Marco’s Pizza continues its growth in Iowa with plans to introduce 31 new locations, creating more than 750 new jobs throughout the state. The brand plans to ramp up growth through a selective strategy, focusing on a solid foundation of one to two locations in the Des Moines area in 2017, with two to four locations a year in the state after the brand establishes its foundation. Currently there are seven locations open in Iowa all partnered with Marco’s largest franchisee, Family Video.
Kicking off development in the market, husband and wife team Danny and Sherri Holmes recently signed an agreement to bring Marco’s Pizza to Des Moines. The store is slated to open in late 2016. “We’re very excited to be bringing Marco’s to Des Moines. The high quality and consistency is what attracted us to the brand initially, and the culture sold us on the franchise opportunity,” says Danny Holmes. “The Marco’s Pizza brand not only has a family feel but it stresses the importance of getting involved and helping the community. It’s our goal to meet and exceed the brand’s high expectations.”
Chief Development Officer Cameron Cummins is working with area developers to seek franchise partners in the greater Des Moines area. Targeted markets for growth include Des Moines and surrounding suburbs including Urbandale, Pleasantville, Norwalk, Norwoodville, and Avon Lake. With eight Marco’s currently open in Iowa, there is plenty of room for growth.
“With a strong and growing economy, franchise brands enjoy great success in Iowa. Skilled workers and enthusiastic entrepreneurs are ready and eager to bring new pizza concepts to the state, which has a large pizza eating community,” Cummins says. “Bringing Marco’s growth strategy back to its Midwest roots, Iowa shows every sign for potential success for franchisees. Our development in Iowa is only beginning, which is an exciting chapter in our growth story. Our teams are knowledgeable about the regions of the untapped state, and poised to bring success to its entrepreneurs. ”
As the only national franchise chain founded by a native Italian, Marco’s Pizza has carved out a niche in the industry as the expert in authentic Italian pizza, known for its fresh never-frozen dough made daily on site, a proprietary cheese blend that is fresh never-frozen and a secret pizza sauce recipe. The 700-plus-unit company is well on its way to 1,000 locations in 2017. Marco’s Pizza continues to open an average of one new store every third day, more than doubling its size in less than five years.
