Longtime Franchisee Takes Full Ownership Control of Mr Gatti’s
Entrepreneur and longtime franchisee G. Brint Ryan has acquired the remaining ownership interest in the pizza and family entertainment chain. The transaction also begins CEO Jim Phillips' planned retirement after more than a decade overseeing a turnaround that expanded the company's footprint, strengthened its financial performance, and transformed its franchise system.
Ryan first became a co-owner of Mr Gatti's in late 2025 after his family office, OneRyan Global LLC, purchased a majority stake in the company. That deal followed years as a franchisee operating multiple family entertainment centers and continued investments in the brand, including acquiring one of its flagship corporate restaurants as the chain completed its transition to a fully franchised system.
With the latest transaction complete, Ryan will oversee the franchisor's continued expansion. Phillips will remain CEO through the transition, with a successor to be announced later.
"Leading Mr Gatti's over the past 11 years has been one of the great privileges of my career," Phillips said in a statement. "Together with our franchisees and leadership team, we've strengthened every part of this business, from operations and financial performance to brand consistency and franchisee support. Most importantly, we've built a culture centered on partnership and long-term success. I could not be more confident in Brint's leadership or more excited about the future of this incredible brand."
Phillips took over the Texas-based chain in 2015, beginning a turnaround that reshaped one of the industry's oldest pizza brands. During his tenure, Mr. Gatti's increased its restaurant count by 50 percent, expanded from three states to 12, and nearly doubled systemwide revenue during the past five years. The company also navigated the COVID pandemic and modernized its franchise system through standardized franchise agreements, stronger franchisee support, a rebuilt marketing fund, updated store formats, and the return of its original recipes.
Ryan's deeper investment comes as Mr Gatti's continues to accelerate franchise growth. The company now has more than 200 locations open or in development across Texas and the Southeastern U.S., offering family entertainment centers alongside delivery and carryout restaurants.
Ryan, founder and chairman of Dallas-based Ryan, LLC, said the company's trajectory made the decision to increase his investment straightforward.
"Jim has led one of the most impressive transformations in our brand's history," Ryan said in a statement. "His leadership established a strong financial foundation, built an outstanding executive team and created a culture that puts franchisees first. My wife Amanda and I are honored to carry that legacy forward as we invest in the continued growth of Mr Gatti's. We remain committed to supporting our franchisees and positioning the company for long-term success."
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