Although sales per unit at this 100-percent franchised pizza chain slipped in the Latest Year, adding 103 units more than made up for that and increased its total number of locations by 30.8 percent to 437, moving it from 166th to 144th in the Top 200 ranking and making it the 8th fastest growing chain in the 2nd 100.
Marco’s has been led by chief executive Jack Butorac since he bought the franchise rights to the Toledo, Ohio-based chain in 2004, although in April he promoted Bryon Stephens to president, a position Butorac previously held.
Stephens was hired by Butorac shortly after he acquired the Marco’s.
2014 Second 100 top 10 growth chains at a glance >>
At the end of last year, Cathy Hull, formerly of Fazoli’s, joined Marco’s Pizza as its first chief marketing officer. Her focus is on understanding the Marco’s customer better and developing a clear message that will appeal to them.
Marco’s also recently hired Burger King veteran Tony Libardi as executive vice president of operations.
Keys to Growth:
Rapid growth. The breakneck speed of expansion by Marco’s Pizza in the Latest Year follows two years in which more than 50 units were opened annually, doubling the chain’s unit count in that time.
Consistent leadership. Although the leadership team has expanded recently to match the chain’s rapid growth, Marco’s Pizza has kept the same chairman and chief executive for the past 10 years.
Innovative financing. Butorac and his team have found creative strategies to help their franchisees expand, including expediting loans through personal-guarantee insurance and running their own loan-guarantee program called Marco’s Assurance.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
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