Mr Gatti’s Pizza, a beloved pizza buffet chain, has sold a majority stake in its business to OneRyan Global LLC, a family office led by businessman and philanthropist G. Brint Ryan. The financial details of the transaction, finalized recently, were not disclosed. This strategic move marks a significant change in ownership for the company, which has roots dating back to 1964 in Texas.
Founded as “The Pizza Place” in Stephenville, Texas, Mr Gatti’s Pizza rebranded and relocated to Austin in 1969, adopting its current name in honor of the founder’s wife’s maiden name. The chain distinguished itself by introducing buffet-style dining in the 1970s, appealing to families seeking both food and entertainment. Today, Mr Gatti’s operates over 200 locations across Texas and the southeastern United States.
OneRyan’s Growing Involvement with Mr Gatti’s
OneRyan Global, which became a franchisee of Mr Gatti’s in 2022, has progressively increased its stake in the brand. In September 2025, the company acquired a minority stake, followed by the purchase of a corporate-owned restaurant in Austin the following month. This latest acquisition completes Mr Gatti’s transition to a fully franchised system, enhancing its operational flexibility.
As part of this new arrangement, G. Brint Ryan will assume the role of chairman, while Amanda S. Ryan, the CEO of OneRyan, will serve as vice chairwoman. Current CEO Jim Phillips and CFO KC Mann will retain their positions, ensuring continuity in leadership.
“Our deep appreciation for the Mr Gatti’s brand, combined with our firsthand experience operating locations across multiple markets, made this acquisition a natural and exciting opportunity,” said Amanda S. Ryan. She added that the brand has built a leading platform in dining and family entertainment, backed by a robust franchise network.
Resilience and Future Growth Plans
Despite not being a nationwide entity, Mr Gatti’s Pizza has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the southern U.S. The company reported a 4% increase in system-wide sales for fiscal year 2024, according to PR Newswire. By the end of that fiscal year, Mr Gatti’s had successfully opened or was developing 234 locations, having awarded 39 new franchise agreements within the year.
Expansion plans are set to continue, highlighted by a recent partnership with Walmart. The deal aims to establish 92 new locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kentucky by mid-2026. These Walmart-based outlets, while smaller than traditional standalone restaurants, will offer the full menu without arcade games, targeting high-traffic retail customers.
The path to this growth has not been without challenges. The former parent company, Sovrano LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2019, struggling under $32 million in secured debt. A spokesperson clarified that the bankruptcy filing was intended to address banking and operational issues and would not affect franchise operations.
The decision by OneRyan to acquire a controlling stake in Mr Gatti’s comes after several years of observing the brand’s performance and potential. Franchising offers a means to expand while minimizing risk, as franchisees invest in well-established brands rather than starting from scratch.
While franchising can foster growth, it also presents challenges. Maintaining consistent quality across locations can be difficult due to varying management practices among franchisees. Labor experts note that franchised chains often experience higher rates of operational violations compared to corporate-run establishments.
As Patrick Sanchez, a VP at Franchise FastLane, remarked, “Franchising, when done right, creates opportunity far beyond unit growth. It builds communities, empowers entrepreneurs, and changes lives. Success isn’t about growing fast — it’s about growing well.”
With the backing of OneRyan Global and an eye toward sustainable growth, Mr Gatti’s Pizza appears poised to enhance its standing as a family dining staple, continuing to serve generations of customers seeking delicious pizza and enjoyable experiences.
