Our Story

More Than Just
Pizza

For over six decades, Imo's Pizza has been a St. Louis tradition — crafted with heart, served with pride, and enjoyed by generations of families across Missouri.

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1964 Founded

100+ Locations

60+ Years of Joy

5M+ Happy Guests

Imos Pizza kitchen with fresh pizzas being prepared

Since 1964 St. Louis Original

Our Story

A St. Louis
Institution

It all started in 1964 when Ed and Margie Imo opened a small pizza shop in St. Louis, Missouri. Armed with nothing but a love for pizza and a secret recipe for thin-crust perfection, they introduced the city to something it had never tasted before.

The iconic Imo's pizza — a razor-thin cracker crust topped with signature Provel cheese and cut into squares — became an instant sensation. What began as a humble neighborhood shop blossomed into a beloved regional chain that defines St. Louis-style pizza for millions of fans.

"We never wanted to be just a pizza place. We wanted to be the place your family comes back to, generation after generation."
— Ed Imo, Founder

Today, Imo's Pizza serves communities across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond — still using the original recipe, still cutting every pie into squares, and still making every customer feel like family.

Provel Cheese Thin Cracker Crust Square Cut Fresh Ingredients Family Recipes

What Drives Us

Our Mission & Vision

Every pizza we make is a promise — a promise of quality, community, and the joy that only great food can bring.

Made With Love

Every pizza is hand-crafted with the same passion Ed and Margie brought to that very first pie in 1964. We don't do shortcuts.

Community First

We're not just a restaurant — we're a gathering place. We support local neighborhoods, schools, and events across St. Louis.

Fresh Always

We source fresh, quality ingredients every day. No frozen shortcuts — just real food, made fresh for every order.

Proven Excellence

Decades of awards, loyal customers, and a legacy that speaks for itself. We hold ourselves to the highest standards every single day.

Imos Pizza interior with cozy dining atmosphere

A Place to Belong

Every table at Imo's is where memories are made.

Our Values

What We
Stand For

These core values guide every decision we make — from the ingredients we choose to the people we hire and the communities we serve.

Authenticity

We stay true to our roots. Our recipes, our ingredients, our square-cut style — unchanged since 1964, because perfection doesn't need updating.

Consistency

Whether it's your first Imo's or your hundredth, every bite should taste exactly like you remember. We deliver that promise every day.

Generosity

From generous toppings to community giving, we believe in giving more than expected. That's the Imo's way.

Respect

We treat every customer, employee, and partner with genuine respect. Our team is our family, and our customers are our guests.

History

Our Journey
Through Time

From one small shop to a St. Louis legend — here's how Imo's Pizza grew into the beloved institution it is today.

1964

The Beginning

Ed and Margie Imo open their first pizza shop in St. Louis. The thin-crust, Provel-cheese, square-cut pizza is born — and immediately wins hearts across the city.

1972

First Expansion

Imo's opens its second and third locations to meet skyrocketing demand. The St. Louis-style pizza phenomenon begins spreading across the metro area.

1985

Going Regional

With over 25 locations, Imo's Pizza officially becomes a regional chain — and a cultural icon. The "St. Louis-style pizza" label enters the national food conversation.

1997

Delivery Revolution

Imo's launches one of the region's earliest dedicated delivery services, bringing the beloved square-cut pizza directly to customers' doors faster than ever.

2010

100th Location

A landmark milestone — Imo's Pizza opens its 100th location, cementing its place as the undisputed king of St. Louis pizza and a true Missouri institution.

Today

Still Going Strong

With online ordering, catering, and franchise opportunities, Imo's Pizza continues to grow — while staying true to the original recipe that started it all in 1964.

The People

Meet Our Team

Behind every great pizza is an even greater team. Meet the passionate people who keep the Imo's legacy alive every single day.

Michael Imo

Chief Executive Officer

Ed's grandson and the heart of modern Imo's. Michael leads with the same passion and dedication that built this company from a single shop to a regional icon.

Sarah Chen

Head Chef & Culinary Director

With 20 years in professional kitchens, Sarah oversees recipe integrity and innovation — ensuring every Imo's pizza tastes exactly as it should.

James Rivera

Director of Operations

James keeps every Imo's location running like clockwork. His 15-year operational expertise ensures consistent quality from St. Louis to every corner of Missouri.

Amanda Brooks

Marketing Director

The creative voice behind Imo's brand. Amanda connects our history with modern audiences, keeping the Imo's story alive and growing across all channels.

Want to join our family? We're always looking for passionate people.

Get in Touch

More Than JustPizza

A St. LouisInstitution