Our Story

The Square Beyond
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Six decades of crafting St. Louis's most beloved pizza — thin crust, Provel cheese, and a passion for community that never fades.

Since 1964

A Slice of St. Louis
History

Imo's Pizza was born in the kitchens of St. Louis, built on a simple dream: serve extraordinary pizza to extraordinary people.

In 1964, Ed and Margie Imo opened their first pizzeria on Southwest Avenue with a family recipe, a cast-iron resolve, and an unwavering commitment to quality. What set them apart from day one was the iconic square-cut pizza topped with Provel cheese — a distinctly St. Louis creation that would define a regional food culture for generations.

"We didn't invent pizza — we perfected the St. Louis version. Every square cut is a piece of our city's soul."

Through decades of growth, Imo's has expanded to more than 90 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond — yet every pizza is still crafted with the same dedication to thin crust, fresh ingredients, and that signature Provel blend that locals swear by. We are family-owned, community-rooted, and proudly St. Louis.

Imos Pizza restaurant interior with warm lighting and cozy atmosphere
Fresh pizza being prepared with quality toppings
Pizza kitchen with skilled chefs at work
60+
Years of Excellence
90+
Locations
1M+
Pizzas Served
4.8
Average Rating
Our Foundation

Mission & Core Values

Everything we do is guided by a set of values instilled by our founders and carried forward by every team member, every single day.

Crafted with Passion

Every pizza we make carries sixty years of love, care, and dedication. From dough to delivery, passion is our secret ingredient that no recipe can replicate.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally wherever possible, selecting only the finest produce, meats, and cheeses. Quality ingredients mean quality pizza — that's a promise we keep every day.

Community First

Imo's grew up in St. Louis neighborhoods and remains deeply invested in the communities we serve. We sponsor local events, support schools, and give back generously.

Uncompromising Quality

We hold ourselves to the highest standard with every order. Whether you're our first customer or our millionth, you deserve — and will receive — a perfect pizza.

Honest Service

We believe in transparent pricing, honest communication, and treating every guest with the warmth of family. No gimmicks — just genuine hospitality.

Continuous Innovation

Rooted in tradition but never standing still, we constantly explore new flavors, technologies, and ways to improve your experience while honoring our heritage.

Sustainability

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and eco-friendly packaging initiatives across all locations.

St. Louis Pride

We are quintessentially St. Louis — from our Provel-topped pizzas to our Cardinals spirit. We wear our city's identity with pride and carry it wherever we go.

Our Journey

Six Decades of Flavor

From a single location in South St. Louis to a beloved regional institution — trace the milestones that shaped Imo's Pizza.

1964

The Beginning

Ed and Margie Imo open the first Imo's Pizza on Southwest Avenue, South St. Louis. The square-cut thin crust pizza with Provel cheese becomes an instant neighborhood sensation.

1972

First Expansion

Growing demand leads to a second location, then a third. Imo's begins franchising, allowing local families to carry forward the same authentic St. Louis-style pizza tradition.

1984

25 Locations

Imo's celebrates its 20th anniversary with 25 thriving locations across the St. Louis metro area. The brand becomes synonymous with St. Louis identity, culture, and pride.

1995

Regional Icon Status

Imo's earns national media coverage as a defining element of St. Louis food culture. The square pizza and Provel cheese combination is featured in major food publications as a uniquely American regional classic.

2007

Online Ordering Launched

Embracing the digital age, Imo's launches online ordering — bringing the convenience of modern technology to a timeless tradition. Customer satisfaction scores hit record highs.

2015

Mobile App & 80+ Locations

The Imo's mobile app launches to rave reviews, simplifying ordering for thousands of loyal customers. The company surpasses 80 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.

2024

60 Years & Beyond

Celebrating 60 remarkable years, Imo's continues to innovate while honoring its roots. New menu offerings, sustainability initiatives, and a next-generation loyalty program mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

The People

Meet Our Leadership Team

Behind every great pizza is a team of dedicated people who believe in our mission and bring it to life with creativity, skill, and heart.

Robert Imo

Chief Executive Officer

Grandson of founders Ed & Margie, Robert has grown up with pizza dough in his hands and the St. Louis spirit in his heart. He leads with vision, humility, and an obsession for quality.

Angela Torres

Head Chef & Culinary Director

A culinary school graduate with 18 years of pizza expertise, Angela oversees all recipe development. She is the guardian of Imo's signature flavors and the architect of every new menu addition.

Marcus Webb

Director of Operations

With a background in hospitality management and supply chain, Marcus ensures every one of our 90+ locations delivers the same consistent, exceptional experience that made Imo's a household name.

Lisa Chen

Head of Marketing & Brand

Lisa champions the Imo's story across every channel. A St. Louis native and brand strategist with a decade of food & beverage experience, she brings our authentic identity to life in every campaign.

Interested in joining the Imo's family?

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Ready to Taste
60 Years of Tradition?

Every pizza we serve carries decades of craftsmanship, community, and St. Louis pride. Place your order today and taste the difference.