Fresno, California, December 14, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Pizza Patron, America’s No. 1 Latino pizza brand, opened its first Fresno, Calif. store located at 3235 N. First St on Dec. 12. This store is part of a development agreement with California Brand Development, I-99, LLC to bring 20 stores to the Highway 99 corridor of the Fresno, Calif. area within the next 48 months.

“We are excited about bringing ‘Mas Pizza. for Menos Dinero.’ to Fresno, Calif. residents,” said Andrew Gamm, brand director for Pizza Patron. “Our low prices, combined with the option to pay in Mexican pesos, make Pizza Patron an easy choice for customers.”

In January 2007, Pizza Patron was catapulted into the international news spotlight when they launched their Pizza por Pesos(R) program. The company made Pizza por Pesos(R) a permanent part of the brand experience in April 2007. Every Pizza Patron location across the U.S, including the new store in Fresno, will gladly accept Mexican pesos (bills only) as a method of payment.

Dave Early, a partner with California Brand Development, I-99, says the planned expansion will employ approximately 15 people per location.

“We are incredibly excited to be in Fresno, and are committed to being an outstanding partner to the Latino community as we build six units here in Fresno,” said Early. “We are under construction in Atwater and scheduled to open in January. And, our next Fresno location will be open in February at the corner of Butler and Chestnut Avenue.”

“Our franchise partners in Fresno have a wealth of restaurant experience and a heart to serve the community, we are proud to have them in the Pizza Patron family,” said Gamm.

Pizza Patron is headquartered in Dallas and celebrated the opening of its 100th restaurant in 2011 with locations in seven states and 85 more under development. Franchise opportunities, offering a proven system for hard-working franchisee candidates, are available in prime Hispanic markets throughout the country.

About Pizza Patron Since 1986, Pizza Patron has been committed to making its promise of “Mas Pizza. Menos Dinero.(R)” a reality for every customer. From the beginning, the brand has been recognized for its “fresh-dough” pizza, its low prices and its trademark “friendly, bicultural service.” In 2007, the company drew international media attention when it decided to accept Mexican Pesos at all of its restaurants, gaining over 500 million media impressions in the U.S. alone. Today, Pizza Patron is the nation’s premier Latino pizza brand and remains dedicated to bringing its unique experience to life with every pizza made, and in every community it serves.

Website – www.pizzapatron.com Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pizzapatron Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/pizzapatron