Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, enters 2025 on the heels of a landmark year. With 85 franchises awarded and 70 new store openings in 2024, Marco’s surpassed its 1,200th store milestone.
Marco’s enters 2025 with a renewed focus on multi-unit franchise development, with 65% of 2024 agreements coming from existing franchisees. Key growth areas include expansion into non-traditional locations and international markets, including Mexico.
“Marco’s leads the charge in growth, innovation and customer satisfaction,” says Tony Libardi, co-CEO and president of Marco’s Pizza. “As we continue our expansion, we remain focused on bold culinary creations, operational excellence, and franchisee support. 2025 will be a year of momentum as we deliver on our commitment to quality and innovation.”
Its 2025 growth plan comes on the heels of notable achievements in 2024, which include:
• Technology Advancement: The rollout of a proprietary cloud-based platform continues to enhance franchisee operations and guest experiences. This innovation reflects Marco’s dedication to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape with 770 new features and enhancements added to the platform since launch.
• Design & Operational Enhancements: The unveiling of a new store design in 2024 and the integration of technologies strengthened both the customer experience and operational efficiency.
• NextGen Leadership: Marco’s bolstered its leadership team in 2024 with strategic hires including senior vice president of digital marketing, Ben Halliwell; director of culinary innovation, Kathleen Kennedy; 2023 new hire CMO Denise Lauer; as well as 2023 promotions of John Meyers to COO; Milton Molina to senior vice president of store technology; Cathy Kinzer to senior vice president of supply chain; and Kristin Corcoran to chief legal counsel.
In 2025, Marco’s will build on its front- and back-of-house system with new features, including enhanced data analytics, to support franchisee operations and create an improved guest experience with an upgrade of its digital platform.
Marco’s is also focusing on key markets in the Midwest, East Coast and Sun Belt regions, plus international expansion — building on the momentum of a 50-unit master franchise agreement to develop in Mexico City. Furthermore, the development team continues to explore options for non-traditional expansion, including ghost kitchens in urban areas.
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,200 stores in 35 states with locations in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Mexico. For more information, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/.
SOURCE: Marco’s Pizza