Mr Gatti's Pizza Transitions Leadership as CEO Jim Phillips Retires

Mr Gatti's Pizza Leadership Transition

In a significant move for the beloved pizza and family entertainment brand, Mr Gatti's Pizza has announced the transition of ownership on August 6, 2026. Entrepreneur G. Brint Ryan, who has been a franchisee of the company for years, has acquired full ownership of Mr Gatti's. This transition coincides with the long-anticipated retirement of CEO Jim Phillips, who has led the brand through a transformative decade.

Phillips has been at the helm of Mr Gatti's for over 11 years, guiding the company through substantial growth and a reinvigorated brand identity. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operational footprint dramatically, increasing the number of restaurants from 40 to over 200 locations across Texas and the Southeastern United States. This impressive expansion reflects a growth strategy that doubled the company's systemwide revenue over the past five years alone.

Ryan’s journey with Mr Gatti's began when he became a co-owner in December 2025. Following this transition, he will oversee company operations and strategy moving forward. Phillips will remain involved during the transitional period until a new CEO is appointed, ensuring a smooth handover of leadership.

"Leading Mr Gatti's has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," says Phillips. He credits his team, franchisees, and the culture they’ve built as central to the company’s success. His tenure is marked by significant improvements in operations, franchisee support, financial performance, and a focus on long-term partnership.

G. Brint Ryan, the newly appointed primary owner, expressed his commitment to carrying Phillips' legacy forward. Ryan is well-acquainted with the company’s operational framework and has demonstrated a commitment to financial success and franchisee collaboration. His strategic vision aims to build on the brand’s achievements while exploring new avenues for growth.

The comprehensive improvements made during Phillips’ leadership included modernizing the franchise model, enhancing marketing strategies, and reviving Mr Gatti's original menu items and iconic food-first philosophy. This has not only attracted a new customer base but has also strengthened the loyalty of existing patrons.

Additionally, the company tackled unprecedented challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing their resilience and adaptability during difficult times. Mr Gatti’s focused on ensuring that the franchisees were well-supported through these hurdles, which solidified their relationships and fostered deeper collaboration throughout their operations.

With a commitment to family-friendly service and quality food, Mr Gatti's continues to be a favorite in the regions it serves. Its offerings include pizzas, wings, and a range of shareable favorites, appealing to families looking for value and entertainment. As Mr Gatti's looks ahead, Ryan envisions not only expanding the restaurant footprint but also enhancing the overall customer experience and franchisee support.

In summary, this leadership transition marks a new chapter for Mr Gatti's Pizza, emphasizing continuity and growth as it prepares to build upon the foundational work laid by Jim Phillips. With Ryan at the helm, the pizza chain aims to strengthen its presence and continue to serve joyful dining experiences across its expanding network. To explore franchise opportunities or to learn more about Mr Gatti’s Pizza, visit Mr Gatti's Pizza Franchise.

About Mr Gatti's Pizza

Founded in 1964 originally as The Pizza Place in Stephenville, Texas, Mr Gatti's Pizza underwent significant changes after moving to Austin in 1969, including its brand name change to honor the founder’s family. The brand established itself in the 1970s as a pioneer in combining dining with entertainment, receiving numerous accolades for its excellent service and product offerings. Today, Mr Gatti’s Pizza resonates with tradition and community values while continuously evolving to meet customer needs.