Because Marco’s Pizza is assuming additional risk through its financing programs and offering potential franchisees a portal to ideal locations, it expects a lot from those looking to sign on the dotted line.
“You have to be picky about who you let through the door to represent your brand,” said Jack Butorac, president and CEO of Marco’s Franchising. “Just because you have money doesn’t mean you’re going to become a franchisee. You have to be the right person that has the blend of being an operator and a salesman.”
While single-store hopefuls are encouraged to investigate the Marco’s model, the company president is so protective of the brand, he is focusing on franchisees who want to purchase a territory and recruit others in their area. There are currently 55 such representatives in the Marco’s system and Butorac jokingly refers to them as “Gestapo agents” because they not only operate their own units, they sell stores and visit other outlets to monitor operations to “keep the brand operating the way it’s supposed to be operated.”
Former Army Colonel Takes Charge in Oklahoma
🎯Find Best-Fit Franchises Still Available in Your Target Area (Free Tool)
When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible, saving you months of wasted research.📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.
Kevin Wilkerson is one such operative. He and his wife Laurel own five restaurants in Oklahoma with a sixth set to open soon. He also owns the territory with plans to develop a total of 40 locations in Oklahoma by recruiting qualified franchise owners, particularly in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas.
Being in charge is nothing new for either half of the husband-wife team. Until 2005, Kevin Wilkerson was a colonel in the U.S. Army. The infantry officer has done tours of duty in Bosnia and Afghanistan, commanding thousands of soldiers. Laurel Wilkerson is a veteran herself with a 20-year career as an Army lawyer and serving in the JAG Corps.
A few years ago, they began exploring new careers and Wilkerson was set on starting his own business. A friend had already become a Marco’s Pizza franchisee and suggested that it was worth a look.
“At the time, I had never worked in the food industry in my life, had never worked in a restaurant. I was very white collar. I thought he was nuts,” Wilkerson said.
“I didn’t actually like franchises. What changed there was I got to looking at the (Marco’s) model and got to thinking about it. I had a very narrow thought of what I wanted to get into; and food was nowhere on my radar. ”
🎯Find Best-Fit Franchises Still Available in Your Target Area (Free Tool)
When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible, saving you months of wasted research.🔴Free Webinar: 6 Under-the-Radar Franchise Concepts That Serious Buyers Should Know
Every month we feature 6 standout franchises that could be the opportunity you've been looking for, each evaluated on disclosed financials and matched to the type of buyer most likely to succeed with it. Can't attend live on October 27 at 6PM EST? Register now and we'll send you the full recording the next day. Reserve your spot here.What he liked about the Marco’s franchise concept is that it allowed him to explore all aspects of running a business: operational, strategic, personnel, accounting, marketing, training, and logistics. The University of Oklahoma graduate realized that Marco’s would utilize a wide range of leadership and business skills that he developed both in the military and as an owner of a mergers and acquisitions firm.
Before long, he was sold on Marco’s product and the corporate culture.
Marketing Part of Franchise Package
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Marco’s Pizza store is $199,552 to $390,219, including a $25,000 initial franchise fee, according to the company’s Financial Disclosure Document.
What Wilkerson likes especially is that the upfront costs also include a $30,000 fee for a six-month brand-launch program. The money goes to the Marco’s Advertising Fund ($15,000 is paid before the franchisee opens a store and the balance is paid in $580 installments over the first 26 weeks of operation).
🎯Find Best-Fit Franchises Still Available in Your Target Area (Free Tool)
When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible, saving you months of wasted research.📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.“The marketing department assists you in developing an entire six-month plan, so that you can focus on other aspects of the business without worrying about marketing for that initial time,” Wilkerson said.
To Access the Rest of This Article and Other Premium, Income-Enhancing Content, Subscribe Now or Log In.
Gain the Insider Information (and Actual Earnings Data) You Need to Make a Safe and Smart Franchise Investment. Click Here to Learn More.
The Best of Franchise Chatter
🥇The Most Profitable Franchises of 2026
🥈Franchises Ranked by Average Revenues
🥉Franchises Ranked by Average Profits
🏆Franchise Winners, Survivors & Losers
Subscribe Now or Log In
Franchise Chatter is reader-supported. We may receive a commission for leads generated from affiliate links and banners on our site.
Leave a Reply