Chris and Kristian Ornelas, experienced franchise owners, are set to introduce Marco’s Pizza, one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the U.S., to New Mexico. Despite facing personal challenges over the past two years, the couple is now ready to “seize the moment” and expand Marco’s presence into a new state.
Marco’s Pizza has signed a nine-unit area development agreement with the Ornelases, expanding its reach to 35 states. The first two locations are expected to open in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho by the end of the first quarter of 2025, with site selection already in progress.
The Ornelases, who are the principal owners of the company responsible for developing these new locations, have a strong background in franchising. They are the largest franchisees of Fiesta Auto Insurance, with 38 locations across three states. Their decision to invest in Marco’s was driven by a desire to diversify their franchise portfolio.
As longtime customers and enthusiasts of Marco’s Pizza, the couple initially signed the development agreement in 2022 but paused their plans due to a health issue. Now, they are moving forward with renewed determination.
“When looking to invest in our second business, we wanted to combine our franchising experience with our love for pizza,” Chris Ornelas said. “Marco’s offers a consistently superior product. Pair that quality with strong franchise operations, and we knew we had a great opportunity to develop in an untapped market.”
Reflecting on the challenges they faced in 2022, Chris added, “It was a scary time for us personally, but it gave us a fresh perspective on life and motivated us to seize the moment.”
Marco’s Pizza is committed to supporting multi-unit franchise development. The company provides a comprehensive support system, including tools for identifying expansion territories, as well as assistance with real estate, construction management, field operations, and financing. Nearly half of Marco’s current franchise network consists of multi-unit operators.
Gerardo Flores, Marco’s chief development officer, emphasized the importance of the New Mexico expansion. “Our move into New Mexico highlights our commitment to bringing our exceptional product to new markets,” Flores said. “This strategic growth aligns with our vision of reaching more customers and tapping into the incredible potential we see across New Mexico. Our research shows the state is poised for remarkable growth, and we are excited to contribute to its development while expanding our footprint.”