Marco’s Pizza Franchise Sets Sights on 500th Store

Fastest-growing pizza franchise wants to crack the ‘Big Four’

Marco’s Pizza franchise is in the midst of making the transition from large to extra large.

As the fastest-growing pizza franchise in the country, we’ve set a goal to open store No. 500 by 2014. We already have more than 350 stores open, with more than 200 in development.

For potential franchisees, there’s never been a better time to get in on the ground floor of a successful concept. “We’ve spent years positioning the concept and creating a great brand based on quality,” says Marco’s CEO Jack Butorac. “We have over 350 stores open now, and our plan is to become the fourth largest pizza chain.”

Why is our brand taking off? Because we’re committed to producing authentic Italian pizza, with fresh dough, proprietary sauce recipe, never-frozen vegetables and real cheese — and the story’s getting out. Marco’s Pizza has been elevating its profile in the pizza delivery segment of the restaurant industry. As the only major pizza delivery franchise founded by a native Italian, Marco’s is making a name for itself among entrepreneurs who want to grow with the company. More than 40% of Marco’s franchisees are former franchisees of other national pizza chains.

“I chose Marco’s Pizza for the type of pizza, the brand quality,” says Marco’s franchisee David Knowles. “Coming from another national pizza brand for 25 years, my favorite saying to my employees was, ‘Would you sell that to your mother?’ I didn’t feel comfortable selling that brand to my mother anymore.”

Customers have responded; when Marco’s hired Proctor & Gamble Test Kitchen, MRSI, to conduct a four-month study with focus groups, 72% of people who tried Marco’s pizza said they’d purchase it again — more than twice the number who said they’d purchase from the other pizza delivery franchises the kitchen tested.

As an affordable family luxury, pizza is remarkably resilient during tough economic times. The $40 billion a year industry is predicted to grow by another 1.6% in 2013, according to Technomic’s Pizza Consumer Trend Report. Technomic’s survey showed 68% of consumers order carryout pizza at least once a month, and 45% order pizza for dine-in service monthly or more often.

Unlike some of the larger pizza franchises, Marco’s still has exclusive prime territories available. If you think Marco’s could be your next business venture, get in touch and we’ll talk about your options. You can call us at 1-800-262-7267 or fill out the form at right to download our free franchise report.