Marco’s Pizza will swing open its doors Monday in Cullman, bringing a menu of traditional specialty dishes for diners.

Founded in Ohio in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale “Pat” Gammarco, Marco’s now boats more than 900 restaurants and expects to reach 1,000 this year.

The Cullman location is at 1302 2nd Ave SW, Unit A, under the ownership of Alabama resident, Tim Brown. Firehouse Subs opened earlier in the plaza.

Brown fulfilled his childhood dream of owning his own pizza franchise in 1992, when he opened his first pizza parlor. In 2008, Brown opened his first Marco’s Pizza in Madison and since then, has opened seven more with the Cullman location as his eighth. 

Along with Brown, the Cullman Marco’s Pizza will be operated by Evan Rollett, 25, who started his career working for Marco’s Pizza five years ago and is now a partial owner as well. 

“I started my pizza career as a part-time job in college,” Brown said. “After an inspiring manager at the local pizza restaurant taught me about franchising, I knew I wanted to own a pizza place of my own. I am so excited that I can share my family-run business with the Cullman community.” 

As the only national pizza chain founded by a native Italian, Marco’s has made its mark in the $47 billion pizza industry by touting fresh, authentic, handmade Italian quality pizza. 

Marco’s Pizza recently launched a new brand promise, “Hello Primo,” to reinforce its roots.

The menu at Marco’s Pizza in Cullman will feature a mix of classic pizzas and specialty pizzas such as the White Cheezy, Deluxe and All Meat, along with a variety of salads with croutons made daily. Customers can also choose from  subs on Italian white bread, that are hearth baked for sandwiches like the Meatball Bake, Chicken Dippers and CheezyBread. 

Marco’s offers carryout, delivery, dine-in and online ordering services.

The Cullman location will be open seven days per week for lunch and dinner.

Marco’s is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.