A Community Celebration with Deep Roots
Big Spring, Texas recently welcomed a beloved pizza brand back to its community with the grand opening of Mr Gatti’s Pizza on November 1, 2025. The new location, operated by franchisees Amanda and Brint Ryan, represents more than just another restaurant opening—it’s a homecoming for Brint Ryan, a Big Spring native who founded Ryan LLC, a global tax services and software firm.
“I am excited to bring Mr Gatti’s Pizza to my hometown,” Brint Ryan shared in a press release. “This restaurant represents not just great food, but also a commitment to our community’s growth and revitalization. Amanda and I look forward to serving the residents of Big Spring and creating a gathering place for families and friends.”
The grand opening celebration exemplified the family-focused approach that has made Mr Gatti’s a household name across Texas and the Southeastern United States. Festivities included a chamber of commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, live radio broadcast from KBEST Radio, and family-friendly activities like face painting, bumper cars, and character meet-and-greets. The first 50 children received free $5 game cards with buffet purchases, and all children left with “Bounce Back” coupons for a free kids buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet.
A Legacy of Pizza and Family Entertainment
Mr Gatti’s rich history dates back to 1964 when founder James Eure first opened “The Pizza Place” in Stephenville, Texas. In 1969, Eure relocated to Austin and renamed the establishment “Mr Gatti’s Pizza” as a tribute to his wife’s maiden name. This simple gesture of honoring family would become the foundation of a brand built on bringing people together.
By the 1970s, Mr Gatti’s was experiencing dramatic growth, having pioneered the concept of combining high-quality dining with gaming entertainment in a single location. This innovative approach set the stage for what would become the brand’s signature offering: a family entertainment center (FEC) that pairs delicious pizza with engaging activities for all ages.
Today, Mr Gatti’s Pizza operates more than 234 locations either open or under development throughout Texas and the Southeastern United States. The brand has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings, but its core commitment to quality ingredients and family fun remains unchanged. Mr Gatti’s still uses real 100% Provolone Cheese, yeast-risen dough made fresh daily, signature tangy pizza sauce, and fresh toppings that have kept customers coming back for generations.
Strategic Growth in a Changing Market
The Big Spring opening is part of Mr Gatti’s broader expansion strategy that has gained momentum in recent years. In 2024 alone, the company awarded 39 new franchise agreements and achieved a 0.4% increase in system-wide sales, positioning the brand for continued growth in 2025.
This expansion includes innovative partnerships, such as the brand’s collaboration with Walmart that began in late 2024. The first 12 Mr Gatti’s locations opened inside Walmart stores in Texas and Oklahoma, with another 23 locations under construction and set to open during the first and second quarters of 2025.
The brand’s growth reflects a larger trend in the pizza industry, where family entertainment centers are experiencing significant expansion. According to market research, the family/indoor entertainment centers market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.3% through 2027. This growth aligns with Mr Gatti’s business model, which generates approximately 50% of its revenue from arcade and entertainment offerings.
The Perfect Blend of Food and Fun
What sets Mr Gatti’s apart in the competitive pizza landscape is its successful integration of dining and entertainment. While many pizza chains focus solely on food quality or delivery speed, Mr Gatti’s has created a comprehensive experience that appeals to families seeking both nourishment and amusement.
The brand’s family entertainment centers typically feature a wide selection of games ranging from traditional options like skeeball and air hockey to newer innovations like laser tag and virtual reality. This diverse entertainment offering, combined with a buffet loaded with options to suit any palate, creates a destination where families can spend extended periods of time.
For franchisees, this dual revenue stream model has proven highly successful. The top 25% of Mr Gatti’s Family Entertainment Centers (10,000 SQFT or larger) reported an average unit volume of $4.43 million in 2023, demonstrating the financial strength of the concept.
Adapting to Modern Consumer Preferences
While Mr Gatti’s maintains its traditional appeal, the brand has also adapted to contemporary consumer trends. The pizza industry has seen significant shifts in recent years, with approximately 65% of consumers now preferring ready-to-eat meals like pizzas due to busy lifestyles.
Mr Gatti’s has responded by offering multiple service formats, including traditional family entertainment centers, smaller FEC models, and delivery/carryout only (DELCO) units. This flexibility allows the brand to serve various market needs and consumer preferences.
The company has also embraced technology, with online ordering systems and digital payment options that enhance convenience for customers. This technological integration aligns with broader industry trends, as more than 78% of pizza operators now use online ordering, with nearly 44% reporting that 28% or more of their total sales come through online orders.
A Bright Future for a Beloved Brand
As Mr Gatti’s continues its expansion, the Big Spring location represents the brand’s commitment to both growth and community engagement. The franchisees’ connection to the local area exemplifies the approach that has made Mr Gatti’s successful for over five decades.
Looking ahead, Mr Gatti’s plans to open 10 new Family Entertainment Centers in 2025, with locations returning to both new and legacy markets. This expansion strategy focuses on redeveloping markets where Mr Gatti’s traditionally thrived, bringing the beloved brand back to communities that have missed its presence.
For pizza enthusiasts and families in Big Spring and beyond, Mr Gatti’s continued evolution offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation—a place where parents can share cherished memories with their children while creating new ones together.
This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
