Founded in 1964 by Ed and Margie Imo, the brand began as a small, family-run pizza parlor on the Hill with a big idea. To deliver bold, craveable pizza that tastes like home.
The iconic Imo’s square-cut, thin-crust creation topped with tangy sauce and creamy Provel® cheese struck a chord with locals, and a regional legend was born.
More than half a century later, the Imo’s Pizza franchise remains a proud standard-bearer of St. Louis-style pizza, with 95+ locations and generations of loyal fans.
Imo’s Pizza is a beloved household name.
From late-night orders and post-game traditions to national headlines and celebrity shoutouts, including Simone Biles and Bravo TV, the brand continues to bring people together one slice at a time. Our signature pizza and community-first spirit have made us a fan favorite across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond.
For franchise owners, Imo’s Pizza offers more than a legacy. It offers a thriving opportunity to build on the iconic Imo’s Pizza brand.
And our proprietary ingredients, built-in hometown brand loyalty, and efficient vendor network create a strong foundation to grow upon.
Imo’s Pizza franchise owners benefit from accessible leadership, real support, and the satisfaction of serving a pizza people genuinely crave. We don’t just sell slices, we serve up tradition, comfort, and connections.
Whether you grew up with us or are just discovering the magic of Provel® cheese, Imo’s Pizza is ready to bring its one-of-a-kind flavor to new communities.
Join the Imo’s Pizza franchise family and become part of a legacy that’s as timeless as it is tasty.
The story of the Imo’s Pizza Franchise began in 1964 with a single desire: to enjoy great pizza at home.
Ed, a hardworking tile-layer, and Margie, a homemaker with heart, were a young Catholic couple with a simple Friday-night craving — a meat pizza after a long week.
The only problem? Their faith meant no meat until midnight. So, every Friday, they’d wait until 11:30 p.m. to place their order. Then Ed would drive out to pick it up, and they wouldn’t take their first bite until after the clock struck twelve.
One night, they thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if someone just brought it to us?”
That simple idea sparked a local legend…
Soon, they became the first pizza restaurant to deliver west of the Mississippi River.
What started as a family business in a small corner shop quickly turned into something much bigger; a local favorite that sparked a regional love affair with square-cut slices, Provel® cheese, and edge-to-edge toppings.
Ed, as a tile setter by trade, brought hands-on grit and entrepreneurial vision, while Margie helped define the friendly, service and neighborhood spirit that still defines every Imo’s Pizza restaurant today. Together, they championed a new kind of pizza experience, thin, crispy, and made to be shared, and built a brand on quality ingredients, customer care, and unmistakable St. Louis flavor.
More than six decades later, the Imo’s Pizza Franchise continues to reflect their legacy. With an established infrastructure, trusted supply network, and a growing franchise program, Ed and Margie’s original vision is now a unique opportunity for today’s entrepreneurs. Their story isn’t just about building a pizza business; it’s about becoming part of the family.
“Best pizza 🍕 in the world 🌎”
