The past two years have been personally rough for seasoned franchisees Chris and Kristian Ornelas, but now the entrepreneurial couple is ready to “seize the moment” and take Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, into a new state.

With the Ornelases, Marco’s said it has a nine-unit area development agreement in New Mexico, expanding its nationwide footprint to 35 states. Site selection is currently underway, with the first two locations slated to open in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas before the end of Q1 2025. 

Chris and Kristian, the principal owners of the company that’s developing the units, invested in Marco’s with an aim to diversify their franchise portfolio. The husband-and-wife team are the largest Fiesta Auto Insurance franchisees, with 38 locations across three states, according to a Marco’s Pizza press release.

As longtime customers and avid fans of Marco’s, the Ornelases signed an agreement back in 2022 but did not move forward at that time due to a health scare. Fast-forward two years later, and they’re ready to get to work.  

“When looking to invest in our second business, we wanted to marry our franchising background with our love for pizza,” Chris said. “Simply put, Marco’s offers a superior product that is delivered consistently. Pair quality with strong franchise operations, and we knew we had an opportunity at our fingertips to develop in an untapped market.”

“While 2022 was a scary time for us personally,” he added, “it’s provided a fresh take on life, shifting our mentality to seize the moment!”

As multi-unit franchise development continues to grow, Marco’s leadership prioritizes a development support system, including technology and tools to help identify territories for expansion, plus support in real estate, construction management, field operations, and information related to financing. Nearly half of Marco’s current franchise network is comprised of multi-unit operators, the company said.

“Our expansion into New Mexico is a move that underscores our commitment to bringing our exceptional product to new markets,” said Gerardo Flores, Marco’s chief development officer. “This strategic growth aligns perfectly with our vision of reaching more customers and tapping into the incredible potential we see across New Mexico. Our research indicates the state is poised for remarkable growth, and we are excited to contribute to its development while also expanding our footprint.”