Mr Gatti's Pizza Expands with Walmart Partnership

Mr Gatti's Pizza is making a big move by partnering with Walmart in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. The chain is set to open 12 new locations across North Texas and southern Oklahoma in late 2024, with plans to establish a total of 92 Mr Gatti's locations within Walmart stores across four states.

"We've been vocal for years now about our ambitious growth goals, and this partnership with Walmart enables us to accelerate our expansion into new areas while continuing to strengthen our presence in familiar communities, bolstering our legacy for long-term success, one slice at a time," said Jim Phillips, CEO of Fort Worth-based Mr Gatti's Pizza.

The agreement includes plans to open multiple locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kentucky, with intentions to eventually expand into additional Walmarts in other states. This strategic expansion brings Mr Gatti's network to more than 230 locations open or in development, effectively doubling the legacy brand's national footprint.

Mr Gatti's Walmart locations will feature a new design, offering counter service and seating for customers to enjoy a variety of menu items including pizzas, wings, salads, sandwiches, and more. Walmart shoppers can also order through the Mr Gatti's app and have food ready when they finish shopping. Additionally, these locations will offer delivery services to the surrounding communities.

Dental, Medical Equipment Provider Expands in Fort Worth

Henry Schein Inc., the world's largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, has opened an 811,000-square-foot distribution center in North Fort Worth's Alliance area. This new distribution center is 30% larger than the next biggest Henry Schein distribution center and employs 255 workers.

“Our new Southwestern Distribution Center is a testament to Team Schein’s dedication to innovation, reliability, and customer service,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and CEO of Henry Schein. “Over the course of our more than 90-year history, we have frequently reinvented the organization to meet customer needs, embracing new technologies and advancements.”

Henry Schein has been serving customers in the southwest region for more than 20 years through a Grapevine distribution center that opened in 1998.

Supply Chain Company Expands Operations

National DCP LLC, a provider of supply chain solutions for the food service industry, has broken ground on a cold storage facility in Burleson. The 79,300 square foot facility, built by Arco Construction, will bring 76 new jobs to the area, with an average wage of $68,000. NDCP's network currently includes nine distribution centers and over 30 logistics hubs nationwide, enabling the company to reach 58% of the U.S. population within a day. Clients include brands like Dunkin’ and Baskin Robbins.

Printing Production and Logistics Company Expands to Arlington

Direct Edge, a marketing leader in innovation, printing production, and logistics, has acquired its first location in Texas. The company will occupy roughly 10,000 square feet at 211 Osler in Arlington, off Highway 360. Direct Edge was founded in 2001 with the goal to print large format photo enlargements at an affordable price.

Grant Awarded for Infrastructure Improvement at Granbury Airport

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a $1.5 million grant to the city of Granbury’s economic development department for infrastructure improvements at Granbury Regional Airport. This funding will provide airport access to larger aircraft and is expected to create 80 jobs and generate $43 million in private investment.

What do you think?

• Do you think the partnership between Mr Gatti's Pizza and Walmart will be successful?
• How do you feel about the expansion of Henry Schein Inc. in Fort Worth?
• Is the grant awarded to Granbury Airport a good investment for the city?