James Imo
CEO & President
Grandson of founders Ed & Marilyn, James has led Imo's with vision and heart for over 20 years, expanding the brand while preserving its soul.
Our Story
Crafting Legendary Pizza Since 1964
From a single kitchen in St. Louis to a beloved icon of Midwestern dining — Imo's Pizza has been serving its signature thin-crust, Provel cheese masterpiece to generations of hungry families.
60+
Years of Excellence
Serving St. Louis & Beyond
Who We Are
A Pizza Born from Passion & Tradition
In 1964, Ed and Marilyn Imo opened their first pizza parlor on Thurman Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Armed with a family recipe, a love of great food, and an unwavering commitment to quality, they introduced St. Louis to something truly unique — a crisp, cracker-thin crust topped generously with rich Provel cheese and the finest local ingredients.
What began as a neighborhood staple quickly grew into a regional phenomenon. Today, Imo's Pizza stands as a beloved emblem of St. Louis culture — as iconic to the city as the Gateway Arch itself. Every pizza we make carries the same passion and pride that Ed and Marilyn poured into that first pie over six decades ago.
1964
Founded
90+
Locations
2M+
Pizzas Served
4.8★
Avg Rating
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Promise
Every ingredient we source, every pie we bake, and every delivery we make is guided by three core commitments that have defined us since day one.
Our Mission
To craft exceptional St. Louis-style pizza using the finest ingredients, served with genuine warmth — making every meal a memorable experience for families, friends, and pizza lovers across the region.
Our Vision
To be the most cherished pizza brand in the Midwest — a place where every customer feels at home, every employee is proud to work, and every pizza tells the story of St. Louis tradition and culinary passion.
Our Promise
We promise fresh, made-to-order pizza delivered with care, every single time. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just the same honest, delicious recipe that has earned the trust of St. Louis families for over 60 years.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
01
Uncompromising Quality
We use only the freshest ingredients — from hand-selected tomatoes to our signature Provel cheese blend. Quality is never negotiable at Imo's.
02
Community First
Imo's was built by St. Louis, for St. Louis. We actively support local farmers, schools, charities, and community events because this city is our home.
03
Authentic Tradition
We honor the original recipe and spirit of our founders. While we embrace innovation, we never stray from the authentic St. Louis-style pizza that defines us.
04
People & Team
Our team is our greatest ingredient. We invest in the growth, wellbeing, and happiness of every employee — because great pizza starts with great people.
05
Genuine Hospitality
Every customer deserves to feel welcome, valued, and satisfied. We treat every order — whether dine-in or delivery — with the same care and attention.
Made With Heart
Every pizza is handcrafted with the same love and dedication Ed & Marilyn started with in 1964.
Our Journey
Milestones That Shaped Us
Six decades of pizza-making, community building, and St. Louis pride — here's how Imo's grew from one small kitchen to a regional legend.
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1964
The First Slice
Ed and Marilyn Imo open the very first Imo's Pizza location on Thurman Avenue in South St. Louis, introducing the city to their signature cracker-thin crust and Provel cheese. The neighborhood falls in love immediately.
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1972
Expansion Begins
Driven by overwhelming community demand, Imo's opens its second and third locations across St. Louis County. The signature square-cut "party style" pizza becomes a defining feature of St. Louis pizza culture.
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1985
Franchise Program Launched
Imo's launches its official franchise program, enabling passionate pizza entrepreneurs across Missouri and Illinois to bring the Imo's experience to their own communities while maintaining uncompromising quality standards.
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1997
50th Location & Community Award
Imo's celebrates opening its 50th restaurant and receives the St. Louis Business Community Excellence Award, recognizing two decades of local sourcing, fair employment practices, and charitable giving.
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2008
Online Ordering Goes Live
Imo's launches its first digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever for customers to order their favorite pizzas. Online orders exceed expectations within the first quarter, setting new sales records.
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2019
90+ Locations Strong
Imo's reaches the milestone of over 90 locations across the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, cementing its status as the undisputed king of St. Louis-style pizza and a true icon of Missouri dining culture.
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Today
Still Going Strong
Over 60 years in, Imo's continues to serve millions of customers with the same original recipe, the same community spirit, and the same commitment to being the best pizza in St. Louis — one perfect square slice at a time.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Leadership Team
Behind every great pizza is an even greater team. Our leaders bring decades of culinary expertise, business passion, and an unbreakable love for St. Louis to everything they do.
Angela Torres
Head Chef & Culinary Director
A classically trained chef with 15 years at Imo's, Angela oversees all recipe development and ensures every pizza meets our legendary quality standards.
Marcus Webb
VP of Operations
Marcus keeps our 90+ locations running seamlessly. His operational expertise and passion for efficiency ensure customers get a perfect experience every visit.
Diana Park
Director of Community Relations
Diana leads Imo's community engagement programs, partnerships with local schools, charitable initiatives, and our beloved annual pizza drives across the city.
Want to join our incredible team? We're always looking for passionate people.
View Open Positions