An Iowa pizza-and-ice-cream chain known for taco pizza and birthday parties has new owners, four years after going through bankruptcy under its previous owner. Happy Joe’s is the latest restaurant brand undergoing an ownership shakeup, with a group of Quad Cities investors taking over the business.
The acquisition was announced September 30, 2026. The chain’s new leadership says customers should expect menu updates and more attention to consistent food quality, while its signature taco pizza will remain.
New owners, familiar local roots
Carlos Araujo, an executive with the ownership group, has been named president. KWQC reported that he had operated restaurants with the team for more than a year. He described the change as an opportunity to improve the business while keeping its familiar favorites…