End of Silence

Pizza Patron, a pizza chain based in Dallas, is getting some flack for their new promotion (via BoingBoing). I heard a story about this on Marketplace on Monday.

The peso promotion certainly focuses on families that may have traveled to Mexico to visit family over the holidays and may have some money leftover. It’s currently slated only to run until February. Of course, the media’s loving it as it plays into the national immigration issues and there are plenty of racist wingnuts who are willing to spout off against it. It’s an interesting idea, creating a pizza chain that focuses on a particular community. There doesn’t appear to be anything special about their pizza ingredients. They’re Spanish speaking friendly and it’s cheap. Domino’s web site is available in Spanish too though. I didn’t see that support on Papa John’s web site. How about a chorizo pizza? I’d try that.

According to their web site, Pizza Patron has 4 Austin locations. I’ve passed the Oltorf and South First location countless times over the past year and wondered what their pizza was like. It’s in the Domino’s / Papa John’s category, so I’m not expecting much. Anybody else have experience with them, positive or negative?

Their zip code search leaves something to be desired. I entered 78704 and didn’t get the location on Oltorf at South First. I realize that’s not the zip there, but it’s pretty much the same neighborhood. They must only search on exact zip codes. L-A-M-E.

I don’t give a shit who’s making the pizza as long as it tastes good. If Pizza Patron wants to take on the cost and operating overhead to run a deal like this, more power to them. It’s a global economy now. No reason why you shouldn’t be able to use the peso or euro or whatever as well. Some relatives from the UK send pound notes to us every Xmas for our kids and it’s always a pain in the ass to go get them exchanged. They’re certainly getting their money’s worth out of the deal in publicity.

It’s National Delurking Week.

Following the lead from some of the other Metroblogging cities, we’re asking you to step out of the shadows and participate, not just read. Share whatever you like in the comment thread but maybe answer one of these questions:

• Do you live in Austin?
• If yes, what neighborhood?
• If no, where do you live?
• Are you from Austin originally?
• What is your relationship with Austin? (e.g. you have a child living here)

Me, I live here. I’m just across I-35 from St. Ed’s (kinda near Mabel Davis Park). I’ve been there for 8.5 years. I’m not from Austin originally, but I’ve lived here since 1989 (with a two year sabbatical in NYC).

Now you.

Preach it.

h/t Burnt Orange Report