The History of Imo's Pizza

The story of Imo's Pizza is a classic American tale of entrepreneurship, family values, and a passion for great food. From a single family-owned pizzeria to a beloved institution with locations across the United States, our journey has been filled with dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Today, we're taking you through the rich history of how Imo's Pizza came to be.

The Beginning: A Family Dream

In 1964, Ed and Margie Imo had a simple dream: to create a pizzeria that offered something different from the standard thick-crust pizza that dominated the market at that time. Ed, who worked as a tile setter by day, and Margie, a stay-at-home mom, opened their first small storefront with very limited seating. Their initial menu was straightforward: thin-crust pizza cut into squares (what would later become known as "St. Louis-style"), with a distinctive cheese blend that would become our signature.

Ed and Margie Imo in their first pizzeria, circa 1965

What made their business model unique for the time was their focus on delivery and carryout. Ed and Margie recognized that many families wanted to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of their own homes, and they were among the first in the region to build their business around this concept.

The 1970s: Growth and Innovation

The 1970s marked a period of significant growth for Imo's Pizza. The distinctive thin crust and special cheese blend quickly gained popularity, and by 1975, the Imos had opened multiple locations. They began franchising their concept, allowing the brand to expand while maintaining the family recipes and quality standards that had made them successful.

During this decade, Imo's also expanded its menu beyond pizza, introducing pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. The goal was to offer complete meal solutions for families, not just pizza. This innovation helped cement Imo's place as a versatile dining option.

The 1980s-1990s: Regional Expansion

The 1980s and 1990s saw Imo's Pizza evolve from a local favorite to a regional powerhouse. The franchise model proved successful, with dozens of new locations opening throughout Missouri and neighboring states. The company's headquarters expanded to support this growth, with dedicated teams focusing on quality control, training, and supply chain management.

"We never compromised on quality, even as we grew. If anything, we became more particular about our ingredients and preparation methods." – Ed Imo, Founder

During this period, Imo's also became deeply involved in community initiatives, sponsoring local sports teams, schools, and charitable events. This community focus remains a core value of our brand today.

The 2000s: Embracing Technology

As the new millennium began, Imo's Pizza embraced emerging technologies to enhance customer experience. In 2003, we launched our first online ordering system, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy our pizza at home. This was followed by the development of a mobile app in the early 2010s, allowing customers to order from their smartphones.

The 2000s also saw Imo's expand its presence in grocery stores, with our signature pizza sauce, cheese blend, and frozen pizzas becoming available in supermarkets across the Midwest. This allowed fans to enjoy a taste of Imo's even when they were outside of our delivery areas.

Today: Honoring Tradition While Embracing Innovation

Today, Imo's Pizza operates more than 100 locations and continues to grow. While we've expanded our reach and embraced new technologies, we remain committed to the core values established by Ed and Margie Imo in 1964: quality ingredients, exceptional service, and that distinctive thin crust that has become synonymous with St. Louis-style pizza.

Our recipes still use the same high-quality ingredients, and many of our locations remain family-owned and operated. We've stayed true to our roots while adapting to changing consumer preferences, introducing options for dietary restrictions and continuing to refine our menu.

A modern Imo's Pizza location, featuring our updated design

Looking to the Future

As we look to the future, Imo's Pizza is focused on sustainable growth while maintaining the quality and service that have defined our brand for nearly six decades. We're exploring new markets, investing in eco-friendly packaging, and continuing to innovate our menu while staying true to our classic offerings.

We're also enhancing our digital presence, making it even easier for customers to order and enjoy our pizza through our website and mobile app. Our loyalty program rewards our frequent customers, and we continue to engage with our communities through sponsorships and charitable initiatives.

A Legacy of Quality

The story of Imo's Pizza is ultimately about family, tradition, and a commitment to quality. From humble beginnings to becoming a beloved institution, we've never lost sight of what makes our pizza special. We're proud of our history and excited about our future, and we remain dedicated to serving the delicious, distinctive pizza that has made Imo's a household name.

Thank you to all our loyal customers who have been part of our journey. Whether you've been enjoying Imo's Pizza for decades or are trying it for the first time, you're part of our ongoing story.