Marco’s Pizza has announced the signing of a sizeable, 46-store development agreement for the Phoenix Metro area. This mammoth development is a part of the brand’s ambitions to reach 1,500 locations by 2023, and the fourth biggest pizza brand.
“We’re placing an emphasis on growing with sophisticated partners who believe in the strength of the Marco’s brand,” said Keith Sizemore, vice president of development for Marco’s Pizza.
“When one of your seasoned, top-performing franchisees commits to 46 new stores, it speaks to the tremendous belief they have in our brand, our business model, and our people-first culture. Robert’s focus on operational excellence and growth shines through and through. We’re extremely proud of him and our development. We’ve built an incredible infrastructure for growth and look forward to continued expansion, filling whitespace across the country with empire builders like Robert.”
This agreement has been spearheaded by a Marco’s veteran, Robert Pina. He initially began working with Marco’s in 2011 in Houston, Texas, but is now currently overseeing development in San Antonio too with his business partner, Uyen Tran. Together, the pair have 67 units, 20 of which are owned by Pina.
Pina is experienced in restaurant franchising and was previously a Subway franchisee before establishing himself as one of the top Marco’s Pizza franchisees. The new agreement will bring 46 stores to the Phoenix Metro area, six of which should open within the next 18 months. Site selection is underway for the first location, and is expected to open in Q3 of 2022.
“I’ve always wanted to continue to grow with Marco’s because it’s a special brand. The timing was right to pursue the next opportunity – Phoenix was that answer,” said Pina.
“With only one Marco’s location in the Phoenix DMA, there is an incredible opportunity to build out the market and bring a quality product to the pizza lovers of this community. Over the past few years, we’ve been on a phenomenal growth curve as a brand and particularly in my other two markets. With the right concept, a proven track record, and national advertising helping grow brand awareness, now was the time to really push the pedal to the medal and grow.”
