for more training programs and more support for its employees. The company believes that these investments will help it retain its workforce and continue to deliver on its mission of delivering fast, affordable food to as many people as possible.
The Domino Effect is a behavioral theory that suggests that when one person or thing alters a behavior, this can trigger a chain reaction of related changes. For example, a study by researchers at Northwestern University found that when people decreased the amount of time they spent on sedentary leisure activities, they also reduced their daily fat intake. This was because, as they spent less time on TV and video games, they naturally ate healthier foods. In fact, the chain reaction was so strong that the researchers had to limit the length of the experiment.