What happened
Michael Haran, former Austin i Fratelli’s franchise owner, opened his first store in West Lake Hills in March of 2021. By May of 2022, Haran took over Austin’s remaining north and downtown pizza locations. Haran estimates all three locations closed within the past four months, first West Lake Hills, followed by the north Austin location and lastly the downtown Austin location.
Haran said corporate switched the company’s cheese manufacturer in October 2023, causing him months of customer complaints based on products tasting different until the recipe was fixed. Additionally, Haran experienced setbacks from higher-ups in the company when it came to expanding the franchise into Austin sports stadiums, he said.
In case you missed it
Four brothers in Irving started i Fratelli’s in 1987, which is heavily franchised in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, according to i Fratelli’s website. The pizza restaurant offers specialty and create-your-own pizzas along with salads and desserts.
i Fratelli’s corporate office did not respond with a public comment in time for publication. The West Lake Hills i Fratelli’s store is being replaced by The Austin Epicure, set to open in November.
- Closed this spring and summer
- 3736 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 3, West Lake Hills (Westlake); 10001 Research Blvd, Ste. 160, Austin (North), 501 W. 15th St., Austin (Downtown)
- www.ifratellipizza.com
