The First Shop Opens
Ed and Margie Imo open their first pizzeria on Thurman Avenue, South St. Louis. The signature thin-crust, Provel-cheese, square-cut pizza is born, and the neighborhood takes immediate notice.
Our Beginning
Born in St. Louis,
Born in St. Louis,
Loved Across the City
It all started in 1964 when Ed and Margie Imo opened their first pizza parlor on Thurman Avenue in South St. Louis. With a dream, a rolling pin, and a secret recipe for ultra-thin crust, they created something entirely their own.
"We didn't just want to make pizza — we wanted to make the pizza that St. Louis would call its own. Something you could only find here, something that tasted like home."
The secret weapon? Provel cheese — a uniquely St. Louis blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melts into a buttery, creamy perfection only found in the Gateway City. Cut into squares, never triangles, served piping hot. That was — and still is — the Imo's way.
60+
Years Serving
100+
Locations
1M+
Pizzas Served
Best Pizza in St. Louis
Riverfront Times — 8 consecutive years
St. Louis Iconic Restaurant
Missouri Tourism Hall of Flavor — 2022
Our Purpose
Why We Do What We Do
Every pizza we make carries the weight of six decades of love, craft, and community pride.
Our Mission
To preserve and celebrate the soul of St. Louis through every square-cut slice — using only the finest ingredients, honoring our original recipe, and delivering a taste of home to every guest, every single day. We believe great pizza isn't just food; it's a memory, a gathering, a tradition worth protecting.
Made with Love
Every dough ball is hand-stretched. Every pizza is crafted with the same care Ed and Margie brought to their very first shop on Thurman Avenue.
Fresh Ingredients
We source locally whenever possible. Our tomatoes, vegetables, and meats are chosen daily for freshness — because you deserve nothing less.
Community First
We're not just a restaurant — we're part of the St. Louis fabric. We give back through local events, school programs, and neighborhood partnerships.
Authentic Always
The original recipe. The original cheese. The original square cut. In sixty years we've grown, but we've never changed what makes Imo's, Imo's.
Our Journey
Six Decades of Flavor
From a single South St. Louis shop to a beloved regional icon — here's how Imo's grew.
1964
1972
Franchise Expansion Begins
Demand is overwhelming. Ed and Margie open their first franchise location, allowing loyal fans to bring the Imo's experience to other St. Louis neighborhoods. The family grows.
1983
50 Locations Milestone
Imo's Pizza celebrates its 50th location — a landmark that cements its place as St. Louis' most beloved homegrown pizza chain. Regional recognition follows quickly.
1997
Online Ordering Launches
Imo's becomes one of the first St. Louis restaurants to offer online ordering, making it easier than ever for fans to get their favorite square-cut pizza delivered to their door.
2014
50th Anniversary Celebration
The Golden Anniversary brings city-wide celebration. Special edition pizzas, community events, and a documentary film honor five decades of authentic St. Louis pizza-making heritage.
Today
Still Going Strong
Over 100 locations across Missouri and Illinois. Still the same original recipe. Still Provel. Still square-cut. Still made with love — just the way Ed and Margie intended it.
Be part of the next chapter in our story.
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The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Passionate, skilled, and deeply proud of what they do — our team brings the Imo's legacy to life every single day.
Michael Imo
Head Pizzaiolo & Owner
Third-generation guardian of the original recipe. Michael has spent 25 years perfecting the craft his grandparents invented, ensuring every crust is as thin and crispy as the very first one.
Sarah Collins
Executive Chef
A culinary school graduate with a deep love for St. Louis food culture, Sarah oversees our kitchen operations and leads the development of new seasonal specials while keeping tradition alive.
James Rivera
Operations Director
With 18 years in restaurant management, James ensures that every one of our 100+ locations operates with the same high standards, warmth, and consistency our guests expect.
Linda Park
Community & Events Manager
Linda bridges the gap between Imo's and the St. Louis community. From charity drives to Cardinals game-day specials, she makes sure Imo's stays woven into the city's heartbeat.
Join the Imo's Family
We're always looking for passionate people who love great food and great community. Be part of something legendary.
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