🍕 New Partnership
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, a Texas-based chain, announced a partnership with Walmart in July 2024. They plan to open 92 corporate-owned units inside Walmart locations across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. This expansion will begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 with the opening of 12 units. The total number of Mr. Gatti’s units will now reach 230.
📈 Growth Strategy
This move is part of Mr. Gatti’s strategy to double its national footprint. "We’ve been vocal for years now about our ambitious growth goals, and this partnership with Walmart enables us to accelerate our expansion into new areas while continuing to strengthen our presence in familiar communities," said CEO Jim Phillips. The partnership might extend to more Walmart locations in other states.
🍔 Walmart’s Dining Evolution
Walmart is enhancing its in-store dining options after ending a 30-year partnership with McDonald’s in 2021. The retailer has since added other food options like Ghost Kitchen Brands, Nathan’s Famous, Wow Bao, The Cheesecake Factory, Quiznos, Saladworks, la Madeleine, and Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar. Wetzel’s Pretzels also opened units inside Walmart stores.
🛒 Grocery Trends
Walmart’s initiative to add new restaurant partners comes as grocers expand their foodservice offerings. They focus on ready-made and made-to-order meal options. Giant Food is also dedicating more space to meal options in its new stores. Walmart's approach aligns with this trend, aiming to offer diverse dining choices to attract more customers.
Will Walmart’s partnership with Mr. Gatti’s Pizza succeed?
