News

Pizza Patron signs 18-unit development deal in Austin, Texas

January 15, 2004

DALLAS—Continuing its aggressive growth spurt, Pizza Patron has signed a development agreement to open 16 units in 36 months in the Texas cities of Austin, Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen and Corpus Christi.

According to a news release, Henry Leonard, Roy "Te" Turner and J.A. McEntire IV have formed Pizza Rica, LP, to develop the brand. The franchisees plan to open four units this year and a total 18 Texas stores by the end of 2006.

"We were drawn to this brand because we believe in its ability to serve the underserved Hispanic markets," said Leonard. "It's an expertly designed concept with everything it takes to do well."

Leonard, a 38-year restaurant veteran, operated as many as 36 Mazzio's Pizza stores in four states.

Currently Pizza Patron has nine units in Dallas and San Antonio, and more than 80 in development in South Texas and Arizona. The company expects to open 50 units in 2004.

All Pizza Patron units are located in Spanish-speaking or predominately Hispanic neighborhoods and run by residents of those neighborhoods. Units operate from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the week, but stay open as late as midnight on weekends.

Pizza dough and sauce are made fresh in its stores. Half and whole pizzas cost $3.49 to $6.99.

See related Pizza Patron stories ...
* Pizza Patron unit cracks $1 million in sales mark
* Pizza Patron franchisee envisions 15 stores for San Antonio
* Pizza Patron signs agreement for 25 Arizona units
* Pizza Patron to build 28 stores in Houston market
* Latino-focused Pizza Patron enters San Antonio market
* Pizza Patron signs five-store franchise deal