Gatti’s Pizza has been serving authentic Texas-style pizza since 1964, starting with its first location in Stephenville. You’ll find their signature recipes feature real cheese, fresh yeast-risen dough, and a distinctive sauce made with vine-ripened, fresh-packed tomatoes.
Over the decades, they’ve expanded to over 70 restaurants across the South and Midwest, adding family entertainment centers to create complete dining experiences. Their impressive franchise loyalty rate reveals why this Texas-rooted brand continues to thrive.
Image: Spongefan, Gatti’s Pizza, CC BY-SA 3.0
From Humble Beginnings: The Birth of a Texas Pizza Legend
While many nationwide pizza chains began on the East or West Coast, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza has proud Texas roots.
In 1964, James Eure opened a small pizzeria called “The Pizza Place” in Stephenville, Texas. What made this new establishment special was Eure’s dedication to quality—using real cheese and fresh yeast-risen dough in every pie.
The restaurant expanded across Texas during the economic boom that followed the opening of the General Motors plant in Arlington in the mid-20th century, which helped transform the area into an industrial hub.
The Secret Behind Our Signature Recipe
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What exactly makes a Mr. Gatti’s Pizza stand out in a crowded field of competitors? The answer lies in the unwavering commitment to quality that founder James Eure established back in 1964. When you bite into our pizza, you’re tasting fresh-packed tomatoes in our signature sauce—never from concentrate or pre-made mixes.
You’ll notice the distinctive flavor of Provolone and Mozzarella cheeses, carefully selected to complement our sauce perfectly. Each morning, our dough is prepared fresh, creating that perfect balance between crispy exterior and chewy interior that’s become our hallmark.
For over 50 years, we’ve guarded these recipes and preparation methods with dedication. Similar to how Dr Pepper’s 23 flavors created a unique taste experience that customers couldn’t find anywhere else, our signature pizza recipe continues to set us apart from competitors.
Game Rooms and Family Entertainment: More Than Just Great Pizza
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Great pizza builds the foundation of our business, but the complete Gatti’s experience extends far beyond the table.
In the late 1970s, we made a strategic move that transformed the pizza dining landscape—introducing game rooms that quickly became the heart of our brand identity.
By the 1990s, these entertainment spaces had evolved into large-scale venues, including what would become known as GattiTown and Gatti’s Pizza Buffets. You’ll find a perfect balance of delicious pizza and exciting games all under one roof.
Your energetic young ones can enjoy arcade games while you savor our signature pizza—creating a family entertainment destination unlike any other.
Six Decades of Growth: Expanding Across the South and Beyond
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From a single Stephenville, Texas location in 1964 to over 140 restaurants today, Mr Gatti’s Pizza has transformed into a regional powerhouse across the South and Midwest. When James Eure’s pizza began enchanting Texan taste buds, few could have predicted the brand’s remarkable trajectory.
You’ll now find Mr. Gatti’s Pizza establishing new locations in states like Alabama, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, with plans to open dozens more in coming years. Their strong franchisee retention rate speaks volumes about operator satisfaction, while a growing customer base demonstrates continued loyalty.
Industry recognition has followed, with appearances in respected lists like Franchise Times Top 400. The company’s convenience model pilot reflects its willingness to adapt and innovate.
The People Behind the Pizza: Our Franchise Family Success Stories
Behind every slice of Mr. Gatti’s pizza is a story of dedication and partnership. When James Eure opened the first location in 1964, later renaming it “Mr. Gatti’s” to honor his wife’s maiden name, he laid the foundation for a lasting franchise family.
You’ll find remarkable consistency in our network, where some owners have been with us for decades. This long-standing commitment results in a highly engaged community of franchisees who have helped us expand steadily over the years.
This extraordinary longevity reflects a business model that values relationships, while preserving the authentic pizza experience that keeps customers coming back.
Anniversary Milestones: Celebrating 55 Years of Delicious Memories
Fifty-five years of pizza perfection marks an extraordinary journey for Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. Since James Eure opened The Pizza Place in 1964, the brand has evolved into a Texas institution, serving generations of families with authentic recipes and warm hospitality.
By 2019, Mr. Gatti’s celebrated its 55th anniversary, marked by system-wide promotions and continued expansion efforts. While precise store counts fluctuate, the brand’s commitment to innovation—such as new location formats and digital ordering platforms—continues to drive progress.
Innovation Meets Tradition: New Store Concepts for a New Era
While honoring its rich heritage, Mr. Gatti’s is embracing the future with an innovative express model. This new concept, ranging from 800 to 1,500 square feet, allows the brand to enter smaller or nontraditional venues.
New partnerships aim to place these stores in convenience stores and retail settings, with discussions involving big-box retailers ongoing but not finalized. This flexible model helps meet changing consumer expectations while staying true to Mr. Gatti’s commitment to quality.
Community Connections: How Gatti’s Became a Hometown Favorite
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As Mr. Gatti expanded his pizza empire across Texas, each location transformed into more than just a restaurant—they became community landmarks. The original location became a local favorite soon after opening in 1969, known for serving hot, fresh pizza to families and students across the city—including those near Bergstrom AFB.
The memorable phone number—459-2222—was once iconic in Central Texas, representing quick service and comfort food that united neighborhoods. Gatti’s earned loyalty by serving as gathering spaces for birthdays, sports teams, and family nights.
Today, its social media channels are filled with nostalgic customer stories, proving that Mr. Gatti’s remains a cherished part of many Texans’ lives.
