SMITH COUNTY — Growing up in Austin, Lamar Wedell remembers a local Mr. Gatti’s Pizza as being a hub of activity and excitement.
He and his peers would show up at the restaurant and eat until their hearts, and stomachs, were content.
“It was a staple in the community and it was just a place everybody enjoyed being,” he said. “It was centrally located — which I think was convenient — but by and large you don’t go back to a restaurant where you don’t enjoy the food, and that was probably the main thing that brought us in.”
Now the owner of a Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, which opened last Monday in the French Quarter Shopping Center at 4526 S. Broadway Ave., he’s heard similar stories from people who remember the restaurant’s time in Tyler years ago.
At Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in Tyler, the options for pizza, toppings and side items on the menu and buffet are offered alongside roughly 3,500 square feet of arcade games.
Wedell said he opened the business to provide a safe and fun place for children to play and hang while eating quality pizza.
He added that people of all ages will be impressed by the taste of the pizza, which gets its signature flavor from dough that’s made daily, a sauce that is exclusive to Mr. Gatti’s Pizza and smoked provolone cheese.
“I’ve heard some comments from guests that have been in and they remember it and remember the taste from 20 years ago,” he said.
The price of the “All You Care to Eat Buffet” is $4.99 for children, ages 4-10; $7.99 for adults, ages 11-59; $6.49 for seniors, ages 60 and up. Children 3 and younger eat for free. A regular drink is $1.99, while a large is $2.49.
The business is a family entertainment center and currently features 45 games with 60 player positions. The games range from Halo: Fireteam Raven to air hockey and more. Most offer players the chance to earn tickets that can be used to get prizes from the redemption wall.
There are four party rooms onsite that can seat 15-20 people. Wedell said that if needed, they could also be opened up to seat more people.
He said the business is currently ramping up its operations to be able to provide pickup orders hopes to soon work with a local food delivery company.
Wedell said he hopes those who come by Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in Tyler enjoy the family friendly atmosphere and are able to make positive memories.
“Really (it’s) just an all around family style establishment where parents can come and enjoy their time and their kids can enjoy the games and enjoy a quality meal at a reasonable price,” he said.
