With More Stores in Development, the Pizza Franchise Continues its Steady Expansion Strategy
- Marco’s Pizza is growing in Southern California through a new 16-unit development deal.
- The agreement expands the brand’s presence and brings more stores to communities across the region.
- The deal reflects Marco’s focus on working with experienced multi-unit operators.
- It also supports the brand’s broader strategy to grow in key markets in the U.S.
After decades of franchising with other quick-service restaurants, Baljit Gill decided to diversify by opening four Marco’s Pizza restaurants in Southern California. He had been drawn to Marco’s proven operating model and collaborative culture along with its comprehensive support for franchisees.
As he began his partnership with Marco’s, one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the country, he became even more impressed with the company. And as Gill’s confidence in the company’s long-term potential grew, so did the scope of his business plan. Now his four-unit commitment has grown to 16, as he has signed an agreement to open an additional twelve locations.
“As a multi-unit operator, you look for a brand that combines structure with opportunity,” says Gill. “Marco’s offered a strong foundation, robust support, and a team that truly partners with franchisees. That balance allows us to be creative operators while working within a system designed for growth.”
Three of Gill’s locations have opened in Upland, Fontana, and Hesperia, California and two other stores are in development in Yucaipa and Highland and will open in April. The other units are in site selection throughout Southern California.
The importance of family ties has been a thread throughout Gill’s career as an entrepreneur. He first became interested in franchising in the late 1990s as he learned about retail operations through his wife’s leadership position with Circle K. Today he and his family operate 21 Subway locations and one Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop in Southern California. Gill’s wife manages the Subway portfolio, and his daughter oversees the Marco’s Pizza operations, while his son has also become involved in the family business. Gill provides strategic oversight, relying on the mindset he developed in an engineering career to provide structure and operational guidance to the family’s venture.
“Baljit exemplifies the type of experienced, growth-minded operator we’re proud to partner with,” says Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer for Marco’s Pizza. “His disciplined approach, family-led infrastructure and deep understanding of multi-unit operations position him for strong growth in Southern California, and we’re excited to support his continued expansion.”
“We’re proud of the momentum we’ve built so far and are excited to continue expanding across California, bringing Marco’s to even more communities throughout the region,” Gill says.
About Marco’s Pizza Franchise
Marco’s Pizza was founded in 1978 in Oregon, Ohio, by Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco, who came to the U.S. from Italy, bringing a love of fresh ingredients and Italian hospitality. Today Marco’s has more than 1,200 stores across 35 states and has expanded internationally with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Building on the successes of 2025, which included strategic expansions across the country with more than 60 new stores, Marco’s is aiming to open over 80 stores this year by accelerating growth in new markets within the U.S. The brand will continue to explore opportunities in new global markets as it looks to expand across Mexico and the Caribbean. Marco’s is also focusing on nontraditional venues like ghost kitchens, which offer delivery-only food service without a storefront or physical dining areas. These alternative real estate formats create accessible and flexible growth opportunities. Menu innovation is also a priority, with new items that will be developed under the supervision of Chef Kathleen Kennedy.
In support of its push for expansion, Marco’s is investing in technology. Last year the company enhanced its digital ecosystem to optimize the customer experience and increase operational effectiveness. The plan this year includes updating the loyalty program and exploring AI-powered ordering capabilities. The company also utilizes other technological tools, including a cloud-based POS system, an app for ordering, and Marco’s Order Management System, which helps franchisees forecast sales, schedule dough preparation and predict staffing needs.
Through an ongoing effort to streamline operations at the store level, Marco’s has identified strategic vendor relationships, and through these partnerships the company has achieved cost-savings in the supply chain, which helps franchisees keep their costs down.
Marco’s Pizza is focused on attracting experienced multi-unit franchise partners with a dedication to quality who are seeking a proven, scalable business model. To help ensure their success, the company is developing new initiatives that are designed to enhance systemwide training and operational consistency and performance. Franchisees can draw on support in selecting real estate, managing construction and seeking financing, along with guidance on day-to-day operations. An experienced corporate team assists franchisees with marketing strategy and national, local, digital and print ads.
Visit the Marco’s Pizza website for more information.
