Brian of Pizzaspotz
Pizza Patron is one pizza franchise that has been growing by leaps and bounds in the last few years. Their growth and popularity may have begun about five years ago after they caused a controversy by their decision to allow customers to pay with pesos instead of dollars. That promotion five years ago was called Pizza por Pesos.
Pizza Patron decided in January 2012 to accept Mexican Pesos at all of their U.S. locations. Five years later, Pizza Patron still accepts pesos at all of their locations which now number 100 and that store count is growing. Their decision to accept pesos caused an uproar among some segments of Americans.
“In 2007, when we began accepting Mexican pesos at our restaurants, it admittedly generated a lot of negative feedback,” said Andrew Gamm, brand director for Pizza Patrón. “But, in the end we received a preponderance of positive support from our customers, the American people, and business advocates from around the world.”
Pizza, after all, is an international language, sort of like the language of love. It is spoken and understood by people all over the world. The controversy died down, but not before their brand name received millions of impressions because of news coverage on mainstream media and on talk radio.
This year, Pizza Patrón will roll out three new campaigns that will reinforce the brand’s commitment to its Hispanic roots. The first Pizza Patron campaign is scheduled for late April and will celebrate the Spanish language. The second campaign will begin July 4th and will honor the history of American immigration. I hope it will be all immigration and how immigrants have always melted into America. The final campaign in October will promote community action and will feature Mexican pesos in their annual fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Pizza Patrón is headquartered in Dallas and celebrated the opening of its 100th restaurant in 2011. They have locations in seven states and 85 more Pizza Patron stores under development.
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