TOLEDO, Ohio, March 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marco's Pizza and Family Video are bringing new meaning to the phrase "pizza and a movie" thanks to a more than $100 million partnership that will eventually put hundreds of Marco's shops in the movie rental chain's stores.
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"This partnership is a perfect fit for both of us," said Jack Butorac, CEO of Marco's Pizza. "When someone goes to a pizza shop, it is often a take-home activity. Now, consumers have the option of placing their order and browsing videos. We've essentially simplified the pleasure of picking up a pie and movie for a night in."
Family Video is also working with a system that allows customers to reserve movies online they wish to pick up in the store. The two companies envision developing that into a system that would allow someone to order both a pizza and a movie and have them delivered together.
"I think it's going to be a really popular business model that saves a whole trip for the customer," said Family Video President Keith Hoogland, whose company's substantial real estate holdings will house the new stores. "It's all about convenience."
The first Marco's Pizza to open on a Family Video property is expected some time at the end of March 2012 in Wheeling, Illinois. All told, Family Video plans to open 350 Marco's Pizza shops nationwide, creating 7,000 jobs.
"In this economic climate, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to expand, and partnerships with companies such as Family Video are just one of the many we are considering or pursuing," Butorac said.
Marco's Pizza has 280 locations in 21 states and expects to open about 100 more this year, in addition to those associated with its Family Video partnership.
About Marco's Franchising, LLC
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza (Marco's Franchising, LLC) is the fastest-growing pizza company in the U.S. (based on the number of stores signed into development since 2007). Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian born, Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and is committed to making Ah! thentic Italian pizza with fresh ingredients. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate more than 280 stores in 21 states and the Bahamas. To inquire about franchise opportunities with Marco's Pizza, visit http://www.marcos.com/">www.marcos.com or e-mail ljohnson@marcos.com.
About Family Video
We are the largest privately owned movie and game rentailer in the United States. We operate more than 735 Family Video stores in 19 states and we are opening more all the time. Our unique property-ownership model makes us a different sort of retailer because we buy and develop most of our buildings and land. We have developed more than 600 retail strip centers and count Fortune 500 companies as well as Mom and Pop retailers amongst our 200 tenants.
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