Marco’s Pizza on fast track with 200 stores in development
Marco’s Pizza is ramping up its expansion in Virginia.
The fast-growing, quick-serve pizza chain has signed a multi-unit agreement that will bring 10 stores to Northern Virginia, a new market for the brand, during the next three years. The first locations are expected to open this year, with all 10 set to be open and operating by early 2026.
The deal comes on the heels of several recent multi-unit agreements across the state, including eight new locations in the Reston-Arlington area and seven in Roanoke-Lynchburg markets. The company, which passed the $1 billion mark in annual systemwide sales in 2022, has about 30 stores in Virginia.
With a nationwide footprint of some 1,100 stores, Marco’s has set a goal of 1,500 locations by the end 2023. The company opened 90-plus stores and awarded 140 franchises in 2022.
In the last six years, the brand has doubled its store footprint and it has no intention of slowing down as its franchise expansion continues to surge. Marco’s has more than 200 stores in various stages of development, and more than 350 agreements signed. Company leadership has identified 4,200 potential U.S. locations.
As Marco’s continues to expand, company leadership is prioritizing investments in enhancing the franchise development program, new technology, personnel, strategic vendor partnerships, multi-channel national advertising and more — all with an eye on maximizing franchisee profits while meeting the needs of today's modern customer.
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco. The company has grown to operate more than 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Business partners CJ Hornbrook, Michael Silberman, and Mike Sontag are the franchisees behind the 10-unit area Northern Virginia development agreement.
"When my partners and I were looking at business opportunities, we were in search of a perfect combination of a quality product and strong growth potential," said Silberman. "Having a close connection to the Marco's brand – knowing the founder Pat Giammarco and family members – it was obvious to me that Marco's met the quality product part of the equation as it is simply unmatched by the competition. Next, we looked at growth potential. After realizing the untapped market potential in Northern Virginia – we knew we had the perfect opportunity to grow the brand in this region."