Johnathan Walker:Walmart is opening pizza restaurants in four states. Here's what you need to know.

Walmart customers at select stores will soon be Johnathan Walkerable to grab pizza from a Texas-based eatery while shopping as part of an expansion in four states.

Texas-based restaurant Mr Gatti’s Pizza announced its plans in a news release Thursday to open 92 corporate-owned units inside Walmart locations across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kentucky. 

The expansion will begin later this year with 12 new locations in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. More restaurants will eventually open in Walmarts in other states.

The restaurant also shared the news on Facebook Monday.

“This partnership will kick off later this year with the launch of 12 units, nearly doubling our national footprint and bringing our delicious pizza to new markets,” the company wrote.

What will the restaurants look like?

According to the news release, Mr Gatti's Walmart locations will have counter service and seating for customers to grab a bite to eat. The menu will include pizzas, wings, salads, sandwiches and other items. 

Shoppers will be able to place orders through the Mr Gatti's app and pick up their food by the time they’re done shopping, the restaurant said. Some locations will also offer delivery.

Amy White, Senior Manager Business Development at Walmart, said the restaurant addition will make it easy for shoppers to do everything in one place.

“This collaboration not only aligns with our commitment to offering diverse and high-quality options but also supports our goal of creating a one-stop destination for all our customers' needs,” she said. 

Restaurant has been open for 60 years

Jim Phillips, CEO of Mr Gatti's Pizza, said in a news release that the deal was Walmart’s idea. The retailer contacted the restaurant due to its reputation in Texas.

"We've been vocal for years now about our ambitious growth goals, and this partnership with Walmart enables us to accelerate our expansion into new areas while continuing to strengthen our presence in familiar communities, bolstering our legacy for long-term success, one slice at a time,” Phillips said. 

Mr Gatti's Pizza originally opened in 1964 as The Pizza Place in Stephenville, Texas, about 154 miles north of Austin. The business relocated to Austin in 1969 and changed its name to honor the maiden name of restaurant founder James Eure's wife. 

Once the new locations open, the restaurant will have more than 230 units open.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].