Marco’s Pizza is on pace for a remarkable 2021 following a strong year in 2020. In addition to signing 88 new franchise agreements since the start of the year, the brand has also signed multiple area development deals to bring a total of 20 units to Colorado, which is all part of a larger strategy to grow its 1,000-plus unit footprint by more than 10 percent this year.
Existing locations have maintained strong sales as the brand continues to build out its robust pipeline of over 200 units in various stages of development. Marco’s Pizza is targeting areas such as Austin, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Southern California for expansion.
“Our teams have been busy working to lower unit buildout costs while simultaneously driving higher sales,” says Tony Libardi, Co-CEO & President of Marco’s Pizza. “This, paired with ease of funding, has created an opportune time for both existing and prospective franchisees to grow with Marco’s.”
Riding the momentum of a year filled with record-breaking sales, the brand’s milestone 1,000th store opening and recent innovations and pilot programs, Marco’s Pizza plans on having another banner year. Part of its growth strategy involves placing a focus on multi-unit development as nearly half of the franchise network is made up of multi-unit owners.
“We remained incredibly adaptive during the pandemic – rapid expansion of third-party delivery, new contact-free delivery and curbside pickup options – and that innovation will continue to serve our network well for years to come,” adds Libardi.
As the only national pizza franchise founded by a native Italian, Marco’s has carved out a niche in the industry for authentic Italian quality pizza. The brand recently rolled out a refreshed ad campaign with a new tagline, “Pizza Lovers Get It.” Designed to speak to the pizza lovers of America, Marco’s is on a mission to celebrate and validate the obsessive love of pizza.
Opening a new store every three and a half days on average, the Top 50 percent of its franchised stores generated $1,059,574 AUV for 2020.
