News

Pizza Patron unit cracks $1 million in sales mark

January 14, 2004

DALLAS, Texas—Pizza Patron, a Latino-focused pizza concept based in Dallas, announced that one of its stores posted more than $1 million in sales for 2003.

What makes that accomplishment significant is this: The 12-year-old Oakcliff, Texas, carryout-only unit spans just 1,190 square-feet and operates only 54 hours per week.

"This is an amazing milestone for our chain (when you realize) we have a very narrow focus—only one menu item, no delivery or discounting, and a focus solely on the Latino market," said Antonio Swad, Pizza Patron CEO, in a news release. "I'm very proud of Raquel Finley, our Oakcliff manager, because she's very driven and is making the most of our concept." Finley has run the Oakcliff Pizza Patron since it opened in 1992.

Swad founded Pizza Patron in 1986 and began franchising the concept in March 2003. Currently the company has nine units in Dallas and San Antonio, and more than 80 in development in South Texas and Arizona. According Andy Gamm, director of brand development, 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 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