Mr Gatti’s Eyes Return to Lubbock with New Family Entertainment Center Opportunity

Brand history

For decades, Mr Gatti's served as a gathering place for families in Lubbock, known for pizza, celebrations and arcade-style entertainment. The brand has updated its Family Entertainment Center concept to meet contemporary guest expectations.

“Lubbock has always been a meaningful market for our brand, and we see a unique opportunity to reintroduce Mr Gatti’s in a way that feels both familiar and new,” said Travis Smith, executive vice president of Mr Gatti's Pizza. “There’s strong nostalgia tied to the brand, but just as importantly, there’s growing demand for family-friendly entertainment experiences. Our updated FEC model is built to deliver on both.”

Mr Gatti's Family Entertainment Centers include the brand’s signature pizza and buffet offerings along with attractions such as arcade games, prize centers, private party rooms and group event spaces. The centers provide spaces for group gatherings and celebrations.

Market growth potential

Lubbock’s strong population growth, anchored by a steady influx of students, young families and professionals, makes it an attractive market for experiential dining and entertainment concepts. With a vibrant local economy and limited competition in the family entertainment center category, the city presents favorable conditions for a high-performing, community-focused destination like Mr Gatti’s.

The brand’s targeted return to Lubbock aligns with broader franchise development momentum across Texas and beyond. Mr Gatti’s has continued to expand its footprint through new franchise agreements, multi-unit development deals and successful reentries into legacy markets. In markets where Mr Gatti’s has reentered, franchisees have benefited from a combination of nostalgia-driven demand and modernized operations, creating a powerful platform for growth.

“We’ve seen time and again that returning to markets with established brand equity creates a strong foundation for success,” Smith added. “Lubbock checks all the boxes with strong population growth, community pride and a history with our brand. With the right partner, we’re confident this market can support a new Family Entertainment Center.”