When the titular owner of MrJims.Pizza founded his first restaurant in 1975, he wasn't planning to be there for long. Instead, he hoped his profits would help him open his own franchise of McDonald's, where he'd worked part-time to put himself through college. Soon, however, the success of his shop led to the opening of several more locations in Garland, as well as franchises in other states.

Mr. Jim now presides over dozens of pizza joints, where chefs hand-stretch freshly made dough to create their trademark pizzas. Pies loaded with fresh mozzarella, crisp veggies, and meat toppings fill tables and takeout boxes alongside appetizers such as wings and bread sticks dipped in fresh tomato sauce.