The new 14,030-square-foot center combines hands-on kitchen training with operational support as the pizza chain targets further growth.
- Marco’s Pizza opens Operations Center of Excellence in Orlando
- The center includes a fully equipped training kitchen and a replica kitchen for hands-on training
- Franchisees receive training through Marco's University and Discovery Days
- The new hub facilitates system-wide growth and supports over 80 new store openings in 2026
- Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program offers financial incentives for new franchisees
Marco’s Pizza has opened its Operations Center of Excellence in downtown Orlando, establishing a new hub for franchisee training and operational support. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined company executives and community leaders for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included a ceremonial first slice. The opening marks the completion of a project announced earlier this year as the pizza chain invests in infrastructure to support its expanding franchise network.
The approximately 14,030-square-foot facility serves as a corporate office, training destination, and operational hub. Its fully equipped kitchen replicates the setup of a Marco’s Pizza restaurant, giving franchisees and operators a practical environment to learn and apply the brand’s operating standards. The center will also host Marco’s University, which provides advanced training for franchisees and general managers, as well as Discovery Days for prospective franchise owners.
The center is designed to strengthen consistency across the franchise system by bringing operators, company leadership, and supply chain partners together. Chief Operating Officer John Meyers has emphasized the importance of training employees in an environment that reflects the pace and demands of an actual restaurant. For franchisees, this approach can help bridge the gap between learning procedures and applying them during daily service, when execution and customer experience matter most.
Marco’s Pizza is targeting more than 80 new store openings in 2026, making franchisee readiness an important part of its growth strategy. Florida is one of the brand’s largest markets, and Orlando provides a central location for supporting operators across the system. The new center extends the company’s operational infrastructure beyond its Toledo, Ohio, headquarters and reinforces its focus on preparing franchisees to manage growth while maintaining consistent standards.
For franchise systems seeking to strengthen training across multiple locations, organized documentation can complement hands-on instruction. The Knowledge Base feature available through Gorilla Dash can help businesses centralize procedures, onboarding materials, and operational guidance so teams have a consistent reference as they grow. While each franchise has its own training requirements, combining practical instruction with accessible resources can help operators communicate expectations and support more consistent execution across their locations.
Key Facts:
| Center Opening | Marco’s Pizza opened its Operations Center of Excellence in downtown Orlando, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. |
|---|---|
| Training Facility | The center includes a 14,030-square-foot facility with a kitchen replicating a Marco’s store for immersive training. |
| System Growth | The hub supports Marco’s targeted expansion with 80 new store openings expected in 2026. |
| Training Programs | Marco’s University provides advanced training and Discovery Days for potential franchisees. |
| Financial Incentives | The Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program offers 0% initial royalties to qualified multi-unit operators. |
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