Franchisees get lots of training in all aspects of running a Marco's Pizza before they open their stores. Click here for high-resolution version

TOLEDO, OH--(Marketwired - Jan 27, 2016) - Indianapolis is the 14th-largest city in the nation, and Marco's Pizza wants to make sure more of its population has access to its delectable, handmade pizza. The fast-growing pizza franchise is looking to partner with more entrepreneurs in the region who want a slice of the action.

The metropolitan area -- population nearly 2 million -- is growing as more families and students arrive to find jobs or attend one of the area's 12 universities. About 5,500 new residents moved to the city alone in 2014, according to a U.S. Census data analysis by the Indiana Business Research Center.

Though Marco's has several locations in Indianapolis, there still are plenty of prime locations available for entrepreneurs to start building their franchise restaurants and loyal customer base.

Once customers sink their teeth into Marco's Pizza's Ah!thentic Italian-style pizza -- fresh-made with delectable cheeses, meats and vegetables -- they're fans.

"Our franchisees come from a remarkably wide variety of backgrounds. But there's a common thread among our franchisees -- passion for the Marco's product. Almost half of them were Marco's consumers first. They fell in love with our product," said Cameron Cummins, Chief Development Officer for Marco's Pizza.

Marco's Pizzas are hand-made in the Italian tradition, using fresh, never-frozen cheeses, making the dough in stores daily and using only premium meats and vegetables. Founded in Toledo in 1978, Marco's is the only Top 20 pizza chain founded by a native Italian. Marco's has enjoyed stunning growth in recent years and is on pace to open 1,000 restaurants by the end of 2017. The brand's proven business model and sustainable growth have been heralded by the likes of Forbes, Consumer Reports, Entrepreneur, Franchise Times and Nation's Restaurant News.

Why Indianapolis? Why now?

Recent growth in the Indianapolis-Carmel Metropolitan Statistical Area economy has been stronger than it has been in years, according to the Indiana Business Review. In 2014, the economy added about 40,000 jobs, an expansion of almost 5 percent in the job market.

Indianapolis was ranked No. 8 on Forbes' 2015 List for Best Places for Businesses and Careers. Industries that are bringing people to the area include health care, social services, manufacturing, finance and insurance, management, and professional and scientific industries. Tourists are also drawn to the area for its art museums, parks and athletic events.

Marco's Pizza growth outpaces pizza industry

Marco's Pizza has the fastest-growing unit growth, according to Nation's Restaurant News, who named the beloved pizza franchise as part of its Second 100 List -- an analysis of businesses that are smaller but are focusing on growing around the nation.

The publication states that while the pizza industry is mature and growth is limited, Marco's Pizza is the exception. Not only is Marco's growing faster than other pizza franchises, currently on pace to open its 1,000th location in early 2017, Marco's Pizza sales growth also is higher than any other pizza franchise. The publication reports that Marco's Pizza sales growth is tops for system-wide sales in the Second 100 pizza segment.

Other pizza franchises have oversaturated their markets, but Marco's Pizza still has prime locations across the country for franchisees to set up shop -- Indianapolis is one of them.

Marco's Pizza franchise seeks friendly, passionate entrepreneurs in Indianapolis

Marco's Pizza is seeking quality franchisees who are committed to making their franchises places where customers want to buy fresh, delectable pizza -- welcoming, friendly individuals who remember customers' names and are passionate about the Marco's product. The investment required to start a Marco's Pizza franchise is typically about $350,000. The pizza franchise is looking for people who have a net worth of $150,000 and a minimum liquidity of $100,000.

Previous restaurant experience is not necessary to open a Marco's Pizza. The company's team of veteran pizza executives has experience growing brands and is always ready to help franchisees throughout their careers.

At a six-week training at Marco's University, franchisees learn how to make the perfect pizza in the company's state-of-the-art kitchen.

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