Pizza Patron Debuts Groundbreaking Unlimited Phone Card to Mexico

“Pizza Patron has been named the premier distributor for the initial launch of BlagCardTM, the worlds 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 BlagPhoneTM 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. Its 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 DippersTM and Fiesta WingsTM, and rolled-out their “ListaTM” 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 “ListaTM” 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

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