Contact Information: Contact: Ron Hingst 734-662-5544
Transplanted Ohio Family Turns Entrepreneurs, Will Open First Marco's Ah! Thentic Italian Pizza in Florida; New Port Richey, 3/29/07
| Source: Marco's Franchsing, LLC
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 28, 2007 -- Bruce and Kitte Raber, formerly of
Toledo, OH and their son Bruce, Jr. and daughter, Melissa Raber-Salazar,
will open a Marco's Pizza at 9338 Little Road, New Port Richey this week,
representing the eighth state for the rapidly growing pizza chain.
Dave Black, executive vice president of Marco's Franchising, a native of
Florida and former president of Domino's Pizza who began his career in
Florida, announced the expansion.
Bruce Raber, Jr., an electrical engineer and graduate of University of
Findlay who joined the family business, said the new Marco's Pizza is a
1,600-square foot facility and will offer seven day a week operations 11 am
to 11 pm with carryout and delivery service.
The Rabers will introduce Florida consumers to Marco's Ah! Thentic Italian
Pizza. The Marco's menu also includes fresh baked subs, chicken wings,
salads and soft drinks and offers consumers a choice of carryout, delivery
and some sit down service.
Raber, Jr. said his sister Melissa Raber-Salazar, a veteran in food
service, will manage the store and its 25 employees.
Bruce Raber, a 30-year production manager in the automotive and
construction industries, and Kitte Raber, with 34 years of experience in
residential lighting and retail management, said the appeal of being an
entrepreneur, the good product and image of Marco's Pizza, and the large
contingent of Ohio natives living in Florida encouraged them to switch
careers and become Marco's franchisees. The Rabers plan to open a total of
10 stores in the Sunshine State.
The Rabers and their company, RR Pizza Group, LLC, will also open Marco's
Pizzas in Pasco and Hernando Counties in the Tampa area.
The Rabers' franchise company, R&R Pizza Group, LLC, will be a family
affair, with their daughter Melissa Raber-Salazar serving as general
manager for the organization.
Marco's Pizza currently has 155 units in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada,
North Carolina, Wisconsin and Arizona and plans to open 500 by 2010.
Additional information is available at www.marcos.com or by emailing
dallen@marcos.com