Walmart + Small Towns + Big Franchise Exposure

Talk about neighborhood convenience!

?

Last week, Mr Gatti's Pizza began opening the first of multiple locations inside 沃尔玛 stores with 12 sites expected to be up and running before Thanksgiving. They include:

?

●????? 1406 E. Milam St., Mexia, TX

●????? 2765 W. Washington St., Stephenville, TX

●????? 2121 State Highway 16 S, Graham, TX

●????? 2801 E. Interstate 20, Hudson Oaks, TX

●????? 2001 S. 1st St., Chickasha, OK

●????? 3393 N. 81 Hwy, Duncan, OK

●????? 1800 Lawrence St., Gainesville, TX

●????? 1201 Stone St., Kilgore, TX

●????? 6301 NW. Quannah Parker Trl, Lawton, OK

●????? 2500 Daniel McCall Dr., Lufkin, TX

●????? 1419 N. Country Club Rd., Ada, OK

●????? 3130 Lawrence Rd., Wichita Falls, TX

?

“Some would argue everything is better with pizza,” Nation's Restaurant News first reported about the partnership. “Walmart certainly agrees, as the retailer will have Mr Gatti’s Pizza shops in 92 locations in the southern U.S. Stores in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kentucky are expected to have the offering.”

?

The initial rollout with Mexia’s grand opening Nov. 4 and Graham and Stephenville this week now confirms it. Sales show a tasty slice of business growth exceeding expectations. Strong revenues, great customer feedback and the warmest welcomes are an early indication of more to come.

?

We see you, America. Small towns are delivering big gains!

?

"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 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."

?

The arrangement between the beloved pizza chain and the world’s largest retailer is attractive for several reasons. It’s introducing the brand to a series of target markets in rapid succession, serving up food from the award-winning franchise to smaller DMAs, and ramping up the network’s expansion across four states at a pinnacle time in the company’s evolution.

?

Another 23 locations are already under construction and are scheduled to open in early 2025. In total, all 92 sites should be fully operational in the next 18 months.

?

According to Julie Littman , senior reporter for Restaurant Dive , the Walmart partnership and a recently-developed c-store model play into the pizza chain’s strategy to expand via non-traditional channels. Thus, this strategy will nearly double the national footprint for Mr Gatti’s and extend it into new markets.

?

Brand exposure meets operational experience.

?

Nothing says Main Street prowess like Walmart to champion and serve these communities. Including a Mr Gatti’s store-in-store presence adds another devoted brand to that customer experience.

?

Restaurant Business Online reported that the pairing feeds into Walmart’s goal of keeping consumers within its ecosystem.

?

“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,” said Amy White, Walmart’s senior manager of business development. “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.”

?

These locations will be corporate-owned with construction, operations and marketing oversight coming from Mr Gatti’s headquarters. Each location will feature counter service and limited seating with a full menu that includes pizzas, wings, salads, and sandwiches.

?

Guests also can place orders using the Mr Gatti’s app, making it easy to order in advance and pick up their meals after shopping. Plus, not to be overlooked, delivery services will be available to bring the convenience of Mr Gatti’s directly to local neighborhoods. After all, consumers are naturally wired to order pizza for delivery. Now they will be able to do so in a variety of new cities.

?

Perhaps that’s one of the best added advantages to this partnership. Mr Gatti’s is a brand that has been around since 1964 with a deep track record of running traditional locations as well as delivery/carryout models. Put that kind of company history into 92 Walmart locations, and it’s a win-win for customers both in the stores as well as in these markets at-large.

?

“The grand opening of these initial locations is a milestone for Mr Gatti’s as we launch our partnership with Walmart,” Phillips said. “By bringing our restaurants into Walmart, we’re making it easier for families to enjoy our pizza—whether they’re shopping, picking it up to-go, or having it delivered.”

?

Consider this a Walmart-sized pizza party worthy of attention.

?

[Note: Mr Gatti’s is a client of BizCom Associates .]

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?