(Press Release) CHICAGO, August 23, 2012 – Pizza Patrón today announced its expansion plans for the Chicago metro area. In June, Antonio Swad the chain’s founder, moved to Chicago to personally oversee the market’s development. 

“The Chicago metro area is a very important market for our brand because it is the third largest Hispanic market in the U.S.,” said Swad. 

The DMA is expected to grow to 30+ Pizza Patrón locations and is currently being developed personally by Swad. However, the chain may entertain the prospect of letting a highly qualified developer take over the market at some point, Swad says.  

“We are excited to open our first location in Cicero. It is a perfect fit for our brand given 86 percent of the population is Hispanic, and 98 percent of the Hispanics living there are of Mexican heritage,” said Swad.

The first location will open at 2313 Cicero Avenue in Cicero, Ill. at the end of August. Swad says the chain is actively seeking good site locations in predominately Hispanic areas throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. He expects to have three locations open by year end. 

Pizza Patrón is headquartered in Dallas with 104 locations in 7 states and more than 80 under development, the company locates in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods.  Franchise opportunities, offering a proven system for hard-working franchisee candidates, are available in prime Hispanic markets throughout the country.  Pizza Patrón units require an all-in investment of $199,300 to $464,000 per store with a franchise fee of $20,000.