Marco’s Pizza has been named fastest-growing U.S. pizza franchise on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list this year, ranking 38th overall on the list of notable franchises, while jumping 43 spots up from its place on the same ranking last year, according to a news release.
According to a news release, Marco’s closed out 2016, with a total of 779 open stores and almost half a billion dollars in system-wide sales. Marco’s reports that it had 12 straight quarters of positive same-store sales growth and has expanded the franchise system at an average rate of 23 percent over the past five years.
“We reached several growth milestones in 2016, but at the same time focused significant energy to enhance operations and support our franchisees,” Marco’s President Bryon Stephens, said in a news release. “All of the accomplishments have been a collaborative effort of our incredible franchise partners, home office team, store employees and superior vendors. It all happens within a culture of accountability.”
Over the course of the year, Marco’s also created its Slice of Support non-profit to provide financial support for team members facing hardship, while raising funds for community charities. It also launched its Veteran’s Recruitment Program to provide opportunities to military veteran entrepreneurs.
The brand is on track to add nearly 150 new locations this year, with plans for 1,500 locations open by 2020.
