TOLEDO, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As candidates chewed over issues like the economy, foreign policy and income inequality in both the Democratic and GOP debates, Americans were indulging in pizza in record numbers for both parties, according to data gathered from more than 650 Marco’s Pizza stores in 35 states nationwide.
The Toledo-based fast-growing pizza chain tracked orders across its franchise system over the past three presidential debates, finding increases in orders of as much as 40 percent over the same weeknights last year in several markets.
Nationwide, while the company reported that orders spiked during both party debates, spectators of the Oct. 28 GOP debate rung up 12 percent more orders over viewers of the Democratic debate on Oct. 13.
“You have to admit it’s a little ironic to see how liberally Americans consumed pizza during the Republican debates,” said Bryon Stephens, president and COO of Marco’s Pizza. “We’re finding that when people gather together for any national televised event – whether it’s presidential debates, sporting events or award shows – our orders rise significantly. The debates have been healthy for the pizza business. Having said that, Game 2 of the World Series didn’t hurt the spike.”
Following a 38 percent national surge compared to the same date in 2014 during the Sept. 16 GOP debate, the fast-growing pizza franchise posted an increase of 28.5 percent during the GOP debate on Oct. 28 as compared to the same date last year. Sales during the Oct. 13 Democratic Presidential Debate resulted in a spike of slightly more than 25 percent over last year on that date.
There is one thing that remained steady throughout all debates: Pepperoni was the most commonly ordered topping across the country.
Marco’s Pizza is currently listed No. 12 in Pizza Today’s Top 100 Pizza Chains and was named by Franchising Times as No. 8 on the magazine’s list of Fast and Serious growth franchises. The company is expected to grow to more than 700 franchises by the end of 2015.
ABOUT MARCO’S PIZZA:
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is the fastest-growing pizza company in the United States (based on the number of stores signed into development since 2007). Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian born, Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco and thrives by making Italian Pizza with fresh ingredients. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate more than 600 stores in 35 states, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and India. To inquire about franchise opportunities with Marco’s Pizza visit marcosfranchising.com.
