Philanthropy has long been at the heart of Raffi Peltekian’s business ventures.

In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons he became a small business owner in the first place.

“My entire premise was around giving,” Peltekian explained.

Peltekian is the owner of Cascadia Pizza Co., a small North Idaho franchise that has brick and mortar locations in both Coeur d’Alene and Rathdrum in addition to two food trucks.

Last holiday season, Peltekian hosted an event at his Coeur d’Alene restaurant in support of Toys for Tots, collecting almost 15 full boxes of toys through community donations in just one morning.

He plans to kick off this year’s season of giving in much the same fashion — this year’s toy drive, complete with complementary pizza, is set for December 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cascadia Pizza Co. location at 1422 W. Appleway Avenue. The event is being held in partnership with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our big thing is that we want to support the communities that we’re a part of,” Peltekian said.

Peltekian’s spirit of philanthropy is evident year-round: Cascadia often hosts fundraiser nights for area schools and has been known to step up in times where the community needs a boost the most.

Following the deaths of fire engineers Frank Harwood and John Morrison in June, Peltekian and Cascadia Pizza Co. raised over $30k for the men’s families.

“The power of giving is just absolutely incredible,” he said.

Peltekian also emphasized that he’s “not the average business owner.”

He’s very active on social media, often showcasing other local businesses and goings-on in the community. He’s also involved in a new ice cream shop, called Cone Crossing, on Rathdrum’s Main Street.

And his profits, he explained, go back into the people that allow his businesses to thrive.

“As an owner, I get the scraps,” he said.

Peltekian pays a “livable wage” for each of his employees and is set to launch a 401K program in 2026.

His relationship with his employees goes beyond signing a paycheck, he added, and strives to provide mentorship to the younger members of the Cascadia Pizza Co. family.

“I want young folks to go out into the world and use the skills I’m teaching them,” he said. 

    Raffi Peltekian, far left, at a charity car show he put on through Cascadia Pizza Co. in June.