Our Story
Born in St. Louis.
Made for Everyone.
Since 1964, Imo's Pizza has been crafting the thin-crust pies that define St. Louis. Find out how a small idea became a city institution.
Who We Are
A Pizza Story
60 Years in the Making
It all started in 1964 when Ed and Margie Imo opened a small pizza shop on Thurman Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Armed with a simple recipe, a love for their community, and an ultra-thin, square-cut crust no one else was making, they set out to feed a neighborhood — and ended up feeding a city.
What makes Imo's unmistakably St. Louis? Three words: Provel cheese. A blend of Swiss, cheddar, and provolone, melted to buttery perfection on a cracker-thin crust — it's a combination that the city adopted as its own and never let go.
Today, Imo's Pizza has grown from that original corner shop to a beloved local chain with locations across the St. Louis metropolitan area. Yet through every decade of growth, one thing has never changed: the recipe, the pride, and the passion that Ed and Margie put into every single slice.
Why We Do It
Our Mission
We exist to bring people together around great food, rooted in the tradition and heart of St. Louis.
Made with Passion
Every pizza we make carries the same love and attention that Ed and Margie brought to that very first pie in 1964.
Fresh Ingredients
We source quality ingredients daily. Nothing frozen, nothing artificial — just fresh toppings on a perfectly crisp crust.
Community First
St. Louis made us who we are. We give back to the neighborhoods that have supported us for over six decades.
Unmatched Quality
From dough to Provel, our standards have never dropped. That's why St. Louis keeps coming back, generation after generation.
Our Journey
60 Years of History
The First Slice
Ed and Margie Imo open their first pizza shop on Thurman Ave in St. Louis, introducing the city to square-cut, thin-crust pizza topped with Provel cheese.
Second Location Opens
Demand grows fast. Imo's opens its second location in South St. Louis, cementing its reputation as the go-to pizza for families across the city.
Franchise Expansion
Imo's begins franchising, empowering local entrepreneurs to bring the authentic St. Louis pizza experience to new neighborhoods throughout Missouri.
Online Ordering Launches
Imo's becomes one of the first local pizza chains to launch online ordering, making it easier than ever for St. Louis to get their favorite thin-crust fix.
50th Anniversary
Imo's celebrates 50 years with special community events, limited-edition menu items, and a heartfelt thank-you to generations of loyal St. Louis families.
60 Years Strong
Six decades of slices. Imo's continues to grow, innovate, and serve the city that started it all — with the same recipe, same love, and same square cut.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Our crew is the heart of Imo's. Passionate, dedicated, and proud to serve St. Louis every single day.
Marcus Rivera
Head Chef
Marcus has been crafting Imo's signature thin-crust pies for over 18 years. His dedication to the original recipe keeps every pizza tasting exactly as it should.
Diane Kowalski
Operations Manager
Diane keeps Imo's running like clockwork. From supply chain to customer experience, her sharp eye for detail ensures every location delivers excellence.
James Holloway
Franchise Director
James has helped grow Imo's franchise network across Missouri and beyond. He partners with owners who share Imo's deep commitment to quality and community.
Sofia Nguyen
Customer Experience Lead
Sofia is the voice of Imo's customers. She drives every initiative that makes ordering, dining, and delivering a seamless and joyful experience for all.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make — from the kitchen to the front door, from the first franchise to the latest delivery.
-
Authenticity Above All
We never stray from what made us great. The original recipe, the original crust, the original spirit — unchanged since 1964.
-
Respect for Our Roots
St. Louis is in our DNA. We honor the neighborhoods, the people, and the culture that gave Imo's its identity and its pride.
-
Quality Without Compromise
From the Provel blend to the tomato sauce, we hold every ingredient to the highest standard. No shortcuts. No exceptions.
-
People Over Profit
Our team, our customers, and our communities always come first. When they thrive, everything else follows naturally.
-
Innovation with Integrity
We embrace new ideas and new ways to serve — but never at the cost of the taste and tradition that St. Louis has always loved.