Ohio Native Turns Slide in Mortgage Lending Into Opportunity

DALLAS, TX and FORT WORTH, TX--(Marketwire - August 12, 2008) - Ryan Black, a native of Ohio and a veteran of 11 years in the mortgage lending business, will turn entrepreneur and introduce the state of Texas to his hometown favorite, Marco's Pizza, home of the Ah!thentic Italian Pizza, by opening up to 73 Marco's in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area.

Jack Butorac, Jr., president of Marco's Franchising, announced the expansion agreement. Butorac and a team of franchise development experts launched the company on an ambitious growth curve.

Marco's Pizza, founded 30 years ago in Toledo, recently reported same store sales increases for the seventh straight quarter. The company plans to open some 50 stores this year and has recently expanded into Florida, Arizona and Virginia putting the company in 13 United States.

"It's no secret the national economy has taken a toll on the mortgage lending business, and I started to look at entrepreneurial opportunities for me and my family," Black explained. "I grew up in Perrysburg, OH, just outside of Toledo and home of Marco's, and I always loved the product and enjoyed good service. I started researching and found they were on a growth curve."

Black, who had been living in Atlanta where he served as vice president regional sales manager for Countrywide Wholesale Division, said his parents, who had transplanted to Texas, told their son about the opportunities in the Lone Star State.

Marco's was founded three decades ago by an Italian immigrant who used many of his family recipes. Since that time, the company has refused to compromise the founder's freshness, flavor and product quality and uses veteran company leadership to continue to grow the company.

Marco's in Texas will feature the Marco's menu of custom made Ah!thentic Italian Pizza, fresh baked subs, salads, chicken wings and soft drinks with carry out, delivery and some sit down service.

Black and his franchise company Socram, LLC is targeted late 2008 for opening his first Texas Marco's Pizza.

Franchise opportunities in Texas will be available through Black by calling 800-262-7267 or by emailing dallen@marcos.com.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Ron Hingst PR Services, Inc. 734-662-5544