By now, you're heard about Pizza Patrón's statewide expansion, but Bisnow has learned specifically that the chain has seven new locations under construction across DFW now, in addition to 25 other locations coming in the next 12 months. Six other restaurants have already opened this year for the Mexican-themed eatery, says TWG VP of underserved markets Alberto Rocha. He's leading the effort to find prime locations.

Pizza Patrón looks for 1,000 to 1,400 SF in-line strip center locations near meat markets and bakeries, Alberto says. Ideal demographics are blue-collar, moderate income, with a high density of Hispanics. Alberto says the Hispanic demographic is driving ethnic business expansion and dictating how mainstream businesses operate and advertise. On the retail side, there are many opportunities to increase sales for mainstream restaurants willing to relocate to Hispanic neighborhoods. They are loyal consumers, willing to spend, and appreciate variety, Alberto says. Pizza Patrón was one of the first to see and capitalize on this, he says.

The new stores will be distributed among Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. As it becomes more challenging to find good locations, Alberto says he’s on the lookout for re-developments, too. Pizza Patrón closed 20 locations in 2013 and five more in early 2014 before branching out again. Fun factoid: Alberto (from Bolivia) tells us he’s a bit of an historian, studying revolutionary Che Guevara among others.