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“We entered 2025 with momentum from a very intentional development strategy – and that pipeline is now turning into stores,” explained Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer of Marco’s Pizza.
This isn’t just growth. It’s domination.
The Secret Weapon
How did Marco’s pull this off while others are bleeding cash? Simple — they’re smarter about where they plant their flag.
Instead of tossing darts at a map, the company brought back 13-year veteran Joe Stephens as Vice President of Real Estate to help franchisees secure prime locations. But the real kicker is their use of predictive technology and consumer behavior insights.
While competitors rely on outdated guesswork, Marco’s is using cutting-edge data to find untapped markets their rivals completely overlooked.
The results speak for themselves. Nearly 65% of franchise agreements in 2024 came from existing owners — a clear sign those franchisees are raking in profits and begging for more.
Dollars Don’t Lie
Franchisees don’t open more stores for fun. They do it because the money’s rolling in.
And at Marco’s, it’s rolling in fast. The top 25% of stores average $1.3 million in annual sales. Numbers like that explain why expansion feels less like a gamble and more like a sure bet.
The chain sweetened the deal even further with its new Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program. Early-stage developers get 0% royalties and support in real estate, construction, and operations.
It’s the opposite of what most chains are doing. Instead of squeezing franchisees dry, Marco’s is practically handing them the keys to success.
Going Global While Others Retreat
Marco’s isn’t content with dominating the U.S. They’re eyeing the world stage.
This year marks one year since their launch in Mexico and a full decade in Puerto Rico. With Grupo Pizza Amantes SA de CV leading the charge, Mexico will have three to four Marco’s locations by year’s end.
Add that to 66 stores across the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, and it’s clear the company is just warming up. Latin America and Canada are next on their hit list.
The Culture Factor No One Talks About
Most analysts focus on profits, but Marco’s leadership insists that culture is the real engine of their success.
Under the “People First, Mission Always” philosophy, Marco’s is rolling out its We’re Golden development program, designed to help franchisees foster workplaces built on hospitality and growth. The plan is to have it active across 700 stores by the end of 2025.
The company also backs its words with action. The Marco’s Pizza Foundation recently donated $317,000 to Junior Achievement USA — a figure that has since grown to more than $530,000.
“As a franchise-driven brand, we know the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives,” said Stephanie Moseley, President of the Marco’s Pizza Foundation.
A Lesson for the Whole Industry
Marco’s Pizza has grown from a small Ohio favorite into a powerhouse with more than 1,200 stores in 35 states. Along the way, they’ve scooped up recognition from Nation’s Restaurant News as America’s Favorite Restaurant in the Limited-Service Pizza category, made Newsweek’s 2025 “America’s Best Customer Service” list, and landed at number 48 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500.”
Their message to the industry is clear: stop playing defense and start investing in people, data, and culture.
Marco’s isn’t just delivering pizza. They’re delivering a masterclass on how to win big when everyone else is losing.
Marco’s Pizza closed its Crossville, TN store a couple of years ago, and the store in Cookeville does not deliver to Crossville, and understandably so given the length of the commute. But Marco’s served a great White Pizza with bacon and onions -their White Cheezy, as well as a variety of non-cheese pizzas for those (like my wife) who are lactose intolerant.
I would love to see the 424 Obed Plaza, Suite 2, Crossville, TN 38555 re-opened, if feasible.