‘Never heard of that,’ shoppers explode as Walmart brings pizza chain to 92 stores – despite Subway’s withdrawal

WALMART shoppers will soon be able to order pizza from the big-box retailer, but the collaboration has failed to impress customers.

Southern pizza chain Mr. Gatti’s Pizza recently joined forces with Walmart to provide food to customers while they shop.

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Mr. Gatti’s Pizza announced in a Press release that the chain would reach 92 locations in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kentucky.

The news comes after Subway was initially in talks to collaborate with Walmart, but previously backed out of the deal.

Jim Phillips, CEO of Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, said Walmart approached them about a partnership and the pizzeria enthusiastically agreed.

“We’ve been talking about our ambitious growth goals for years, and this partnership with Walmart allows us to accelerate our expansion into new areas, while continuing to strengthen our presence in family-friendly communities, reinforcing our legacy of success throughout long term, one slice at a time,” Phillips said.

He added that Gatti and Walmart “share the same customers,” so the collaboration is a win-win for both companies.

Despite the companies’ enthusiasm, customers didn’t seem excited about the new collaboration.

Under a Facebook publish with an article sharing the announcement, many expressed negative comments about the news.

“Never heard of Mr. Gatti haha,” wrote one.

Another slammed the pizzeria, commenting: “It doesn’t matter. I’ve had Gatti’s pizza before: barely cooked, light toppings, two steps below gas station pizza.”

“Should we be impressed when I have one two blocks away,” questioned another.

Some commentators even addressed the failure of the Subway deal, with one writing: “The[y] You should ask Subways what it was like for them.”

“Didn’t Pizza Hut do this to Target years ago,” questioned another commenter.

PIZZA PARTNERSHIP

Mr. Gatti is expected to appear at Walmart by the end of the year.

The pizzeria is also opening 12 new locations in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.

The expansion to 92 locations brings Mr. Gatti’s total pizzerias in operation to more than 230.

Walmart stores will have a new design that includes counter service and seating for customers to take a break from shopping and enjoy a wide selection of pizzas, wings, salads and sandwiches.

Customers will also be able to place orders through Mr. Gatti’s app and their food will be ready as soon as they complete their shopping.

The new locations will also offer delivery services.

“We’re excited to have Mr Gatti’s Pizza in our stores to enhance our customers’ shopping experience,” said Amy White, senior business development manager at Walmart.

“This collaboration not only aligns with our commitment to offering diverse, high-quality options, but also supports our goal of creating a one-stop destination for all of our guests’ needs,” he added.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on our communities.”

MORE ABOUT MR. GATTI’S

Mr. Gatti’s prides itself on its fresh dough – never frozen.

James Eure founded the franchise and opened the first location in September 1964 in Stephenville, Texas under the name The Pizza Place.

The pizzeria became Mr. Gatti’s in 1969, after Eure moved to Austin with his wife.

Many of the franchise locations also have a game room.

The US Sun reached out to Walmart and Mr. Gatti for comment but did not immediately hear back.