Domino's Pizza

Domino's Pizza stockholder's rejected a proposal from PETA to add more vegan options to its menu.

(FIle photo)

Citing a growing interest nationwide in vegan options for pizza and to reduce harm to animals, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is pressuring Ann Arbor-based pizza company Domino's to offer vegan cheeses and meats on its menu.

Representatives from PETA were on hand Tuesday morning during Domino's annual meeting in Ann Arbor to make the proposal as the organization owns stock in Domino's and wanted to encourage investors to approve adding vegan options to the menu.

"We've been seeing great success working with other restaurant chains offering more vegan options giving the growing demand," said David Byer, a senior corporate liaison for PETA. "This was a new issue that we're raising with them."

The proposal was met with overwhelming opposition as less than one percent of stockholders voted for the options. In its response to stockholders, the Domino's board of directors encouraged opposition to the proposal citing a lack of interest from the public.

"Like and prudent restaurant operation, we only add new items to our menu when there is meaningful consumer demand for that product," the board wrote. "We have yet to see clear indication of that demand which would suggest that we add it to the menu of our more than 5,000 U.S. stores and, therefore, the Board cannot and does not support this proposal."

The board cited a Domino's restaurant in Israel that has offered vegan products that reported only 1.2 percent of cheese sold on pizza was vegan.

PETA, on the other hand, points to other national restaurant chains such as Chipotle and Subway that have expanded vegan options.

"Other companies are responding and we think Domino's needs to look to the future if it wants to rebrand itself," Byer said, adding that PETA thinks neglecting to add vegan options will cut into Domino's profits down the road.

Byer pointed out that one of the ingredients in Domino's marinara sauce is chicken base that includes chicken juices and fat.

PETA also said by offering more vegan options, fewer animals would have to be harmed in order to fill the product needs.

"Domino's has an opportunity to reduce the suffering of animals in its supply change while offering a healthier option."

Byer said PETA owns 39 shares of stock in Domino's - stock was trading at $99.40 Tuesday afternoon - and stock in other restaurant chains. Having a piece of those restaurant chains is part of how PETA tries to communicate its message, Byer said.

"It's paid off because it's a way to get companies engaged and get them to take a look at important issues," Byer said.

Domino's is expected to release its first quarter earnings report on Thursday.

Matt Durr is a business reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Email him at mattdurr@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.