Today we continue on our Quest to find a winning fast food pizza chain with a battle between Marco’s Pizza and Godfather’s pizza. Who will win this prestigious battle?
Which menu items will we be trying?
Ham and Pepperoni Pizza
Breadsticks
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Who is joining this battle?
Alan, bonjour.
Cody, howdy.
Matt, hey there.
Amy, hello.
And of course, thanks to our subscribers who are helping us build this small but excellent podcast! We appreciate the support!
The History of Marco’s
With a name like Pasquale Giammarco, you better have some pizza making skills, let me tell ya. Growing up making pizzas with his dad, Pasquale honed those skills, and in 1978, In Toledo, Ohio, the first Marco’s Pizza was born, using fresh ingredients, and never cutting corners. Customers could not get enough of the authentic Italian pizza, and the brand rapidly expanded to surrounding states.
In 2019, Marco’s Pizza was judged the best pizza brand of the year, and one year later, In 2020, Marco’s Pizza reached its 1,000 store milestone.
When thinking about Marco’s Pizza, I’m sure some of you also think of Family Video. In 2012, Family Video decided to be a franchisee of Marco’s Pizza and housed the pizza chain in 350 of its stores. It was a brilliant idea to try to boost sales for movie rental, but in 2021 Family Video could not delay the inevitable any longer, and all of their remaining stores closed.
Today there are over 1,100 stores across 33 states, and Marco’s is considered the fastest growing pizza company in America.
States with the most Marco’s Pizza Locations…
Texas - 177
Florida - 139
Ohio - 139
The History of Godfather’s
“The year is 1973, do you remember back then? I tell one of my crew, Willy, to find a place where me and my guys can hangout, relax, and make plans for future endeavors. Willy does just that. Our new “social club” is great, except my wise guys was food too. So, Willy knocks a hole in the wall and builds a kitchen. He starts making pizzas and, in a matter of days, the aroma gets around da neighborhood. “Civilians” start comin’ by, askin’ to buy pizza. Us, being good neighbors, oblige. And before ya know it we got a line around the block! Next thing I know, we’re goin’ legit! We start makin’ more money in da pizza business than our other… stuff. I tell Willy to run with it! Now, we’re in da pizza business full time!”
In 1973, William M. Theisen’s Omaha beer parlor, Wild Willy’s, was doing business with the pizza place next door, through a passageway between the two establishments. It was so successful, they partnered up to serve great pizza and cold drinks. But Theisen had big plans for the pizza place, and soon bought out his partner. Within 10 years, Godfather’s was the third largest pizza operation in sales.
Today there are over 1,300 locations, though most of these are within the c-store market, or in other words, Godfather’s Pizza Express, where they make mini pizzas and large pizzas for carryout.
The Results
**SPOILER ALERT!**
Listen to the episode first if you do not want the results revealed to you yet!
Pizza
Marco’s
Alan: “I am getting distracted by the greasiness.”
Amy: “It is giving high school pizza party.”
Cody: “It leaves a lot to be desired.”
Matt: “Heavy crust ratio.”
Godfather’s
Alan: “The sauce is more hearty.”
Amy: “It’s good but I don’t care for the crust.”
Cody: “This is like nursing home pizza.”
Matt: “This is better balanced.”
WINNER: Godfather’s
Breadsticks
Marco’s
Alan: “These are puffy, fluffy boys.”
Amy: “A little chewy and not much flavor.”
Cody: “It’s not terrible.”
Matt: “It’s not the best bread I’ve ever had.”
Godfather’s
Alan: “Much more flavor.”
Amy: “The sauce is bad, the bread is good.”
Cody: “I can tell it is frozen dough.”
Matt: “The sauce is very acidic.”
WINNER: Godfather’s
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Marco’s
Alan: “These look like they have been spray painted.”
Amy: “I don’t want a dressing on my wings, I want a real sauce.”
Cody: “I don’t think the meat is that good.”
Matt: “It’s tangier than I imagined.”
Godfather’s
Alan: “I like wings.”
Amy: “I like that I can taste the chicken.”
Cody: “These are better.”
Matt: “Underdone for my liking.”
WINNER: Godfather’s
There you have it. After trying 3 different menu items from Marco’s and Godfather’s, we give Godfather’s the Quest for the Best seal of approval. Check out their website to find a location near you.
https://www.godfathers.com/home
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Quest for the Best. Let us know what you thought. Have you tried these menu items? Which one was your favorite? Which restaurant is your favorite?
Also, do you have any foods you would love to get the coveted seal of approval? Let us know in the comments what you want to hear next.
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Thanks again for the support. Until next time, stay sane out there.
Show Notes
https://www.mashed.com/293597/the-untold-truth-of-marcos-pizza/
https://www.locationscloud.com/research-report/analysis-of-marcos-pizza-locations-usa/
https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/19/business/the-rise-and-fall-of-godfathers.html
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