Franchisor Interview: Mark Milburn Talks with Slice Nation Pizza Co. Founder Mark Goddard

In this exclusive interview, Franchise Marketing Solutions founder Mark Milburn sits down with Mark Goddard, Founder & CEO of Slice Nation Pizza Co., to discuss how his brand is redefining the pizza industry with the world’s first drive-thru pizza-by-the-slice franchise cooperative—an innovative model where franchisees are true owners in the system. With veteran franchise executive Bill Mathis (30+ years with Subway) helping guide growth, Slice Nation is setting a bold new standard in franchising.

Mark Milburn:

Mark, thanks for joining me. Slice Nation Pizza Co. has a lot of people talking—especially with your “drive-thru pizza by the slice” model. What sparked the idea?

Mark Goddard:

Thanks, Mark—it’s exciting to share our story. The inspiration came from seeing two big gaps in the market: first, the lack of truly fresh, hot pizza available in minutes, and second, the need for a more franchisee-empowered business model. That’s why Slice Nation is both the first drive-thru pizza-by-the-slice concept and the first cooperative, franchisee-owned pizza franchise. Our franchisees aren’t just operators—they’re co-owners in the system.

Mark Milburn:

That’s a big differentiator. Many franchisees today are looking for more control and equity. Why was the cooperative model important to you?

Mark Goddard:

I’ve seen how traditional franchising can sometimes feel one-sided. With our cooperative structure, franchisees have a real stake in shaping the brand’s future. It builds trust, loyalty, and alignment. When the people running the stores also have ownership in the system, the culture is stronger, the ideas are better, and the success is shared.

Mark Milburn:

You also brought in Bill Mathis, who has over 30 years of franchise experience with Subway. What does his involvement mean for Slice Nation?

Mark Goddard:

Bill has been instrumental. With decades at Subway, he’s seen what it takes to scale a brand from a handful of locations to tens of thousands worldwide. His expertise in operations, supply chain, and franchise development is helping us move quickly while avoiding common pitfalls. Having him on board validates our vision and gives our franchisees confidence that we’re building for long-term success.

Mark Milburn:

Let’s talk growth. What’s your vision for Slice Nation over the next three to five years?

Mark Goddard:

We’re not thinking small. Our goal is to open hundreds—and ultimately thousands—of Slice Nation drive-thru units nationwide. We believe the demand is massive, and our model is built to scale rapidly. In fact, we aim to become the “McDonald’s of the pizza industry” in terms of convenience, accessibility, and sheer number of locations. When people think fast, affordable, and satisfying pizza, Slice Nation will be the first name that comes to mind.

Mark Milburn:

That’s ambitious—but it sounds like you’ve built the right foundation. What kind of franchisee are you looking for to help fuel that growth?

Mark Goddard:

We want operators who share our vision for speed, consistency, and scale. Ideally, they have QSR or multi-unit experience, strong capital, and the drive to grow with us. Just as importantly, they should value being part of a cooperative ownership structure. At Slice Nation, franchisees aren’t just building locations—they’re building a movement.

Mark Milburn: Mark, thanks for sharing. It’s clear Slice Nation isn’t just another pizza franchise—it’s a bold play to reshape how pizza is served and how franchising is done.

Mark Goddard: Exactly. We’re combining the convenience of fast food with the quality of real pizza, and we’re giving franchisees ownership in the journey. That’s a recipe for something big.

👉 Learn more about Slice Nation Pizza Co. franchise opportunities here:
https://franchisepressreleases.com/listing/slice-nation-pizza-franchise-opportunities/