News

Gatti's Pizza plans more entertainment centers

January 24, 2011

Austin, Texas-based Gatti's Pizza has announced growth plans that include four new units in two new states. The restaurants will be operated by Food Service Management Systems Inc. (FMS), one of the chain's largest franchisees.

FMS' plans include four new GattiTown entertainment centers in El Paso, Texas; Lafayette, La.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Sugarland, Texas. The blueprints are larger than current GattiTown units, and range from 45,000 to 60,000 square feet apiece.

GattiTowns include the standard Gatti's pizza buffet and game room with video and arcade games. The new stores will also feature indoor bumper cars and go karts, miniature golf and miniature bowling.

"In this lingering downturn, you don't expect to see expansion like this," said Mike Mrlik, Gatti's CEO. "It tells you something about the success of the Gatti's brand that FMS is able to make such a big move."

The El Paso and Oklahoma City locations are scheduled for a mid-February and early March opening, respectively. The Lafayette and Sugarland locations will open later this spring.

By the end of its fiscal year, in April, Gatti's will have 130 restaurants in 11 states.