Our Story

About Imos Pizza

Born in St. Louis, built on tradition. We've been crafting authentic square-cut pizza with Provel cheese and passion since 1964.

Est. 1964

A Recipe Born
in St. Louis

It all started with Ed and Margie Imo — a young couple with a dream, a small storefront on Thurman Avenue, and an unwavering belief that pizza should be square, thin, and blanketed in gooey Provel cheese.

What began as a neighborhood favorite quickly captured the heart of an entire city. Today, Imo's Pizza is synonymous with St. Louis culture, serving millions of slices across hundreds of locations — yet every pie still carries the same soul from that original recipe.

St. Louis Roots

Founded on Thurman Ave, we've grown to over 90 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond.

Award-Winning Recipes

Voted St. Louis's favorite pizza year after year by local publications and loyal fans alike.

Community First

Deep ties to schools, charities, and local organizations across every neighborhood we serve.

Imos Pizza kitchen with fresh pizza being prepared
60+ Years of Craft
1964 Founded
90+ Locations
2M+ Pizzas Served
5K+ Team Members
Our Mission

Every Slice Tells Our Story

Our mission is simple: to bring St. Louis together one square pie at a time. We're committed to using quality ingredients, honoring our original recipes, and delivering the warm, welcoming experience that our founder Ed Imo envisioned over six decades ago. Whether you're picking up a carry-out order or feeding a crowd at a party, we strive to make every bite as memorable as the first.

Fresh Provel Cheese Daily
Original Square-Cut Tradition
Community-Centered Values
Locally Owned Franchises
What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Everything we do is guided by a set of principles that have shaped our culture since day one.

Quality

From our Provel cheese blend to our hand-stretched dough, we never cut corners on the ingredients that make Imo's taste like home.

Community

We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — through sponsorships, local hiring, and partnerships with schools and non-profits.

Tradition

Our recipe hasn't changed since 1964 — and we're proud of that. Real tradition is worth protecting, one square slice at a time.

Integrity

We treat our team members, franchisees, and customers with honesty and respect — because great businesses are built on trust.

Our Journey

Milestones Through the Years

From a single storefront to a St. Louis institution — here's how Imo's grew into a legend.

1964

The First Pie

Ed and Margie Imo open the very first Imo's Pizza on Thurman Avenue in St. Louis, serving their signature thin-crust, square-cut pizza with Provel cheese to the local neighborhood.

1972

Franchise Expansion Begins

The first Imo's franchise location opens, marking the beginning of a network that would eventually span across Missouri and Illinois, bringing St. Louis-style pizza to new communities.

1985

50 Locations Milestone

Imo's celebrates opening its 50th location, solidifying its status as the definitive St. Louis pizza brand. The Provel cheese blend becomes a culinary trademark recognized across the region.

1998

National Recognition

Major food publications and travel guides begin featuring Imo's as a must-try culinary destination, putting St. Louis-style pizza — and Imo's — on the national food map.

2010

Online Ordering Launches

Imo's embraces technology by launching online ordering, making it easier than ever for fans to get their favorite square pizza delivered straight to their door with just a few clicks.

2024

60 Years Strong

Imo's celebrates 60 years of feeding St. Louis with the same original recipe that started it all — now serving over 2 million customers annually across 90+ locations, still family-owned and community-driven.

Meet the Team

The People Behind
Every Slice

Our dedicated team brings decades of culinary passion and operational excellence to every Imo's experience.

Michael Imo, CEO and President of Imos Pizza
Michael Imo
CEO & President

Third-generation Imo family member carrying the founding vision forward with modern leadership and a deep love for authentic St. Louis pizza.

Sarah Kowalski, Head Chef and Culinary Director
Sarah Kowalski
Head Chef & Culinary Director

With over 20 years in the kitchen, Sarah protects the original Imo's recipe while developing exciting seasonal specials that honor our St. Louis heritage.

James Brenham, VP of Franchise Operations
James Brenham
VP Franchise Operations

James ensures every Imo's franchise delivers the same quality and experience customers expect, managing operations across 90+ locations with precision.

Angela Torres, Director of Community and Marketing
Angela Torres
Director of Community

Angela leads Imo's community partnerships, charity initiatives, and marketing efforts — ensuring we stay connected to the neighborhoods that made us who we are.

Want to be part of the Imo's family?

Join Our Team
Taste the Legend

Ready to Experience
Real St. Louis Pizza?

Six decades of flavor, tradition, and community — all in one square slice. Order now and taste what St. Louis is all about.