
Are you considering a Marco’s Pizza® franchise opportunity? You owe it to yourself to compare with a brand that offers stronger community impact, better returns, and more flexibility: Antioch Pizza Shop. While both offer proven systems and passionate customer bases, Antioch delivers a more accessible path to ownership—with better economics and deeper local roots.
Brand Background & Growth
Antioch Pizza Shop
- Family-founded in 1977 in Illinois, with franchise expansion since 2016
- Best known for homemade dough, quality ingredients, and hearty portions
- Focused on empowering local communities: over 250 fundraisers a year, raising over $50,000 annually for families, schools, and sports teams
- Expansion across key states—IL, WI, NC, FL—supporting both local and regional growth
Marco’s Pizza® Franchise Opportunity
- Established in 2004 (as per Marco’s FDD) and currently operates 1,100+ locations nationwide (per FDD)
- Offers Detroit-style square deep-dish and convenient delivery formats
- Strong brand recognition—but with higher upfront costs, ongoing fees, and less flexibility for local customization
Ownership Models & Operational Flexibility
Antioch Pizza Shop
- Offers four formats:
- Dine-in/Full-Service
- Takeout/Delivery
- Express/Quick-Service
- Food Truck/Mobile Model
- Ideal for owner-operators who want to manage their own location
Marco’s Pizza® Franchise Opportunity
- Primarily focuses on carry-out and delivery formats
- Offers semi-absentee or multi-unit models
- Centralized brand systems with less room for local variation or personalized market positioning
Ideal Ownership Journey
Choose Antioch Pizza Shop if:
- You want to build a community-centered business, not just a store
- You’ll benefit from four franchise formats to match your market and investment level
- You seek hands-on ownership that directly delivers deeper customer loyalty and operational control
Key Reasons to Choose Antioch
- Heavy training and ongoing support keyed to real-world restaurants
- Community-driven brand model that builds customer loyalty
- Multiple formats for flexible growth and scalable success
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Antioch focus on community engagement?
Absolutely—Antioch Pizza Shop is passionate about giving back to the communities we serve.
What support do Antioch franchisees receive?
From site selection and build-out to training, marketing, and ongoing mentorship—Antioch supports you through every phase.
Anticipating a Marco’s Pizza® Franchise Opportunity?
If you’re attracted by the national recognition of Marco’s Pizza®, but want a brand that delivers local autonomy, and brand authenticity, Antioch Pizza Shop is the smarter choice. With streamlined investment, training support, and richer community impact, Antioch is where serious future franchisees want to be.
Make the switch from just another pizza franchise opportunity to owning a true community cornerstone—Antioch Pizza Shop awaits.
[1] Marco’s Pizza® is a registered trademark of Marco’s Franchising LLC.
*Please note that the above information as it pertains to franchise numbers is from July 2025
We’re excited to hear from you!
To start a conversation, fill out our simple online application. A member of our franchising team will be in touch shortly with more information about your opportunity as an Antioch Pizza franchise owner.