Marco’s Pizza is the fastest growing pizza chain in the U.S., and the company is looking for franchise partners to help bring its authentic Italian pizza to even more markets across the country.

The 166-unit chain has inked 567 franchise contracts in the past 18 months—phenomenal growth by any standard—and same-store sales growth is averaging 6.8 percent for all locations system-wide. There are a number of reasons for this success, but really, it all goes back to the product: authentic Italian pizza made from an old family recipe. Hot sub sandwiches, salads, and cheezybread complete the menu, and all offerings are available for carryout or delivery

At Marco’s, pizza is still made the way Pat Giammarco did it when he founded the chain in Toledo, Ohio, nearly 30 years ago, using his grandmother’s recipe. It starts with fresh-made dough and the chain’s signature sauce, a blend of genuine Italian spices and three kinds of tomatoes mixed in small batches. Topping it off is a combination of three 100-percent real cheeses, always fresh and never frozen. Testing has shown that Marco’s pizza stands out from the rest, with 72 percent of tasters showing intent to repeat purchase.

“The pizza product is phenomenal,” says Cameron Cummins, vice president of franchise marketing and development. “In fact, 40 to 55 percent of our franchisees are past customers. They liked the product so much, they decided to open their own stores.”

Startup costs range from $150,000 to $350,000 for new units, and ongoing royalty rates stand at 5.5 percent of net sales. Most agreements require the development of at least three Marco’s Pizza stores within an exclusive territory, though bigger and smaller commitments are also available. For three stores, candidates are required to have $360,000 in net worth and liquid assets of $180,000.

Startup costs range from $150,000 to $350,000 for new units, and ongoing royalty rates stand at 5.5 percent of net sales.

Marco’s hopes to hit $1 billion in sales by 2013, and to reach that goal the company is looking to expand in key markets throughout the country. Opportunities are available in areas of the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest.

“Like the old adage, ‘many hands make for light work,’ we’re targeting 100 area representatives to help our brand grow,” Cummins says. “They serve as our brand ambassadors, field reps, and area supervisors in specific markets.”

Average unit volumes topped $607,000 last year, and the company expects another gain this year. Backed by an all-star team of industry experts across various disciplines, Marco’s has nowhere to go but up. Franchisees with passion and drive can come along for the ride.

For more information about franchising opportunities with Marco’s Pizza, visit www.marcosfranchising.com.