Gino's East in Texas
World-famous Gino's East plans deep dish with Texas flair for Lone Star expansion
Chicago-based pizza chain Gino's East has revealed more details about its Texas expansion. The company has partnered with Austin-based ATX Brands, known for its "breastaurant" chain Bikinis, to open five restaurants across Texas.
The first location will open in Houston suburb The Woodlands by the end of the year, with Willowbrook (also in the Houston area), San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin to follow. Each location's design will include Gino's signature graffiti walls.
"Gino's East is an icon in the Chicago pizza scene and we're excited to bring the classic deep dish style to Texas," said ATX Brands founder and CEO Doug Guller.
"Gino's East is an icon in the Chicago pizza scene and we're excited to bring the classic deep dish style to Texas," said ATX Brands founder and CEO Doug Guller in a release. "As soon as I tasted Gino's East, I knew it was a concept that would work great here. I am so excited that this is a dream that turned into a reality."
A draft shows that Gino's East will blend Chicago classics with a few items designed to please the local palate. One deep dish pizza will come topped with barbecue brisket; wine and beer selections will include local suppliers. Of course, Gino's classics like the Chicago Fire (patty-style sausage, roasted red peppers and red onion) and spinach margherita will also be included.
Prices run $21 for a small deep dish to $33 for a large. Thin crusts run $15 to $28. Build-your-own options start at $15 for a small and $24 for a large. Sandwiches like meatball and chicken Parmesan and plates like buffalo mac and cheese and baked mostaccioli are $8 to $12.
"We're honored to bring a legendary taste of the Windy City to Texas," added Noah Himmel, vice president and third generation of the family owners of Gino's East. "We look forward to creating new menu items incorporating the Texas region's renowned fare."
Guller previously told CultureMap that the Austin location would open by early summer 2015.