Franchise Deep Dive: Marco’s Pizza Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: July 31, 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.marcos.com/franchising/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,100+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $286,852 to $805,927
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,222,684 (Average Unit Volume for Top 50% of stores in 2022)

Marco’s Pizza is a casual sit-down pizza concept that aims to deliver a high-quality restaurant experience with its authentic Italian-quality pizzas that are made with fresh dough and three signature cheeses. Marco’s Pizza, which is one of America’s fastest-growing pizza brands, was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco. The brand is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. As a result of its offerings, it has won many awards, including recently being ranked No. 2 in the pizza category on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2022 “Franchise 500” ranking.

How Many Marco’s Pizza Locations Are There?

As of July 2023, there are more than 1,100 Marco’s Pizza locations. The brand has restaurants across 33 states, and locations in both Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

What Is Marco’s Pizza Business Model?

The main focus of Marco’s Pizza’s business model is to provide high-quality pizzas, salads, subs, cheesy bread and desserts to its customers. The brand also offers delivery and carryout services, has an online ordering system, and offers occasional promotions to help attract potential new customers.

According to the brand’s website, Marco’s Pizza emphasizes the importance of putting people first and says the root of its success is its commitment to people. As such, the brand works to ensure “everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the brand’s success in a meaningful way.”

With its focus on serving high-quality pizza, the brand believes its franchise owners have several advantages. Marco’s Pizza says not only is pizza a favorite food of Americans, but it’s also incredibly convenient as delivery is available at almost every address in the country, no matter what.

“The pizza industry as a whole turned out to be both recession-proof and pandemic-proof,” wrote PMQ Pizza Magazine.

How Much Can Marco’s Pizza Franchise Owners Make?

According to the brand’s franchise website, in 2022, the top 50% of Marco’s Pizza stores generated average sales of $1,222,684.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Marco’s Pizza?

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Marco’s Pizza franchise ranges from $286,852 to $805,927. These figures are broken down into the following costs:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
• Real Property: $6,000 to $18,666
• Equipment Fixtures: $97,725 to $175,000
•  Point of Sale Computers: $19,000 to $21,000
• Credit Card Processing: $6,175
• Leasehold Improvements: $65,000 to $400,000
• Signage: $3,000 to $15,000
• Opening Inventory: $7,000 to $11,000
• Small Supplies: $14,200 to $18,500
• Deposits, Prepaid Expenses: $2,500 to $6,000
• Business Licenses: $500 to $3,000
• Insurance: $2,366 to $16,500
• Training Expenses: $3,150 to $10,150
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $500 to $5,000
• Architectural and Engineering: $8,000 to $15,000
• Technology Fee: $336
• Delivery Area, Streets Database for Point of Sale, and Shape Files for POS and OLO Platform Maps: $500
• Brand Launch Program: $15,500 to $25,500
• Store Technology Infrastructure System: $800 to $2,400
• Menu Boards: $600 to $1,200
• Additional Funds: $9,000 to $30,000

Franchise owners must also pay a royalty fee of 5.5% of net royalty sales and advertising fees totaling 7% of net royalty sales, which includes 1% for brand development, 4% for the National Advertising Fund, and 2% for regional or local store marketing.

What Is the Franchise Fee for a Marco’s Pizza?

The initial franchise fee required to open a Marco’s Pizza franchise is $25K. In order to open one location, interested parties must also have at least $200K in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $600K.  

Who’s On the Marco’s Pizza Leadership Team?

• Jack Butorac — Chairman and Co-CEO
• Tony Libardi — Co-CEO and President
• Steve Seyferth — EVP and Chief Growth Officer
• Richard Stanbridge — EVP and Chief Information Officer
• Jeff Rager — Chief Financial Officer
• Gerardo Flores — Chief Development Officer
• Shannon Iverson — VP of Franchise Growth
• Paul Williams — VP of Real Estate
• David Gladstone — VP of Construction

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Marco’s Pizza?

• Marco’s Pizza Unveils New ‘Enhancements’ for Rapid Growth
• Rapid growth and rising sales contribute to Marco’s Pizza’s recognition as second-fastest growing chain in the United States
• How this Marco’s Franchisee of the Year went from owning gyms to pizza restaurants

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