Ownership transition at Mr Gatti's Pizza

Mr Gatti’s Pizza, a growing franchise based in Fort Worth, Texas, has announced a change in ownership.

The food and beverage brand reported that longtime franchisee G. Brint Ryan has acquired the remaining ownership in the company and is now the primary owner. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

As a result of the change, the company said this begins the planned retirement of CEO Jim Phillips after a decade of leading Mr Gatti’s Pizza.

Ryan bought in as a co-owner in December of last year and will now oversee the company’s continued expansion. Phillips is expected to remain CEO until a new chief executive is named.

While leading Mr Gatti’s Pizza, Phillips led the brand to increase its restaurant footprint by 50%, expanding from 3 states to 12 and nearly doubling systemwide revenue over the past 5 years.

“Leading Mr Gatti’s over the past 11 years has been one of the great privileges of my career,” said Phillips. “Together with our franchisees and leadership team, we’ve strengthened every part of this business, from operations and financial performance to brand consistency and franchisee support. Most importantly, we’ve built a culture centered on partnership and long-term success. I could not be more confident in Brint’s leadership or more excited about the future of this incredible brand.”

Mr Gatti’s Pizza noted that during Phillips’ tenure, the company modernized its franchise system by standardizing franchise agreements, strengthened franchisee support, and invested in marketing efforts. Other initiatives include reviving the brand’s original recipes and food-first philosophy as it restored annual franchise conventions while refining branding and store formats.

In April, Mr Gatti’s announced that five new locations would reopen inside Walmart stores in Texas and Oklahoma. All of the locations were revamped and upgraded with new dining and entertainment spaces. Gamerooms featuring arcade games and prizes are also part of the mix at the franchise.

“Jim has led one of the most impressive transformations in our brand’s history,” said Ryan. “His leadership established a strong financial foundation, built an outstanding executive team and created a culture that puts franchisees first. My wife Amanda and I are honored to carry that legacy forward as we invest in the continued growth of Mr Gatti’s. We remain committed to supporting our franchisees and positioning the company for long-term success.”

Ryan is founder and chairman of Dallas-based Ryan, LLC, and has been a Mr Gatti’s franchisee for years before investing in the company. Mr Gatti’s Pizza said Ryan has worked alongside Phillips to strengthen the company’s financial position and position the brand for its next phase of growth.

Originally founded in Stephenville, Texas in 1964, Mr Gatti’s Pizza said it currently has 200 locations open or in development across Texas and the Southeast. In March, the brand said it expected to open 17 new locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.