Marco’s Pizza celebrated its debut in the local area on  Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

This particular restaurant, located in Camelot Crossing behind Pipkin Motors, is the largest location within the company.

Marco’s Pizza Company President John (Jack) Butorac Jr. attended the grand opening on Monday, saying that although the economy is in the shape that it is in, the business has not suffered at all.

“The current economic provisions will allow us to open more (restaurants), because we are affordable and have high quality pizza,” he said.

Marco’s Pizza has already added over 40 jobs in the area and became a reality through the efforts of Jeff Stalvey and Remi Tessier.

Typically, the restaurant is located in shopping centers, but in Valdosta, it’s a free standing restaurant. Amenities that are usually not offered with other restaurants in the chain but will be offered locally include more than 100 seats inside and in the patio area with a television at each booth-table.

Located in the rear of the restaurant is a banquet and private meeting room for up to 30 people.

Pasquale Giammarco founded the Marco’s Pizza chain in 1978. The company prides itself on using fresh ingredients, using an historic recipe for the pizza sauce and dough.

“This company values their dough, made fresh daily in the store. The 100-year-old recipe is a great quality product. There is no compromising. Some companies have gone to cheaper cheese, but we use three cheeses and our product is never frozen,” said Tessier.

Tessier wears many hats within the company. He owns a store in Warner Robins and is also the local representative for Valdosta.

With this being Tessier’s fourth restaurant in his territory, he is currently planning to open up to 11 stores in the Macon and Albany areas by recruiting qualified franchisees.

Tessier said that the idea of placing the restaurant in its current location was simple. With local neighborhoods and subdivisions, residents do not have to go far for a great value.

The Sunday before the grand opening, Marcos Pizza held a Family and Friends preview allowing residents in the area to meet the staff, taste their product and learn more about the establishment.

“It has been fantastic and overwhelming. Our Family and Friends event turned out well. About 500 people attended and it has been nothing but positive feedback,” said Tessier.

Butorac added that both he and Tessier know they have a fantastic product and are excited to see the community accept it so quickly.

Location: Camelot Crossing, off N. Valdosta Road, behind Pipkin Motors

Phone: (229) 245-9595

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to midnight

Menu items: Build Your Own Pizza (choose between 21 toppings); Speciality Pizzas include a White Cheezy with 4 types of cheese; Chicken Fresco with 4 types of cheese, grilled chicken, bacon, etc.; Fresh Baked Subs; Chicken Wings; Salad

Limited Delivery Area

Order online at marcos.com