Pizza Patron Debuts Groundbreaking 'Unlimited' Phone Card to Mexico

Customers Now Get More Than Pizza for Their Pesos

    DALLAS, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Pizza Patron has been named the premier
 distributor for the initial launch of BlagCard(TM), the world's first truly
 unlimited calling card to Mexico. The chain will begin retailing the cards
 in each of its 65 locations beginning Friday, July 27th. The new calling
 cards are the result of a strategic alliance between Pizza Patron Inc. and
 BlagPhone(TM) International. All calls will be carried on the AT&T network.
     "This partnership means much more than just pizza and phones," said
 Anthony Knape, CEO/President of BlagCard, Inc. and BlagPhone, Inc. "We get
 deep satisfaction and joy from participation in the vitality of the
 Hispanic culture, the uniting of families and the living of an unstoppable
 dream."
     Unlike traditional calling cards which charge by the minute, these new
 cards allow unlimited calling to any area code in Mexico with no additional
 charges or penalties. The cards are available in three denominations --
 five, ten and thirty dollars and will allow for unlimited talk for two,
 seven and thirty days respectively. Customers will have the option of
 purchasing cards in either U.S. currency or Mexican pesos.
     "This is a perfect fit for the Patron brand," says Antonio Swad,
 founder of Pizza Patron Inc. "When I heard that we could help reconnect
 families and help mend broken hearts for as little as a dollar a day, I
 knew we were on to something really special. It's the kind of thing that a
 Patron would bring to his people, so we are doing it."
     The introduction of the phone cards comes on the heels of four
 consecutive quarters of double-digit, same store sales increases for the
 chain.
     "We are extremely excited about what this product brings to our
 customers," said Andrew Gamm, director of Brand Development for Pizza
 Patron. "The phone card industry is notorious for its deceptive marketing
 practices, and for preying on the most vulnerable segments within the
 immigrant population. Now, for the first time ever, we have a phone card to
 Mexico that does not punish the caller. We are very proud to truly offer
 'Mas Minutos' for 'Menos Dinero' to the families that visit our stores."
     About Pizza Patron
     Pizza Patron was founded by Antonio Swad in 1986. Since franchising
 began in March 2003, the brand has gone from four locations in Dallas to 65
 in five states, with more than 40 under development. Pizza Patron features
 fun and festive pizza stores that are community-based in Spanish-speaking
 or predominately Hispanic neighborhoods. In 2006 Pizza Patron successfully
 introduced new products like Patron Dippers(TM) and Fiesta Wings(TM), and
 rolled-out their "Lista(TM)" (ready now) pizza program nationally. In
 addition, Pizza Patron has developed a dine-in store model, the Pizza
 Patron Rapidito (airports/malls) model, the "Tiendita" (portable mini-store
 extension) and their "Lista(TM)" Drive-thru concept. All pizza dough is
 made fresh throughout the evening; no preservatives are added or needed.
 The sauce is prepared fresh in the stores from crushed Roma tomatoes and
 only 100% mozzarella is used. Whole and half pizzas are offered at prices
 as low as $5.99 for a large pizza with cheese and one topping and $3.99 for
 the same half pizza. A large "La Patrona" pizza with everything is only
 $7.99. For more information, visit http://www.pizzapatron.com.
     Contact:
     Yolanda Crosley
     214-905-0915
     yccrosley@spanish-marketing.com
 
 

SOURCE Pizza Patron