Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, has announced an aggressive expansion target of 80 new store openings for 2026. According to the company’s announcement, this goal follows a year of “disciplined growth” in 2025, characterized by significant investments in technology, menu innovation, and operational efficiency.
The Ohio-based franchise currently maintains a pipeline of over 200 units in various stages of development, signaling a sustained move toward nationwide market penetration.
Menu innovation drives franchise interest
The brand’s growth is largely attributed to its recent R&D efforts, which have focused on diversifying the menu beyond traditional pizza. In 2025, Marco’s successfully rolled out several high-margin items, including Pizzoli (a handheld crust-based snack) and Pizza Bowls, which target the growing consumer segment seeking crustless or portable options.
“Our 2025 performance laid a solid foundation for the year ahead,” stated Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer at Marco’s Pizza, in the press release. “By focusing on quality and innovation, we are not only meeting consumer demand but also providing our franchisees with a more robust and profitable business model.”
The company also highlighted its investment in a new cloud-based POS system, which is designed to streamline order accuracy and delivery logistics across its expanding footprint.
Why it matters
For CPG suppliers and food manufacturers, Marco’s rapid scaling creates a significant increase in demand for bulk mozzarella, specialty pepperoni, and private label flour mixes. As the brand targets 80 new locations in a single year, the stress on the supply chain requires highly reliable partners who can provide consistent, retail-ready quality at a massive scale.
Furthermore, the success of the Pizzoli and Pizza Bowls highlights a critical trend for co-manufacturers: the “deconstruction” of classic items. Manufacturers that can offer versatile dough formulations or specialized packaging for handheld snacks are better positioned to support QSR brands as they move away from one-size-fits-all menus. Marco’s growth serves as a primary indicator that “menu engineering” is now a prerequisite for franchise expansion.
What’s New
Marco’s growth ambitions in 2026 are further validated by independent industry recognition. Beyond the company’s own expansion targets, Marco’s was ranked No. 1 in the limited-service restaurant category by a major industry ranking, a distinction that carries direct commercial weight in franchise recruitment and supplier negotiations. For prospective franchisees evaluating investment decisions and for bulk ingredient suppliers assessing which pizza chains to prioritize as long-term supply partners, a No. 1 industry ranking alongside an 80-unit expansion target makes Marco’s one of the most compelling growth stories in the pizza segment heading into the second half of 2026.
FAQs
How many new stores does Marco’s Pizza plan to open in 2026?
The company has set a target of 80 new store openings for the year 2026.
What are Marco’s “Pizzolis”?
A Pizzoli is a handheld, crust-based menu item filled with pizza ingredients, designed for portability and on-the-go consumption.
Is Marco’s Pizza currently seeking new franchisees?
Yes, the brand is actively recruiting multi-unit operators to help meet its 2026 growth targets across several key U.S. markets.
About Source86
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