Mr. Gatti's Pizza is known for their fresh hand-rolled dough and smoked provolone. (Photo provided by Mr. Gatti's Pizza)

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, a national pizza chain with locations open and in development in 12 states, is set to open a location in Springfield amid a regional expansion.

Mr. Gatti’s announced a franchise agreement with restaurateur Brent Swadley to open 17 new locations in Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas over the next six years, according to a press release.

A spokesperson confirmed that Springfield is on the list of the 17 new franchises, but that “exact locations” are yet to be determined, and that it is “too soon to say how many locations will be coming to Springfield.”

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza building. (Photo provided by Mr. Gatti’s Pizza)

In addition to their pizza, Mr. Gatti’s locations have an arcade with video and redemption games and prizes.

“Mr. Gatti’s is on an incredible growth trajectory right now, with 130+ restaurants open and in development across 12 states,” said Travis Smith, vice president of marketing at Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, in the release. “This deal is significant for both the number of locations awarded and the expansion of our brand’s presence in key markets, particularly Oklahoma, where we’re re-entering after seven years.”

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza arcade. (Photo provided by Mr. Gatti’s Pizza)

Mr. Gatti’s currently has locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas, according to its website.

The initial franchise fee for a Mr. Gatti’s Pizza family entertainment center is $50,000, or only $25,000 if the location provides delivery and carry-out only.

“I grew up with Mr. Gatti’s, and it’s an honor to now join the MGP family,” Swadley said. “Mr. Gatti’s has an incredible leadership team dedicated to restoring and growing the brand with a continued focus on using high-quality ingredients and providing exceptional service in a food-first, family-centric atmosphere.”

Jack McGee

Jack McGee is the business and economic development reporter at the Springfield Daily Citizen. He previously covered politics and elections for the Citizen. Before that, he worked at documentary film company Carbon Trace Productions and Missouri State University’s student-led newspaper, The Standard. He’s an MSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and a minor political science. Reach him at jmcgee@sgfcitizen.org or (417) 719-5129. More by Jack McGee