November 05, 2026 // Franchising.com // FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Mr Gatti’s Pizza, the iconic Texas-born pizza and entertainment brand, announced that Harkrishan Sahi and Harneet Jawanda have acquired the Mr Gatti’s restaurant at, 620 State Road 39 Bypass South in Martinsville, Indiana. The husband-and-wife franchisees plan a targeted refresh of the restaurant as they build on its more than 40-year legacy in the community.
The acquisition marks a new chapter for a restaurant long associated with Ray and Paulette Quinn, who opened the location and operated it under the same ownership for more than four decades. Ray passed away in February 2023 at age 81. One month later, a tornado struck Martinsville and caused extensive damage to the restaurant. Rather than close, Paulette chose to rebuild in honor of her husband. Three years later, her sale of the restaurant to Sahi and Jawanda carries that legacy forward under another family ownership team.
Sahi grew up helping his family in the restaurant business and brings that early operating experience to the venture as Jawanda focuses full-time on day-to-day operations for the Martinsville restaurant. The couple was drawn to the opportunity to steward an established local business with deep community roots. Their investment will focus on thoughtful updates to the restaurant and guest experience while preserving the familiar character that generations of Martinsville families know and love.
“We are honored to become the next owners of a restaurant that means so much to Martinsville,” said Sahi.
Jawanda added, “Ray and Paulette built more than a successful business here. They created a gathering place where families have celebrated birthdays, shared meals and made memories for more than 40 years. We want to respect that history and work alongside the team to serve this community for many years to come.”
“Harkrishan and Harneet understand that acquiring a long-standing Mr Gatti’s restaurant also means becoming stewards of its place in the community,” said Travis Smith, CEO of Mr Gatti’s Pizza. “Their respect for what Ray and Paulette Quinn built, combined with their commitment to reinvest in the guest experience, makes them the right franchise partners to lead this Martinsville location forward.”
To celebrate the restaurant’s next chapter, Sahi and Jawanda will host a re-grand opening Family Fun Lunch on November 7 from 11am to 2pm. The event aims to offer their community family-friendly excitement, great food, and special offers!
The celebration kicks off with a special deal for early birds: the first 50 guests will receive 50% off the buffet! Families can also take advantage of kids eat free with the purchase of an adult buffet, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
And the fun doesn't stop at the table! Kids can bounce, jump, and play in the bounce castle set up outside, making this a celebration the whole family can enjoy.
“Bring the family, come hungry, and help us celebrate this exciting new chapter. We can't wait to see everyone there,” said Jawanda.
Members of the media are invited to attend with a free lunch offered to media personnel with valid credentials. Director of Social Media for Mr Gatti’s Pizza’s Corporate Office Lupe Zapata will be present for interviews, lupe.zapata@gattispizza.com.
To learn more about Mr Gatti’s Pizza franchise opportunities visit, https://gattispizzafranchise.com.
Mr Gatti's Pizza, originally launched as The Pizza Place in Stephenville, Texas, in 1964, underwent a transformation when it relocated to Austin in 1969. Along with the move came a significant rebranding, adopting the name "Gatti" in homage to the maiden name of founder James Eure's wife. The 1970s marked a period of rapid expansion for the chain, as it pioneered the combination of high-quality dining and entertainment under one roof. Mr Gatti’s Pizza has received several industry awards, including the Nation’s Restaurant News 100 Under 100 in 2024 and 2025, Technomic Top 500, Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2024 and 2025, ranked No. 8 on the Global Franchise Power List in 2024, and named a Top Brand by Franchise Times Top 400 in 2024. Today, Mr Gatti's is a beloved name in the regions it operates, embodying James Eure's vision across more than 234 active and forthcoming locations in Texas and the Southeastern U.S. For more details, visit mrgattispizza.com or contact us at 817-546-3500.
SOURCE Mr Gatti’s Pizza
Mr. Gatti's first opened its doors as The Pizza Palace in Stephenville, Texas, in 1964.