Mr Gatti’s, which has 230 locations either open or in development, has signed an agreement to develop nearly 100 stores inside of Walmart locations.
The partnership will begin in late 2024 with the opening of 12 Mr Gatti’s locations in Walmarts in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Additional Mr Gatti’s stores will be rolled out in Walmarts in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kentucky. In all, the partners have agreed to a total of 92 stores.
“Driven by the retailer’s focus on value and quality, Walmart approached us about a partnership because it recognized Mr Gatti’s as a regional favorite with a 55-year legacy of delivering exceptional taste and experiences to our customers,” said Jim Phillips, CEO of Mr Gatti’s Pizza. “We’ve been vocal for years now about our ambitious growth goals, and this partnership with Walmart enables us to accelerate our expansion into new areas while continuing to strengthen our presence in familiar communities, bolstering our legacy for long-term success, one slice at a time. We are proud to recognize that Mr Gatti’s and Walmart share the same customers, so we believe this is a winning combination to better serve our communities.”
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According to a press release, the Mr Gatti’s locations inside of Walmart will feature a new design, offering counter service and seating for customers to enjoy a variety of menu items, including pizzas, wings, salads, sandwiches and more. Walmart shoppers can also order through the Mr Gatti’s app and have their food ready by the time they finish shopping. Additionally, these locations will offer delivery services to the surrounding communities.
“We are thrilled to have Mr Gatti’s Pizza in our stores to enhance our customers’ shopping experience,” said Amy White, senior manager of business development at Walmart. “By bringing Mr Gatti’s beloved menu into our stores, we can provide even more value and convenience for our shoppers, making it easier for families to enjoy a delicious meal. This collaboration not only aligns with our commitment to offering diverse and high-quality options but also supports our goal of creating a one-stop destination for all our customers’ needs. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on our communities.”
Mr Gatti’s Pizza, originally launched as The Pizza Place in Stephenville, Texas, in 1964, underwent a transformation when it relocated to Austin in 1969. Along with the move came a significant rebranding, adopting the name “Gatti” in homage to the maiden name of founder James Eure’s wife.
