Hoogland Restaurant Group (HRG), recognized as the largest owner and operator of Marco's Pizza franchises, is making waves in the food industry with its recent acquisition of nine Marco's Pizza locations across Tennessee and North Carolina. The chain now operates more than 130 locations, reinforcing its presence and commitment to quality food and service.
The newly acquired stores, including eight locations based in Knoxville, Tennessee, have not only expanded HRG's franchise network but also positioned them to uplift local community ties. Zach McLaughlin, the director of company operations at HRG, shared, “We couldn’t be more thrilled about our opportunity to make a positive impact in Knoxville. We love running great restaurants with great team members.” This sentiment is echoed by HRG's commitment to staff stability, prioritizing job retention to guarantee continuity within the team.
To support its workforce, HRG has rolled out a retention bonus program, aimed at rewarding managers and encouraging long-term commitment—a strategic decision particularly beneficial as HRG integrates new locations. “Our focus is not just on profits but on nurturing our team and offering them growth opportunities,” McLaughlin added.
Partnerships with local organizations exemplify the company's dedication to community welfare. The Knoxville franchisees plan to donate 10% of proceeds from every Marco’s Kids Mega Meal Deal sold to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, enhancing HRG’s role as more than just a business entity but as a community partner.
Marco’s Pizza, which has its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, was established by Italian-born Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco in 1978. The Marco’s Pizza Foundation underlines the company’s mission to empower its franchisees and team members, channeling efforts toward community enhancement through four main pillars: education, hunger prevention, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
On another front, Ben E. Keith Foods is also making headlines with its groundbreaking investment in North Florida. The company has announced plans for the construction of a significant 707,000-square-foot distribution center located on 148 acres in Alachua. This facility is poised to become one of Florida's largest food distribution hubs once completed.
The new distribution center is projected to create over 400 new jobs over the next five years, adding to the existing 230 employees already working at the company's Gainesville operations. “We are deeply committed to Alachua County and look forward to many years of shared success,” stated Mike Sweet, President of Ben E. Keith Foods.
With construction set to commence in early 2025 and expected completion by Fall 2026, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as the headquarters for the company’s Florida division. This expansion aligns with Ben E. Keith's strategy to bolster its operations across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, underlining its commitment to regional growth.
Both HRG's and Ben E. Keith Foods’ expansions reflect broader trends within the food and distribution sectors: businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of local engagement, workforce stability, and technological advancements. These developments not only create job opportunities but also strengthen neighborhood ties, positioning these companies as dedicated participants within their respective communities.
HRG's approach to acquiring Marco's Pizza locations encompasses comprehensive strategies for enhancing local communities and securing employees' loyalty. Meanwhile, Ben E. Keith's distribution center is set to optimize logistics, expand food access, and create significant employment opportunities, illustrating the vitality of the food distribution industry.
Such investments signal promising times for job seekers and the broader economic environment, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies as companies navigate the intricacies of today’s market demands. The simultaneous expansion efforts by both companies echo the narrative of resilience and growth within the food service and distribution sectors, marking them as key players as they forge paths in their respective areas.