Gatti’s Pizza broke ground at 2501 East Central Texas Expressway. Since Sovrano LLC purchased the brand two years ago, the company has opened a record number of corporate-owned locations, including five DFW-area locations featuring the new Gatti’s prototype. Killeen will be the first franchise for the Gatti’s brand in seven years, awarded to franchisee team Wallace Vernon, Nancy Hennigan and Tad Dorroh, local business entrepreneurs.
In addition to the traditional Gatti’s Pizza buffet and other menu favorites, the new family-friendly restaurant will feature an expanded 4500-square foot family entertainment center with 50-plus games. The restaurant is slated to open late December.
“This is a great opportunity to introduce the Gatti’s Pizza experience to families in Killeen,” says Michael Poates, President of the Fort Worth-based chain. “This opening marks the first franchise for the brand in seven years and also the first location outside of Dallas Fort Worth area for the new prototype. After updating the concept and seeing an extremely positive reception at our corporate locations, we see Killeen as the perfect location to jump start franchising.”
The Killeen location features a dynamic new design with separate entrances to the buffet and to the family entertainment area, creating a more distinct separation from the restaurant while providing easier outside access to the game room and birthday parties. Guests in the entertainment area will have access to their own food court, featuring pizza slices and Pepperoni Rolls as well as beer, wine and gelato. There will also be separate rooms for private events and birthday parties.
“By more clearly separating the entertainment center from the dining area, we believe we are significantly enhancing the Gatti’s Pizza experience for all our guests,” Poates says. “We look forward to becoming an integral part of the community and expect the restaurant and the entertainment center to quickly become a popular destination for those seeking great pizza and fun served up in a family-friendly atmosphere.”
