Marco's Pizza Achieves Recognition on QSR Magazine's Prestigious Franchise List for Third Year

Marco's Pizza Recognized Again on QSR 50 List

On August 20, 2026, Marco's Pizza proudly announced its recognition on QSR Magazine's 2026 QSR 50 list, marking the third consecutive year of such an honor. As one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States, this accomplishment solidifies Marco's Pizza as a key player in the quick-service restaurant industry.

According to QSR, Marco's Pizza finished the previous year with impressive system-wide sales of $1.09 billion, a notable increase from $1.05 billion in 2024. The brand's expansion over the years is evident, with over 1,200 locations now dotting the United States, positioning them on a growth trajectory as they aim to reach the milestone of opening their 1,300th store in the near future.

Strengthening Foundations for Growth

Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer at Marco's Pizza, attributed this success to the dedication of their franchisees and the robust systems established to support their growth. Flores stated, “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.” He noted that last year was marked by disciplined growth that included entering new states, expanding internationally, and making significant investments in people and infrastructure.

In 2025, Marco's Pizza made headlines with its entry into New Jersey, opening its first location in Somerset. This development is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding the brand's reach in the Northeast, as the franchisee plans to open an additional seven restaurants across New Jersey and the five boroughs of New York City.

Moreover, Marco's has ventured into non-traditional growth avenues, such as ghost kitchens, which allow franchisees to capitalize on flexible business models that cater to evolving consumer demands.

Reaching International Markets

On the international front, Marco's has recorded significant achievements, marking a year since its first location opened in Mexico, operated by Grupo Pizza Amantes SA de CV. Additionally, the brand is celebrating a decade of successful operations in the Caribbean. The continued international expansion points to Marco's growing interest and opportunities in Latin America and Canada, further diversifying its market presence.

Enhancing Operational Excellence

To support its expansion endeavors, Marco's Pizza has strengthened its leadership team, bringing on board notable new hires in key roles. These include Bill Schaffler as Chief Financial Officer, Steve Kennedy as Chief Marketing Officer, and Brad Smith as Vice President of Franchise Growth. These leadership additions are expected to enhance the brand's financial, marketing, and development strategies as they scale their operations.

Further investments have been made in technology, focusing on improving the guest and operator experience at store level. Initiatives ranging from AI-powered tools to menu innovation and digital ordering enhancements showcase a commitment to competing as a leading player in the pizza sector.

Plans for Future Growth in 2026

Marco's Pizza kicked off 2026 with ambitious plans to open over 80 new locations, significantly building on the 60 stores launched in the previous year. This growth strategy is supported by the development of an Operations Center of Excellence, designed to bolster the infrastructure necessary for efficient scaling and exceptional franchisee performance.

The brand continues to attract entrepreneurial prospects interested in joining a franchise that values operational excellence and innovation. With the Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program lowering the barriers for multi-unit operators, Marco's Pizza presents an enticing opportunity for those looking to thrive in the restaurant industry.

Reported figures reveal a remarkable average unit volume (AUV) of $1.28 million for the top 25% of franchised stores in 2025, an indication of the brand's strong market position. For those seeking more information about franchise opportunities, Marco's Pizza's official website offers resources and contact details for inquiries.