PHOTO VIA ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Marco’s Pizza (Website) has opened its new “Operations Center of Excellence” at 222 S. Orange Avenue [GMap] in downtown Orlando, a 14,030 SF space for franchisee training and corporate operations that the company says represents an investment of more than $1 million.
The company held a ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial “First Slice” with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who stretched fresh dough, topped a pizza he calls the “Mayor’s Magnifico,” and took the first bite, according to a release from the Orlando Economic Partnership dated October 22. District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose, Marco’s founder Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco, Chairman and Co-CEO Jack Buturac, Co-CEO and President Tony Libardi, Chief Operating Officer John Meyers and Chief Development Officer Gerardo Flores were there too.
The center will have room for about 50 corporate team members. It includes a fully equipped training kitchen that replicates a Marco’s store kitchen and hosts Marco’s University, the company’s advanced training program for franchisees, and Discovery Days for prospective franchise owners.
The Toledo, Ohio-based chain, founded in 1978, remains headquartered in Toledo, and the Orlando center does not change that. Marco’s operates as a fully remote company, with staff concentrated in Ohio and Florida, which is one of the brand’s largest markets.
“Great brands are built by great operators,” said Libardi.
The company first announced the project in June. The Orlando Economic Partnership helped with local incentive options, expedited permitting and connections to workforce, utilities, and government partners.
