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Marco’s Pizza bets on delivery technology, automation and ghost kitchensMarco’s Pizza bets on delivery technology, automation and ghost kitchens

Toledo, Ohio-based fast-casual restaurant brand invests in new and up-and-coming delivery-forward technologies during the pandemic

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

November 6, 2020

5 Min Read
Marco's Pizza
Marco's Pizza has been doubling down on technology-based solutions.Marco's Pizza

Joanna Fantozzi

Marco’s Pizza saw a 24% year-over-year increase in annual same-store sales, driven mainly by the chain’s COVID-era investment in delivery, curbside pickup, and other contactless options for customers, the company’s COO Tony Libardi told Nation’s Restaurant News in a late October interview.

The largest leaders in the pizza sector that have been successful during the pandemic like Papa John’s and Domino’s have focused largely on technology and delivery investment, and Marco’s is no different, rolling out up-and-coming technologies, from kitchen automation to smaller pod kitchens and virtual restaurants over the past six months.

“We took quick steps to adapt our approach to technology to make sure that, for example, contactless...

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Marco’s Pizza

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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