The Story Behind
Imo's Pizza
Six decades of thin crust perfection, Provel cheese tradition, and a whole lot of St. Louis pride — baked into every single slice.
From a Small St. Louis
Kitchen to an Icon
It all started in 1964 when Ed and Margie Imo opened a tiny pizza spot on the corner of Thurman Avenue in St. Louis. With nothing more than a passion for great food and an unwavering commitment to quality, they introduced the city to something entirely their own — a paper-thin crust, tangy tomato sauce, and the legendary Provel® cheese blend that became a St. Louis staple.
What started as one neighborhood pizzeria grew into a beloved institution. Today, Imo's Pizza has more than 100 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond — but every pie is still made the same way: with fresh ingredients, real craftsmanship, and the same heart that Ed and Margie put into that very first pizza.
- Original St. Louis-style ultra-thin crispy crust — the way it was meant to be made
- Authentic Provel® cheese blend — a St. Louis tradition since day one
- Fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared daily in every location
- Family-owned spirit and community-first values that never changed
Our Mission & Vision
We don't just make pizza — we create moments, bring families together, and honor a tradition that's been perfected over six decades.
Our Mission
To serve authentic St. Louis-style pizza made with time-honored recipes, real ingredients, and genuine care for every customer who walks through our doors.
Our Vision
To remain St. Louis's most beloved pizza tradition while expanding our family of locations — keeping that original homemade spirit alive in every bite.
Community First
We believe in giving back to the neighborhoods that gave us everything. From local sponsorships to community events, we're proud to be part of this city.
Quality Promise
No shortcuts, no compromises. Every pizza is made fresh to order using the same quality ingredients and standards Ed and Margie Imo established in 1964.
Six Decades of History
From a single corner shop to a regional icon — here's how Imo's Pizza became part of St. Louis's soul.
The First Slice
Ed and Margie Imo open the original Imo's Pizza on Thurman Avenue in St. Louis with a simple dream: serve the best thin crust pizza in the city, topped with Provel® cheese.
Expansion Begins
With demand soaring and word spreading across the city, Imo's opens its second and third locations, introducing St. Louis neighborhoods to the magic of the square-cut pie.
Franchising Launches
The franchise program officially launches, allowing passionate pizza lovers to bring the authentic Imo's experience to new neighborhoods while maintaining strict quality standards.
50th Location Opens
A major milestone — the 50th Imo's Pizza location opens its doors. The brand is now firmly established as a St. Louis institution, with loyal fans spanning generations.
Online Ordering Arrives
Imo's embraces technology with the launch of online ordering, making it easier than ever for customers to get their favorite thin crust pizza delivered right to their door.
60 Years Strong
Celebrating six incredible decades of serving St. Louis with pride. With 100+ locations and millions of happy customers, Imo's Pizza looks forward to the next 60 years of thin crust tradition.
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, every pizza we bake, and every customer we serve.
Made With Love
Every pizza is crafted with the same passion and attention to detail that Ed and Margie brought to that original kitchen back in 1964. Love is our secret ingredient.
Uncompromising Quality
We never cut corners on ingredients, preparation, or service. From the Provel® cheese to the freshest toppings, quality is non-negotiable at Imo's.
Community Roots
St. Louis made us who we are, and we give back every chance we get. We're proud sponsors of local schools, sports teams, and neighborhood events.
Consistent Excellence
Whether it's your first Imo's or your thousandth, you'll always get the same great pizza. Our recipes and standards haven't changed in 60 years — and they never will.
Meet Our Team
Passionate pizza professionals who wake up every morning dedicated to making your Imo's experience absolutely perfect.
Michael Torres
20+ years mastering the art of St. Louis thin crust. Michael oversees recipe integrity across all locations and leads culinary innovation for Imo's.
Sarah Bennett
The backbone of Imo's day-to-day operations. Sarah ensures that every location meets the gold standard of quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
James Rivera
James has helped grow Imo's franchise network for over 15 years, supporting new owners with the tools, training, and passion needed to succeed.
Amanda Chen
Amanda leads the charge on making every customer interaction exceptional. Her passion for hospitality has shaped Imo's reputation for warmth and service.