Kokomo native Tavis Smiley is a household name when it comes to radio and television, but the PBS talk show host is cutting into a savory new challenge.
He plans to open 37 Marco’s Pizza franchises in the next five years. Smiley hopes they will create 1,000 jobs in the Indianapolis area.
His goal: to bring economic development to areas that haven’t seen much growth and provide work for teens who need the extra cash. There also are entrepreneurial opportunities for those looking to someday open their own franchises. Considering sales and the work this will create for local vendors and other companies, Smiley says this will mean at least $1 billion being pumped into the Indiana economy during the next 20 years.
“Here is an opportunity for me to do something for the community and be able to give some young people some opportunity,” said Smiley, who delivered newspapers as a boy. Read more.