Marco's Pizza Expands Mid-Missouri Footprint with Three-Unit Deal
Event summary
- Marco's Pizza signs a three-unit development agreement in Columbia, Missouri, with the first location set to open in October 2026.
- The deal is led by franchise co-owners Russ Anderson and Betzayda 'Betzy' Alvarez-Anderson, along with operator Klayton Anderson.
- The ownership group plans to own or build sites rather than lease, reflecting a long-term commitment to the region.
- Marco's offers a Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program with early-stage royalty incentives starting at 0%.
- Top 25% of Marco's franchised stores reported an average unit volume (AUV) of $1.28M in 2025.
The big picture
Marco's Pizza continues its aggressive expansion strategy by entering new regional markets, capitalizing on the growing demand for high-quality pizza experiences. The company's focus on attracting experienced franchisees with deep operational backgrounds aligns with broader industry trends of prioritizing quality and consistency in quick-service restaurant chains. With over 1,200 stores across 35 states and international locations, Marco's is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the limited-service pizza category.
What we're watching
- Regional Penetration
- How Marco's will leverage the Andersons' local expertise to establish a strong presence in an underserved market.
- Operational Execution
- Whether the ownership group can maintain consistency and quality across multiple units, given their focus on fresh ingredients and in-house preparation.
- Franchise Growth Incentives
- The pace at which Marco's Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program attracts additional multi-unit operators.