Marco's Pizza Named Among QSR Magazine's Top Franchise Opportunities for 2025

Marco's Pizza has earned recognition as one of QSR Magazine's '16 Best Franchise Deals for 2025,' positioning the brand among the most promising investment opportunities in the quick-service restaurant industry. This annual ranking, published by WTWH Media, has served as an authoritative guide for entrepreneurs and investors since 2011, evaluating brands based on franchise costs, growth potential, operator support, and brand differentiation. The selection process involved nominations from mid-May to mid-June, with final review by the Franchise Council using shared information and Franchise Disclosure Document data.

Danny Klein, Vice President, Food, Retail, Hospitality Editorial Director at QSR Magazine, emphasized the competitive nature of current franchise opportunities. Klein noted that standout brands combine innovation, support, and financial upside, with Marco's Pizza representing one of the most exciting opportunities in today's marketplace. This recognition underscores Marco's strong franchisee support system, operational model, commitment to quality and innovation, and consistent sales performance documented in its Franchise Disclosure Document.

Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer of Marco's Pizza, expressed honor at the recognition, stating that it validates the franchise model and the dedication of operators nationwide. The brand maintains over 1,200 locations and continues building momentum in an increasingly competitive market. Marco's recent achievements include winning FRANdata's 2025 TopScore FUND Award in the food category, further demonstrating the brand's commitment to franchisee growth and improved financing access.

The financial performance metrics reveal significant opportunity for potential investors. Marco's Franchise Disclosure Document reports $1.3 million average unit volume for the top 25% of franchised stores in 2024, based on average sales volume of the top performing 25% of Marco's Pizza Franchised Stores that were open during the 2024 fiscal year. This performance data provides concrete evidence of the brand's market strength and profitability potential for qualified franchise operators.

Looking forward, Marco's is pursuing strategic multi-unit expansion in the Midwest, East Coast, and Sun Belt regions, alongside growth in non-traditional venues and international markets. The brand's development strategy shows strong internal confidence, with 65% of 2024 franchise agreements awarded to existing franchisees. This retention rate indicates satisfaction among current operators and suggests sustainable growth patterns rather than purely external expansion.

To further support brand growth and franchise expansion, Marco's recently launched a Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program designed to reduce barriers for qualified multi-unit owners. The program offers early-stage royalty incentives starting at 0%, plus comprehensive real estate, construction, and operations support. This initiative provides a streamlined, resource-rich path to growth for qualified investors meeting the brand's financial, creditworthiness, and operational criteria.

The recognition by QSR Magazine carries significant weight in the restaurant industry, where the publication has served as the leading voice of quick-service and fast-casual restaurants for more than 25 years. With award-winning reporting and data-driven insights, QSR provides franchisees, operators, and marketers with intelligence needed to succeed in the dynamic $350 billion industry. Additional information about QSR Magazine's industry coverage can be found at https://www.qsrmagazine.com.

For entrepreneurs considering pizza franchise opportunities, Marco's inclusion in this prestigious list signals strong brand health and investment potential. The combination of proven financial performance, comprehensive operator support, and strategic growth initiatives positions Marco's Pizza as a compelling choice in the competitive restaurant franchise landscape. The brand's focus on operational excellence, innovative technology, and growth-forward programs provides franchisees with the tools needed for success in various market conditions.