Marco’s Pizza is doubling down on its franchise infrastructure. On June 16, 2026, the pizza franchise brand announced a more than $1 million investment in a new Operations Center of Excellence in downtown Orlando — a 14,030-square-foot facility designed to strengthen franchisee training and support the franchise concept’s target of more than 80 new store openings in 2026.
The new facility, located at 222 South Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, will serve as an extension of the company’s headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Construction is currently underway, with the center expected to open in fall 2026. The announcement comes as Marco’s Pizza operates more than 1,200 locations across 35 states, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico — up from more than 60 new stores opened in 2025. The investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to scaling its franchise concept through enhanced operational support and franchisee development.
A $1 Million Training Hub in the Heart of Orlando
Spanning approximately 14,030 square feet, the Operations Center of Excellence will function as a corporate office, franchise training destination, and operational support hub. A key feature is a fully equipped training kitchen built to replicate an actual Marco’s Pizza restaurant, giving franchisees, operators, and managers hands-on instruction in store systems and daily operations. The facility is expected to accommodate around 50 corporate team members and will host Discovery Days for prospective franchise investors evaluating the brand.
Marco’s University and Franchisee Development Under One Roof
The Orlando facility will serve as the home of Marco’s University, the brand’s advanced education and development platform. Beyond initial training, the center is intended to support ongoing franchisee education, leadership development, and collaboration between corporate teams, franchise operators, and supply chain partners. According to the company, centralizing these functions is part of a broader strategy to maintain operational consistency across a rapidly growing network. The location was chosen in part for its workforce availability, accessibility, and the local business climate.
Over 80 New Stores Targeted as the Brand Accelerates Growth
Marco’s Pizza is targeting more than 80 new store openings in 2026, building on the more than 60 locations that opened last year. The brand was founded in 1978 by Italian immigrant Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco and has grown from its roots as a regional Ohio chain into one of the largest pizza franchises in the United States. The Orlando Operations Center of Excellence reflects a broader industry trend: as quick-service restaurant franchisors compete for operators, investment in training infrastructure has become a key differentiator for brands looking to attract and retain franchisees.
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