Franchising

Mr Gatti's inks deals for 16 restaurants in first half of 2023

Provided

July 26, 2023

Mr Gatti's has inked 16 franchise agreements in less than six months and achieved the biggest spring break sales surge in company history, according to a press release.

The brand has 140 locations open or in development. The brand signed agreements awarded for nine units spanning across Arkansas and Missouri, three units in Louisiana and four units in Texas. Simultaneously, the company experienced a 7% increase in same-store sales and a nearly 11% increase in system-wide sales during spring break season this year when compared to the same time period in 2022.

"Mr Gatti's has been at the top of its game in every aspect lately. We awarded more new franchise agreements in the last three years alone than in at least an entire decade prior, while our sales across our network have been consistently rising… All despite a pandemic and economic downturn," Jim Phillips, CEO at Mr Gatti's Pizza, said in the press release. "We're certainly on track to continue at this pace and have our sights set on opening at least 60 more new locations between now and the end of 2026. In the meantime, we look forward to supporting our powerhouse franchisees as even our oldest locations continue setting new sales records."

"In my 40 years as the owner of Mr Gatti's of Lake Charles, I've watched this brand persevere and evolve through some of the toughest circumstances and still come out on top," Rick Shetler who celebrates 40 years with the brand this year, said in the release. "All the while, I've received unwavering support through my franchising journey. I am confident there's an even brighter future ahead for us."

Mr. Gatti's has 140 locations across Texas and the Southeastern U.S.