Marco's Pizza Scores Major Victory at International Pizza Expo

    TOLDEO, OH, March 29, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marco's Pizza, the fastest-growing pizza franchise in the United States, made its debut appearance at the 31st annual International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas from March 23-26 competing in the International Pizza Challenge. Drawing on its quality ingredients, Marco's Pizza took home the silver prize in the traditional division with its Pepperoni Magnifico - a true testament to its high Italian food standards.

The International Pizza Expo marks the largest pizza show in the world and since the International Pizza Challenge's inception in 2007, it has grown in size and stature with over 80 entries in each of its categories. A panel of judges assigned scores for each pizza based on taste - crust, sauce, cheese, toppings, overall taste, creativity - and visual presentation - bake and appearance. Marco's Pepperoni Magnifico caught the attention of the judges with both its Old World and Classic Pepperoni, and special Italian seasonings.

As the only national franchise chain founded by a native Italian, the company has made a name for itself in the bourgeoning industry as experts in genuine Italian fare by producing fresh, authentic, handmade pizza, known for its fresh dough made daily on site, a proprietary cheese blend that is fresh never-frozen, and a secret pizza sauce recipe. Marco's prides itself on crafting every pizza in the tradition of the classic Italian cook by using ingredients that are fresh - never frozen. At a time when 91 percent of Americans eat pizza once a month, more people are increasingly choosing the quality pizza that is synonymous with Marco's name.

"We could not be more honored to take home this second place prize after our first appearance at the International Pizza Expo," said Bryon Stephens, President & COO of Marco's Pizza. "We don't compromise on our products, which goes back to our original founder's standards of freshness, flavor, and quality- all key drivers of our growth. We live by a culture of accountability that consistently delivers an authentic quality product and best-in-class customer service. As long as we keep doing that, growth will continue."

Marco's Pizza serves the expanding $46 billion U.S. pizza market that continues to grow at a rate of 1 and 2 percent per year. With plans to open more than 175 new stores this year, averaging one new store opening every other day, the company is on track to have 1,000 locations opened and operating by the end of 2017. As a result of its success, Marco's Pizza experienced a 41 percent system-wide net sales increase in 2014 and has received high praise from Entrepreneur Magazine. It was announced earlier this year that Marco's Pizza broke into the top 100 of the magazine's annual Franchise 500 list, and ranked as the 15th fastest growing franchise in the United States.

The franchise is offering prospects exciting opportunities to be a part of the company's nationwide growth. For more information on Marco's Pizza franchising opportunities, visit http://www.marcosfranchising.com.

Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza (Marco's Franchising, LLC) is the fastest-growing pizza company in the U.S. (based on the number of stores signed into development since 2007). Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian born, Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives by making Italian Pizza with fresh ingredients. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate more than 600 stores in 35 states, and the Bahamas. Marco's Pizza recently took the no. 3 spot in Consumer Reports' pizza category restaurant rankings and was no. 8 on Franchise Times' "2014 Fast and Serious" list. To inquire about franchise opportunities with Marco's Pizza visit marcosfranchising.com.

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