Marco's Pizza opens first Bradenton location on Cortez Road

BRADENTON -- Italian immigrant Pasquale "Pat" Giammarco launched his Marco's Pizza restaurant in 1978. Locals can celebrate his first Bradenton franchise from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, when the restaurant will host a huge pizza party.

Marco's, which opened Monday at 2111 Cortez Road. W., prepares fresh dough daily and uses fresh cheese, just as the founder liked it.

"We haven't changed anything since he founded it," said Eric Libby, operating partner. Libby and the other operating partner, Victor Paloma, have rights to Marco's locations in Pinellas County, Sarasota County and Bradenton.

Marco's pizzas, whether customized or one of the shop's signature creations, finish baking in five minutes. A thicker, "Original Classic" crust or thin-crust pizza can be dressed with more than a dozen toppings in addition to three free crust toppings, garlic butter, roma seasoning and Parmesan cheese.

A selection of sub sandwiches, salads and wings also is on the menu. Marco's provides delivery, pickup and catering services, and has three tables for dine-in.

The duo operates four locations in the Tampa area and they hope to open 18 to 20 more Marco's between Pinellas County and the Bradenton-Sarasota area. They're looking at property in Lakewood Ranch for the next Bradenton location.

Libby and Paloma met in 2001 while working at Subway. Libby is from St. Louis and has lived in Florida for 35 years. Paloma moved to Florida from his native Colombia in 2001. David McComas, the owner of the Subway where the two worked, approached them about entering the pizza world with Marco's franchises.

McComas purchased the 1,300-square-foot property on Cortez Road, built in 2007, for $2.1 million last year, according to Manatee County records. Libby said renovations and permitting processes delayed opening. The restaurant passed its state health inspection Nov. 6.

Libby and Paloma have a love for the restaurant industry and were eager to accept the opportunity for a new venture. They still work with partners operating Subways in Pinellas County and Sarasota.

"I love the ability to help people grow," Libby said. "You learn life as well as business in this industry."

Libby also said the quality of Marco's Pizza products is enticing.

"Once you taste it, you gotta have more," Libby said. "It's our best advertising."

Paloma echoed Libby's sentiments.

"I've been working in restaurants my entire life," Paloma said. "I love the environment and I love the restaurant experience."

Paloma will manage the Cortez Road Marco's until he and Libby feel comfortable with the 30-person team and find a general manager. They're almost fully staffed but are seeking applicants for five to seven more delivery driver positions.

The growing business market and the warmth of the Bradenton community excite Libby about future opportunities.

"As friendly as everyone is around here, I'd love to open more," he said. "It's amazing how personable everyone is and it's exciting to be a part of it."

Marco's Pizza has more than 650 franchises in 35 states. Giammarco opened the first restaurant in Toledo, Ohio.

Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow her on Twitter @jayohday.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Marco's Pizza opens first Bradenton location on Cortez Road ."