Fast-growing Marco’s Pizza announced that it has opened 41 new stores in the first half of 2025. If current trends continue, the brand is poised for a 28% year-over-year increase in new store openings — reinforcing its strength in a highly competitive market.
“We entered 2025 with momentum from a very intentional development strategy – and that pipeline is now turning into stores,” said Gerardo Flores, chief development officer of Marco’s Pizza. “The potential of our model and the power of our culture create an opportunity to grow with a brand that’s not just expanding but doing so the right way.”
Earlier this year, Marco’s welcomed back longtime team member Joe Stephens as Vice President of Real Estate to support franchisees’ site selection and other real estate consultation. Stephens, a 13-year veteran of the brand, brings deep industry expertise to accelerate store openings in key markets.
By utilizing predictive tools and consumer behavior insights, Marco’s is looking far beyond traditional site selection methods, the company said. This tech-forward strategy helps identify potentially untapped markets. As the cost of capital rises and competition tightens, Marco’s is doubling down on its commitment to innovative technology tools to aid its growth and help franchisees.
Current franchisees continue to expand with the brand – nearly 65% of 2024 signed agreements came from existing franchisees. To further support expansion, Marco’s recently launched a Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program designed to reduce barriers for qualified multi-unit owners. With early-stage royalty incentives starting at 0%, plus real estate, construction and operations support, the brand offers a streamlined, resource-rich path to growth, it said.
