Texas Chains Expand After Cotton Patch Sale
Local Favorite Restaurants’ acquisition of Cotton Patch Cafe highlights value-driven growth and new expansion opportunities for Texas-based brands.
Jun 30, 2026
Local Favorite Restaurants’ acquisition of Cotton Patch Cafe highlights value-driven growth and new expansion opportunities for Texas-based brands.
Jun 30, 2026
Another Broken Egg Cafe bolsters its franchise growth strategy by promoting Chris Eby to VP of Development and adding new leadership - what this means for restaurant operators.
Jun 30, 2026
Learn how Mooyah Burger drives growth through operational excellence, technology, franchise leadership, and a customer-first approach.
Jun 30, 2026
Dog Haus has signed an exclusive beverage partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper, bringing flexible and innovative drink options to the chain and setting a new standard for franchise beverage programs.
Jun 30, 2026
Church’s Texas Chicken launches nationwide catering, presenting a fresh growth avenue for restaurants as group dining demand surges. Explore what operators can learn from this move.
Jun 30, 2026
Ranking for "restaurants near me" searches requires local SEO, strong reviews, mobile ordering, accurate profiles, and ongoing performance tracking improvements.
Jun 30, 2026
Explore Inspire Brands’ rapid expansion and what their upcoming IPO could mean for restaurant owners. We break down the latest performance of Arby’s, Sonic, Jimmy John’s, Baskin-Robbins, and Dunkin’ to help you benchmark and plan.
Jun 30, 2026
Discover how Chicken Salad Chick has surged as a franchise force, achieving record-breaking growth and dominating its segment. Insights for restaurant operators seeking scalable expansion.
Jun 30, 2026
Restaurants can prepare for FIFA Quarter Finals by planning menus, staffing, promotions, inventory, and guest retention to increase match-day sales.
Jun 30, 2026
Taco Bell’s Cantina model has opened at Denver International Airport, serving specialty eats and alcoholic beverages to travelers and signaling new growth opportunities for on-the-go dining.
Jun 30, 2026
Test Valentin3

Marco’s Pizza is making strategic moves to elevate its franchise network and streamline operations with the announcement of its new Operations Center of Excellence in downtown Orlando, Florida. This $1 million+ investment marks a significant step for the pizza leader as it positions itself as a premier brand focused on operational precision and franchisee success. Located at 222 S. Orange Ave., the expansive 14,000-square-foot facility will house a hands-on training kitchen, corporate offices, and become the central destination for Marco’s University, providing advanced programming for franchisees and general managers. The design purposefully simulates a real Marco’s Pizza store, maximizing the effectiveness of training and onboarding.
As Marco’s Pizza prepares for more than 80 new store openings this year, the Orlando center will play a pivotal role in strengthening the brand’s expansion strategy. In addition to daily corporate functions, the hub will host “discovery days” for prospective franchisees, empowering new operators with firsthand experience and best-in-class support from the start. The move comes as the chain’s footprint continues to grow, reaching 1,196 U.S. locations in 2025—a 2.9% increase from 2024. By offering focused training and immersive education at the new facility, Marco’s demonstrates a scalable, intentional approach to quality standards and franchise growth.
What makes this expansion even more noteworthy is Marco’s dual-market focus. The Orlando site is not replacing the chain’s original Toledo, Ohio headquarters—instead, it extends the company’s reach by anchoring staff and resources in both the Midwest and Florida. With about 50 corporate team members slated for Orlando and continued support from its founding city, Marco’s can leverage remote-friendly management and market adaptability across the U.S. This structure aligns with the modern restaurant workplace, facilitating collaboration and supporting franchisees regardless of geography.
For restaurant owners evaluating growth strategies, Marco’s investment in training infrastructure sets a clear industry example—robust systems, real-world readiness, and sustainable scaling are at its core. Supported by “Marco’s University” curriculum and a purpose-built training kitchen, franchisees and general managers can build skills and consistency that directly translate to guest satisfaction and operational performance. With construction underway, the Orlando Operations Center is slated to open in fall 2026, further solidifying Marco’s as a brand driven by innovation and franchisee empowerment.
The Marco’s Pizza blueprint highlights how forward-thinking investment in people, training, and operational execution can fuel sustainable expansion—even as competition intensifies across quick-service and fast-casual segments. By balancing proven tradition from its 1978 roots with modern training and multi-market presence, Marco’s Pizza is building a foundation that inspires current and future franchisees to deliver quality at scale.
If you’re looking to fuel your restaurant’s growth with industry-best practices, now is the time to assess your training, scheduling, and compliance systems. Marco’s Pizza’s approach illustrates that investing in robust support tools and employee development not only sets your business apart, but also nurtures a resilient and inspired team. Whether franchising, expanding, or strengthening your own operations, embracing these systems can be a game-changer.