Marco’s Pizza Franchise Nabs No. 2 Spot on Nation’s Restaurant News Newcomers List

Annual ‘Second 100’ ranking lauds Marco’s for continued stellar growth

Marco’s Pizza franchise believes quality is its own reward, but it’s always nice when someone else recognizes the results of our hard work. The prestigious Second 100 rankings, in which Nation’s Restaurant News reviews the second-largest 100 restaurant chains, ranked Marco’s at No. 2 this year on its list of Top 10 Newcomers.

 On the overall list of restaurant chains ranked from 101-200, Marco’s came in at No. 166 this year, up from No. 189 last year. The rankings are based on Marco’s outstanding growth for 2012. Food service sales were $197 million in 2012, compared to $148.7 million in 2011 and $115.4 million in 2010.

The Second 100 ranking includes chains that generated at least $134.4 million in sales in 2012 and compared three years of data on each brand.

Here’s what NRN had to say:

Marco’s Pizza boosted its system sales by 32.5 percent in the latest year with a sales growth strategy that balanced specialties like South Philly Cheese Steak Pizza with promotions such as the Big Square Deal combo to counter those of bigger rivals.

Latest-Year sales growth: +32.5%

Second 100 sales rank: 166


U.S. unit count: 334 (+21%)


ESPU: $645,900 (+7.1%)

That 32.5% increase was the largest among the seven pizza chains included in this year’s Second 100, and Marco’s ranked No. 3 overall for its systemwide sales growth. In a stronger economic climate, CEO Jack Butorac says the numbers could have been even higher. Marco’s commitment to quality, artisan pizza and its relatively inexpensive initial investment make it very attractive to franchisees.

“To build a casual dining place costs millions of dollars; if you build a Marco’s, it’s $300,000,” Jack says.

 Marco’s closed out 2012 with 334 units nationwide, which landed it at No. 17 on the list of total units nationwide, up five spots from the preceding year. It’s on track to open 125 more stores by the end of 2013.

Founded in Toledo in 1978 by native Italian Pat Giammarco, Marco’s has made a name for itself by producing fresh, authentic, handmade artisan pizza. The dough is made in stores daily; the sauce is produced from a special hybrid tomato developed just for Marco’s; a proprietary blend of three cheeses is always fresh, never frozen; and we chop our toppings in the store and use only premium meats and vegetables.

 Marco’s has also partnered with Family Video, a 700-unit chain that has pumped $100 million into the joint venture. Family Video and Marco’s are planning to open 250 additional stores across the country in the next three to five years.

If you’d like to join our dynamic and growing company, fill out the form at right or give us a call at 1-800-262-7267.