War Veteran Experiences Success With Latino Pizza Chains

“I thought about opening a business frequently while serving in Afghanistan, but it wasn’t until my time in Baghdad that I finalized my business plans,” said Joseph Sagastume, former Marine specializing in aviation engineering and Pizza Patrón brand partner. “There were many reasons for me to return home safe, but in the back of my mind was the drive to return to the United States and open my Pizza Patróns.”

Sagastume served 10 years of active duty as a Marine and is currently serving his fifth year as a reserve. In addition to being a decorated aviator in the reserves and running the first of his many planned Pizza Patróns, he is also an elected member of the diversity advisory council for AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. A Chicago-native, with diverse Hispanic roots, Sagastume chose to open his first Pizza Patrón in Lubbock, Texas.

“I have zeroed in on the West Texas market to open my Pizza Patróns,” said Sagastume. “My first four are planned for Lubbock and then I will move into Amarillo and Abilene. Pizza Patrón captures the positives of diversity and I expect the West Texas Latino communities will enjoy the product.”

Sagastume credits the support from the Pizza Patrón team and his military background for the smooth transition into business ownership.

“The discipline and leadership skills I learned in the military have helped me with opening my restaurants,” said Sagastume. “Pizza Patrón has provided the moral support as well as the business support to make this dream a success. I don’t have to pass through many layers to get answers or get things accomplished. There is a direct connection to the executive team, and that direct personal touch suits my culture very well.”


Staying connected to his culture and community is important to Sagastume. In the eight months his Lubbock location has been open he and his team members have contributed to the local community and churches by donating school supplies and participating in PTA drives.

“You can have a Hispanic name and call yourself a Hispanic company, but unless you commit to connecting to the community in which you serve – you won’t be successful at reaching Hispanics,” said Sagastume. “Opportunities like Pizza Patrón exist and it is a way for Hispanics to get involved and pursue the American dream.”

Pizza Patrón was founded by Antonio Swad in 1986. Since franchising began in March 2003, the brand has gone from four locations to 139 either open or under development. Pizza Patrón features festive and fun carryout-only pizza stores that are community based in Spanish speaking or predominately Hispanic neighborhoods and recently added its first dine-in location in May 2005. All pizza dough is made fresh throughout the evening; no preservatives are added or needed. The sauce is prepared fresh in the stores, as well, from crushed Roma tomatoes. Only 100 percent mozzarella is used. Whole and half pizzas are offered at prices as low as $4.99 for a large pizza with cheese and one topping and $3.49 for the same half pizza. A large “La Patrona” pizza with everything is only $6.99. For more information, visit www.pizzapatron.com.