Unbelievable Turnout as Mr Gatti’s Returns to Victoria

Last August, Victoria and the Crossroads learned that Mr. Gatti's was returning to Victoria! Yesterday, the highly anticipated new location finally opened to much fanfare. The new Mr Gatti's opened to the public on April 1st at 3 pm and the line wrapped around the building. General Manager, Chris Zapata, told us that "cars started to show up around noon." He added that "the line started to form outside of the door around 12:30."

When they opened their doors at 3 o'clock the line went around the building to the opposite side. "The line remained continuous until about 8:30." While the exact number of people served is not known. The number did surpass 1,000 patrons served. Lupe Zapata adds that the response and support from the community has been incredible.

Mr. Gatti's is the place for so many memories of us growing up here in the Crossroads. From humble beginnings on Navarro to the expansion of the many rooms including the cartoon room. Of course, we can't forget the massive game room that brought us so many great times. If you were a super Mr. Gatti's fan you also know of the smaller location that was located at the Victoria mall for a short time.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED SO MUCH IN VICTORIA:

BLUE WATERS:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be Blue Waters, now known as Saxet Lake and Patriot Park. However, if you were born in Victoria, it will always be known as 'Blue Waters'

PETE'S FINA MART:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be Pete's Fina Mart. The home of presale tickets, oil changes, and inspections. We miss you, Pete!

JUAN LINN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

This was the location of Juan Linn Elementary School from back in the day. Here is how it stands today as part of the Detar Hospital campus! Stanley Elementary is another school is no longer with us.

HASTINGS:

Welcome to Victoria this used to be Hastings. Actually, that could be said about three different locations, I believe. Where Wall-E Party and Specs. The last Hastings location is now Planet Fitness.

TEJAS CAFE: 

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Tejas Cafe. Now Foggy's. The food used to be epic, especially the Three alarm chicken fried steak with jalapenos, pico, and queso.

PJ'S SEAFOOD:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a PJ's seafood! This place was awesome, the seafood was fantastic.  La Carreta #2 now calls this home.

PAYLESS SHOE SOURCE:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Payless Shoe Source. Now a furniture store that is closing soon. So the building will soon be vacant again.

 DICKS FOOD STORE:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Dick's Food Store. Of course, we still have the location on Crestwood. However, there used to be Dick's locations on Lone Tree and Moody Street. Both of those are now Dollar Generals.  The Moody Street locations still looks the same.

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WATER STREET BUSINESSES:

Welcome to Victoria, Water St. used to be poppin'. Urban's Grocery Store, the Washateria, Alkek's at the corner of Bridge and Water, and most recently Rosita's Bakery. The bakery has a new name and owners.

RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be the Riverside Convention Center. It's very sad just to see a slab of concrete. So many great live shows there and the later days included Kickers and Liquid Lounge.

MRS. BAIRDS BAKERY:

Welcome to Victoria, this used to be Mrs. Bairds' Bakery. If you grew up in Victoria, you can still sorta smell this picture.