Wheeling to get first Marco's Pizza in Illinois

A new pizzeria likely is coming to Wheeling, and consumers might be able to order a new side dish with their dinner — a movie rental.

As part of a new partnership, Marco's Pizza, an Ohio-based chain, would open its first Illinois location in Wheeling.

They would set up shop at 1900 S. Wolf Road, now a Family Video store, as early as March, officials said.

The idea of serving a movie with the pizza is part of the long-range plan that Eric Somer, director of new store development for Family Video, said is still being worked out.

The store will get its pizza business set up first before reintroducing the video rentals, Somer said.

“Obviously every pizza place delivers,” he said. “But this is something original the customers can order along with it.”

According to documents from the plan commission, the Wheeling location would be focused on delivery and pickup, with a few tables for dining in. The restaurant will generate an additional 15 to 20 jobs and still be owned by Family Video.

The proposal will be before the Wheeling village board on Monday, and the plan commission recommended its approval.

“Wheeling is kind of a test. We're going to learn a lot with that location,” Somer said.

Somer did not want to comment on the partnership between Family Video and Marco's Pizza just yet, but according to the plan commission documents, Family Video hopes to later take the idea national.

“Family Video will be expanding nationwide over the next four years to open and operate over 250 Marco's Pizza businesses at its existing locations,” the proposal says.

Family Video opened a new location in Wheeling at 740 W. Hintz Road in May.

Marco's Pizza has 250 restaurants in 20 states and is looking to expand. Marco's serves pizza, freshly baked subs, salads, cheese bread and other sides.

“We love it every time Marco's opens in a new state,” said Peter Wise, vice president of marketing with Marco's Pizza. “Marco's is stoked to be in Illinois.”

Wise called Marco's the fastest-growing pizza company in the country and said the franchise expects to add more than 100 locations in 2012.

In a region known for pizza, Wise said what sets Marco's apart is the dough is made fresh daily in every location, the cheese has never been frozen and the sauce was perfected by the founder straight from Italy.

Community Development Director Mark Janeck said it's a good location for a restaurant because it isn't directly near many other food locations.

“Anytime someone wants to move a business into Wheeling, create jobs and improve the building, that's always a good thing,” Janeck said.

Chain: Wheeling site would be Illinois' first Marco's