Our Story

About Marcos
Crafted with Passion

We're more than a marco's pizza restaurant. We're a family tradition built on wood-fired ovens, handpicked ingredients, and a deep love for bringing people together around great food in Salem, Oregon.

Inside Marcos marcos pizza restaurant in Salem Oregon
2005 Est. Salem, OR

Where Every marcos Pizza Begins

It started in a small kitchen in Salem, Oregon, where founder Marco Deluca had one simple dream: to bring the authentic flavors of Naples to the Pacific Northwest. Armed with a century-old family recipe and a wood-fired oven imported from Italy, Marco opened the doors of Marcos in the spring of 2005.

What began as a neighborhood gem quickly became Salem's most beloved marco's pizza destination. Our dough is hand-stretched daily, our tomato sauce is slow-simmered from whole San Marzano tomatoes, and every pizza is fired at 900°F for that perfectly charred, crispy-yet-chewy crust that keeps our guests coming back.

Today, Marcos is still family-owned and operated. We source the finest local Oregon produce, import premium Italian cheeses, and maintain the same commitment to quality that Marco had on day one. We believe that great pizza is not just food — it's a moment of joy shared with the people you love.

20+ Years of Craftsmanship
50K+ Pizzas Served
100% Fresh Ingredients
#1 Rated in Salem
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Mission, Vision & Values

Every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to how we greet you at the door — is guided by three core principles that have defined Marcos since 2005.

Our Mission

To craft exceptional marco's pizza and grill experiences using the finest ingredients, time-honored techniques, and genuine hospitality — making every guest feel like family in our Salem home.

Our Vision

To become the gold standard for marcos pizza in the Pacific Northwest — a place where authentic Italian tradition meets Oregon's vibrant local food culture, one hand-crafted pizza at a time.

Our Promise

We promise to never compromise on quality, always welcome you with warmth, and serve every marco pizza with the same passion that Marco Deluca poured into that very first pie back in 2005.

The Values Behind Every Slice

These aren't just words on a wall. They're the standards our team holds itself to every single day — in the kitchen, at your table, and in our community.

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Fresh First

Every ingredient is selected daily. No frozen shortcuts, no artificial additives. Fresh is our non-negotiable standard.

Handcrafted Always

Every dough ball is hand-stretched, every pizza assembled by skilled hands. Automation has no place in our kitchen.

Community First

We're proud to be part of Salem's fabric. We support local farms, hire locally, and give back to the neighborhood we love.

Excellence in Every Bite

From the first knead to the final slice, we pursue perfection in flavor, texture, and presentation — every single time.

Sustainable Practices

We minimize waste, use eco-friendly packaging, and partner with farms that share our respect for the environment.

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest deserves to feel welcome. Our team is trained to deliver warmth and care as consistently as we deliver great pizza.

The People Behind Your Favorite marcos Pizza

Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise, a love for Italian tradition, and a dedication to making every visit to Marcos unforgettable.

Marco Deluca

Founder & Head Chef

A Naples native with 30+ years of pizzaiolo experience. Marco's vision and signature dough recipe are the heart of everything we do at Marcos.

Sofia Deluca

Co-Founder & Operations

Marco's partner in life and business. Sofia brings organizational brilliance and a passion for hospitality that keeps every guest experience seamless and memorable.

James Reyes

Chef de Cuisine

Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, James leads our grill menu and seasonal specials — constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor at Marcos.

Priya Nair

Guest Experience Manager

Priya ensures every visit to Marcos is perfect from greeting to goodbye. Her warmth and attention to detail have made her a guest favorite since joining in 2018.

Two Decades of marco pizza History

From a modest family kitchen to Salem's premier marco's pizza destination — here's how Marcos grew one pie at a time.

2005

The First Oven Fires Up

Marco Deluca opens the original Marcos at 615 High St NE, Salem, OR, with a 900°F wood-fired oven imported from Napoli. The first night sells out in two hours.

2008

Salem's Best Pizza Award

Marcos wins "Best Pizza in Salem" at the Oregon Food Festival for the first time — kicking off a streak of consecutive wins that put Marcos on the regional food map.

2011

Grill Menu Expansion

Chef James Reyes joins the team, bringing the Marcos Grill menu to life. Wood-fired steaks, chicken, and vegetable platters become an overnight sensation alongside our marco pizza lineup.

2015

A Decade of Pizza Perfection

Marcos celebrates 10 years with a full restaurant renovation, a new outdoor patio, and the launch of our beloved catering service for events across the Willamette Valley.

2019

Online Ordering Launched

Marcos goes digital — online ordering and delivery transform how Salem enjoys marcos pizza. Within months, we're delivering to over 200 households a week across the city.

2022

Farm-to-Table Partnership

We formalize our commitment to local sourcing by partnering with four Willamette Valley farms, ensuring 80% of our produce is Oregon-grown and sustainably harvested.

2025

20 Years & Still Fired Up

Marcos celebrates 20 years of marco's pizza excellence in Salem. We're more passionate than ever about our craft, our community, and serving the next generation of loyal pizza lovers.

Ready to Experience marco's pizza at Its Best?

Join thousands of happy Salemites who have made Marcos their go-to spot for authentic, wood-fired pizza crafted with love.