Mr Gatti’s Pizza, known for its iconic game rooms and famous pizza buffet, has announced the sale of 13 corporate locations in Austin, Texas. Effective September 18, these locations are now owned and operated by the investment group- Three Dough Boys, LLC comprised of Jeff Tisdel, Kenny Starks and Richie Jarzombek; all local Austin entrepreneurs. Tisdel and Starks were both previously Vice Presidents of Operations associated with the Papa John’s Pizza Brand.

The deal marks the largest franchise agreement by Mr Gatti’s for 2018 and one of the largest multi-unit agreements in the brand’s history. It also introduces an experienced franchise executive to care for these locations in a prized market where the iconic Mr Gatti’s concept got its start.

“Mr Gatti’s has been an Austin staple for nearly 50 years,” says Tisdel, President of Three Dough Boys, LLC, a Texas limited liability company. “As we approach that anniversary, I am eager to join the Mr Gatti’s family to take on the Austin market and continue to grow the Mr Gatti’s brand in surrounding markets, including our hometown”.

Mr Gatti’s in South Park Meadows will remain a corporate location, and all other Mr Gatti’s franchise locations in the surrounding Austin area will remain unaffected. The new franchise relationship comes with a defined trade area development agreement for an additional 10 locations, allowing Mr Gattis’ newest Franchisee the opportunity to continue expansion in the areas surrounding the Austin market.

This sale comes at a time when Mr Gatti’s has rebooted its brand, initiated marketing efforts and begun franchising again. The first franchise location in seven years opened in Killeen, Texas, in early 2018, with another location in Tyler, Texas opening this fall.

“Mr Gatti’s is experiencing a tremendous growth period as we reenergize our brand and attract new franchisees,” says Michael Poates, president of Mr Gatti’s Pizza. “At the Mr. Gatti’s support center in Fort Worth, we put our resources into a business model that keeps our guests coming back. We believe that providing the highest quality pizza and fun while creating great memories for our families is where the rubber meets the road. Jeff and Three Dough Boys, LLC will be a powerful addition for our brand in the Austin area, where Mr Gatti’s first began almost 50 years ago.”