Our Story

Crafted with Passion,
Baked with Pride

Since 1964, Imo's Pizza has been St. Louis' beloved pizza tradition — thin-crust perfection, Provel cheese, and a family recipe that's stood the test of time.

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Imos Pizza restaurant interior — warm, welcoming dining atmosphere

1964

Year Founded

60+

Years of Flavor

100+

Locations

5M+

Pizzas Served

Traditional pizza making process — hand-stretched thin crust

Est. 1964 — St. Louis Original

Our Heritage

A Recipe Born in St. Louis

It all started with a dream — and a very particular kind of cheese. In 1964, Ed and Margie Imo opened a small pizza shop in St. Louis, Missouri, armed with a recipe that would change the city's food scene forever.

Their signature ultra-thin cracker crust, topped with Provel — a local St. Louis cheese blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar — became an instant legend. Imo's wasn't just a pizza place; it was a family gathering spot, a post-game celebration destination, and a neighborhood cornerstone.

As decades passed, the brand grew from a single storefront to hundreds of locations across the region, but the commitment never wavered: fresh ingredients, hand-crafted dough, and that unmistakable Provel melt that keeps generations coming back.

"We didn't just make pizza — we made memories. Every slice carries a little piece of St. Louis history."

— Ed Imo, Founder

Why We Do It

Our Mission & Values

Three pillars that guide every pizza we make and every customer we serve.

Made with Love

Every pizza is crafted by hand with the same care and passion Ed and Margie put into that very first pie. No shortcuts, no compromises — just love on every crust.

Fresh Ingredients

We source only the freshest produce, highest-quality meats, and authentic Provel cheese — because great pizza starts long before it hits the oven.

Community First

We're more than a pizza chain — we're part of the neighborhood. From school fundraisers to local events, we give back to the communities that gave us everything.

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Our Journey

60 Years of Pizza History

From a humble St. Louis shop to a regional institution — here's how we got here.

1964

The First Slice

Ed and Margie Imo open their first pizzeria on Thurman Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. The cracker-thin crust and Provel cheese win over the neighborhood immediately.

1975

Franchise Expansion

Imo's grows to 10 locations across the St. Louis metro area. The franchise model is born, bringing the signature thin-crust experience to more communities.

1990

Regional Icon Status

Named "St. Louis' Favorite Pizza" by multiple local publications. The 50th location opens, cementing Imo's as a cultural institution in the region.

2005

Online Ordering Launch

Imo's embraces the digital age with the launch of online ordering — making it easier than ever to get that signature thin crust delivered right to your door.

2015

Nationwide Recognition

Featured on national food networks and travel shows as a must-try American regional pizza. Visitors from across the country flock to St. Louis just for a taste.

2024

60 Years & Growing

Celebrating six decades of flavor. With over 100 locations and millions of loyal fans, Imo's continues to honor the original recipe while embracing the future of food.

What Drives Us

The Values Behind Every Slice

Our core principles aren't written on walls — they're baked into every pizza we serve.

Integrity in Every Ingredient

We use only honest, real ingredients — no artificial shortcuts. What's on the menu is what you get, made fresh every single day.

Respect for Tradition

The original Imo's recipe has never changed. We honor our founders by preserving the flavors that made us who we are — while welcoming new generations of pizza lovers.

Excellence Without Exception

Whether it's your first Imo's pizza or your thousandth, every pie deserves the same level of craft and attention. Consistency is our superpower.

Family at the Core

Imo's started as a family business and remains one at heart. We treat every customer, employee, and franchise partner as part of the extended Imo's family.

Imos Pizza kitchen team preparing fresh pizzas with care

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet Our Team

Passionate individuals who show up every day to make your pizza experience unforgettable.

Marco DiVito

Head Pizzaiolo

With 22 years of thin-crust mastery, Marco oversees dough production and quality at every location. He apprenticed under Ed Imo himself.

Renée Calloway

Director of Operations

Renée keeps over 100 locations running like clockwork. A logistics genius with 15 years at Imo's, she champions the customer experience at every level.

James Holbrook

Head of Catering

James has catered everything from neighborhood block parties to corporate events for thousands. He specializes in making big events feel like a family dinner.

Sofia Mendes

Recipe Innovation Lead

Sofia bridges tradition and creativity — developing new seasonal specials and toppings while keeping the original Imo's flavor front and center.

Ready to Taste History?

Join the Imo's Pizza Family Today

Six decades of St. Louis flavor, crafted fresh and delivered to your door. Your next favorite pizza is just one click away.