TOLEDO, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marco's Pizza opened 109 new locations across the country in 2013 and increased system-wide sales by more than 32 percent, resulting from a growth strategy that focused on implementing best practices and efficient systems and building a positive company culture. Overall, the approach contributed to doubling the company's size in five years.
Currently, the company has 437 units open in 33 states and the Bahamas. 2014 will see Puerto Rico open its first store by spring, and by year-end Marco's will have over 600 restaurants open in three countries. With more than 1,500 new franchise deals already signed, Marco's is on track to quadruple its store count in the coming 5 years.
Also in 2013 Marco's Pizza added to its impressive executive talent, including naming Cathy Hull (formerly head of Marketing for Fazoli's and Papa Johns) as Chief Marketing Officer. Hull is among several top-grade industry executives who have migrated to Marco's Pizza from other well-known brands, including COO Bryon Stephens from YUM Brands, Vice President General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer Todd Watson from Metromedia Restaurant Group, among others.
Marco's credits the growth first to the quality of its Authentic Italian pizza (including dough made fresh daily at every restaurant, a proprietary sauce created by its Italian founder, and the company's unique blend of three fresh cheeses) as well as attracting top talent among its Franchisees and corporate staff.
Other 2013 highlights include considerable recognition in the industry. For example, the prestigious Second 100 rankings, in which Nation's Restaurant News reviews the second-largest 100 restaurant chains, saw Marco's rise to the No. 2 spot this year on its list of Top 10 Newcomers. On the overall list of restaurant chains ranked from 101-200, Marco's came in at No. 166 this year, up 23 from No. 189 in 2012. In addition, Pizza Today also named Marco's # 1 on their 2013 Up and Comers list, which recognizes the country's fastest-growing pizza franchises.
Averaging over two restaurant openings per week, the franchise is offering exciting opportunities to be a part of the company's nationwide growth. For more information on Marco's Pizza franchising opportunities, visit www.marcosfranchising.com.
ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza (Marco's Franchising, LLC) is the fastest-growing pizza company in the U.S. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian born, Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives by making Italian Pizza with fresh ingredients. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate close to 450 stores in 33 states, and the Bahamas.