Victoria Welcomes Back Mr Gatti's Pizza with a Celebratory Grand Opening

By: Mr Gatti's | 0 Shares 594 Reads

April 25, 2024 // Franchising.com // VICTORIA, TEXAS - Mr Gatti's Pizza is celebrating the grand opening of its new Victoria location at 2804 N. Laurent St. with a special event on May 1 at 5 p.m. The jam-packed celebration is open to the public and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the local Chamber of Commerce, children’s entertainment with bounce houses and a special clown appearance, performances by Ballet Folklorico dancers and local musicians, surprise buffet giveaways and more.

Franchise owners Lupe and Veronica Zapata, both natives of Victoria and high school sweethearts, are fulfilling a lifelong dream by opening this new Mr Gatti's location. Their passion for Mr Gatti's is deeply rooted in their personal history, as they enjoyed their second date and numerous family milestones at the former Mr Gatti's in Victoria, a community staple in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and a place cherished by many for the happy memories created there.

"We look forward to Mr Gatti's becoming a significant part of crafting new, happy memories for the community again," said Lupe Zapata III, son of franchise owner Zapata Jr. and marketing manager for Mr Gatti's Victoria. "As my father always says, 'Sharing meals brings a family closer, nurturing love at the dinner table.'"

Prior to opening this new Mr Gatti’s Pizza Victoria, the family's first franchise venture, Lupe Zapata Jr. opened his first business, a security company, in his early 20’s. Since he was a kid, he always loved the idea of owning a restaurant. Now, he’s bringing that dream to fruition at the highest level by opening his family’s own Mr Gatti’s family entertainment center, complete with an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, salad bar, entertainment area, arcade and more.

“The opening of Mr Gatti's Pizza in Victoria is a heartfelt homecoming for us, made even more special by the Zapata family's journey from cherished memories at our tables to now hosting those tables themselves,” said Jim Phillips, CEO of Mr Gatti's Pizza. “Lupe and Veronica's story is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mr Gatti's as a place where families come together, and dreams grow into reality. We are honored to have them lead our return to Victoria, a community that has always welcomed us.”

The new location has launched a "Mr Gatti's Kid of the Month" campaign to recognize Victoria-area students who go above and beyond in their community. Educators can nominate students through the restaurant's Facebook page or email. The first Mr Gatti’s Kid of the Month will be announced during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Honorees will be featured on the "Mr Gatti's Kid - Wall of Fame" at the restaurant for a year, celebrated with a Facebook Live induction ceremony on the first Friday of each month, will receive a meal for them and a friend and will receive a $100 game card.

Residents of Victoria and surrounding communities are invited to the grand opening to be among the first to experience the restaurant's new features, including special attractions like a mural and ceiling art created by Victoria's own Josh Vega.

SOURCE Mr Gatti’s Pizza

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