TULSA, Okla. — America's Incredible Pizza Company (AIPC) has sold franchising rights to build 20 new stores in Mexico starting in 2007.

According to a news release, Mexico City businessman Gonzalo Barrutieta Losada has partnered with AIPC to build and manage two stores per year every year for the next 10 years.

"When Gonzalo approached us, we knew he was the perfect fit for our concept," said Rick Barsness, founder and chief executive of AIPC. "He showed us the huge potential of the Mexican market, and, most importantly, helped us understand how our concept could serve this market."

Barrutieta visited the two Houston AIPC locations several months ago, and he and his five children saw how it brought families together, that it was a great place to celebrate and have fun together as a family.

"Families in Mexico are the strongest link of the society," said Barrutieta, "and having a place to celebrate or spend a day together is very cherished in this country."

The first AIPC site has been approved for Monterrey, a city viewed as the nation’s richest and boasting a population of more than 3 million. The restaurant is slated to open in 2007.

Currently there six AIPC locations operating in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. An additional three are under construction, and there are franchise agreements for another 73.