The pizza scene is looking like an overwhelming, saucy mess of competition, but Marco's is slicing through with impressive growth. It ain't easy staying at the top of rankings, but over in Toledo, Marco's is clearly making all the right moves. Here they are, cementing their status on QSR Magazine's 2026 QSR 50, proving they're more than just a local outfit with dough-flinging dreams.
From Dough to Billions
It's no small feat to hit those billion-dollar sales figures. In 2025, Marco's cooked up $1.09 billion in U.S. sales, nudging past its previous $1.05 billion. It's not just about counting cash; Marco's deployed this into expanding their footprint, now over 1,200 locations strong. That's no small feat in the highly competitive quick-service restaurant arena.
The Leadership Boost
You want to keep things growing, you've got to put the right folks in charge. Marco's snatched up some key talent: CFO Bill Schaffler, CMO Steve Kennedy, and a new VP of Franchise Growth, Brad Smith. These aren’t just names on a door. These folks are vital cogs in the machine, focusing on finance, marketing prowess, and spreading this pizza gospel to new joints.
Pizza Expansion: Going Beyond Borders
Munching on some local pies is great, but Marco's hungers for more. They crossed the Jersey line in 2025, right into Somerset, with aspirations to blanket New York and New Jersey with pizza love. Up north, south, or overseas, Marco's eyes are on everything, from ghost kitchens to Caribbean dives. It's globalization, pizza-style.
Investing in Tech and Training
Pizza tech? Well, it seems it's a thing. AI-powered systems, digital ordering—Marco's is using them all. It’s not just tech for tech's sake. It’s designed to juice up the guest experience, making sure every visit promises the flavors folks have come to expect with efficiency sprinkled on top. And they’ve plunked cash into training, ensuring every slice that leaves the counter is consistent and top-notch.
Milestones on the Horizon
As Marco's pops the bubbly for their achievements, they're also eyeing the future hungrily. With 80 new openings planned for 2026, their growth trajectory is anything but sluggish. That 1,300th store isn’t a fantasy; it's a pinpoint on a well-crafted map.
Franchisee Lure: A Business Opportunity
If you’re thinking of diving into the franchise pool, Marco's might be your lifejacket. They've got a Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program that’s sweetening the pot—starting at a 0% royalty rate! That’s right, they’re cutting those entry barriers like a hot knife through butter so that entrepreneurs can get on board without drowning in fees.
"Earning a spot on the QSR 50 is a testament to the hard work of our franchisees and the strength of the systems we’ve built to support them," said Gerardo Flores, Marco’s Chief Development Officer.
Those willing to bet on the brand will find themselves backed by solid real estate, construction support, and operational guidance needed to crank up new stores.
The Competitive Landscape
Folks, when you’re etched onto lists like 'America’s Best Customer Service' in the pizza segment, you know you’ve crafted a recipe for success. Marco’s didn’t just wing it; they methodically placed themselves into America's hearts and stomachs. But maintaining that spot will require diligence, continued investment, and smart moves.
Marco’s journey isn’t just about pizza—it’s about strategic growth, fostering the right talent, and staying one step ahead in a fast-food landscape that’s ever-evolving. Watch their moves closely, because this brand is proving they have what it takes to outperform and sustain the sizzle year over year.
