Gatti’s Pizza launched a new fast-casual version of its buffet and family-dining concepts called Gatti’s in its home base of Austin, Texas, Tuesday.
Gatti’s offers a variety of specialty and make-your-own pizzas, sandwiches and salads. The company said this is the first of six outlets planned for Austin. The unit opened today is located in a shopping center.
Customers can choose from four pizza crust options —original, thin, whole-grain wheat or gluten-free vegan — and five different sauces. They also can pick from 29 toppings.
Salad selections offer 22 toppings and nine dressings.
The unit also sells beer and wine.
At 2,400 square feet, the new concept is smaller than a typical Gatti’s Pizza unit, which can be as large as 8,000 square feet. The new unit seats 70, and also has a streamlined logo and signage. The check average at a Gatti’s Pizza is about $7.50 with beverage, and the check average at the new Gatti’s fast-casual unit is expected to be about $9.25 with beverage, a company spokeswoman said.
The fast-casual unit also aims to be environmentally friendly. Gatti's Pizza president Michael Mrlik said in a statement that the new restaurant “will use only ‘green’ compostable recycled to-go utensils, napkins, cups and bowls, pizza boxes and carryout bags to protect the environment.”
Gatti’s also has three Gatti Town locations that encompass between 14,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet, a spokeswoman said. The company plans to open a fourth Gatti Town in November. That concept, which also specializes in pizza, features games, arcades and other child-friendly attractions.
Gatti’s Pizza was founded in 1969 and has more than 125 restaurants in 12 states.
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