Pizza Patrón Opens First "Rapidito" Unit

By: Pizza Patrón | 1,014 Shares 123 Reads

Chain Debuts Mall/Airport Model

May 25, 2007 // Franchising.com // Dallas, TX - Pizza Patrón, the premier Latino pizza brand introduced the first Pizza Patrón Rapidito concept at La Gran Plaza, in Fort Worth Texas. The brand's new Rapidito unit is designed specifically for malls, airports, and special venues enhancing the company's ability to penetrate markets deeper.

La Gran Plaza is a unique mall among the first of its kind in the U.S. which caters exclusively to the Latino consumer. The mall's architecture and atmosphere resemble that of a typical colonial city in central Mexico creating an environment that is culturally sensitive to the Hispanic family.

"La Gran Plaza was a perfect choice for us to launch our new Pizza Patrón Rapidito," said Andrew Gamm, director of Brand Development for Pizza Patrón. "Many of our customers already frequent the mall, and now they can enjoy our pizza while they shop."

The menu features three varieties of 7-inch, personal size pizzas: Queso, Pepperoni and La Patroncita (a deluxe pizza with everything). The company has maintained its strong commitment to value-pricing with the pizzas starting at $2.49 for cheese only and topping-out at $3.49 for La Patroncita. Ranch, Spicy Ranch and Salsa Ranchera dipping sauces are also available for 50¢ each.

"We are very excited about our new Rapidito unit," said Antonio Swad, founder of Pizza Patrón. "It allows us to serve our core Hispanic customer a familiar product at a familar value. As our customer base grows, we need to find new ways to reach out and serve them better and Rapidito is a great example of doing just that."

About Pizza Patrón
Pizza Patrón was founded by Antonio Swad in 1986. Since franchising began in March 2003, the brand has gone from four locations in Dallas to 65 in five states, with more than 40 under development. Pizza Patrón features fun and festive pizza stores that are community-based in Spanish-speaking or predominately Hispanic neighborhoods. In 2006 Pizza Patrón successfully introduced new products like Patrón Dippers" and Fiesta Wings™", and rolled-out their "Lista™" (ready now) pizza program nationally. In addition, Pizza Patrón has developed a dine-in store model, the Pizza Patrón Rapidito (airports/malls) model, the "Tiendita™" (portable mini-store extension) and their "Lista™" Drive-thru concept. All pizza dough is made fresh throughout the evening; no preservatives are added or needed. The sauce is prepared fresh in the stores from crushed Roma tomatoes and only 100% mozzarella is used. Whole and half pizzas are offered at prices as low as $4.99 for a large pizza with cheese and one topping and $3.49 for the same half pizza. A large 'La Patrona' pizza with everything is only $7.99.

###