Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Go-To Spot for Delicious Grilled Cheese & More
Marco's Grilled Cheese began operations in May 2000 as a food cart on Iowa City's Ped Mall. Founded by University of Iowa students Mark Paterno and Pete Johnson, the business has grown over 25 years to include three distinct food carts and a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Our operations expanded in 2006 with the acquisition of George's Best Gyros and again in 2012 with the introduction of Paco's Tacos. We specialize in providing fresh, made-to-order meals through both our stationary restaurant and mobile catering services. Our menu features diverse options including grilled cheese sandwiches, gyros, tacos, and specialty items like the Birdman sandwich.We serve Iowa City residents and visitors with both late-night options and daytime service. Our catering division provides food services for events ranging from small gatherings to large celebrations. We maintain a commitment to quality ingredients and on-site preparation visible to customers. Our business has become a local tradition recognized for its unique contribution to Iowa City's food scene.
Services
Grilled Cheese
Gyros
Tacos
Catering
Food Cart Rental
Late Night Service
Event Catering
Menu Customization
Mobile Service
Wedding Catering
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We've served Iowa City for over 25 years with consistent quality
- Our three specialized food carts cater to diverse event needs
- We offer both late-night and daytime service options
- Our menu features unique creations like the Birdman sandwich
- We maintain transparent pricing with visible food preparation
What people say
Best food truck
Great catering option
Consistent quality
Unique menu items
Reliable service
Services
Grilled Cheese
Our signature grilled cheese sandwiches feature premium ingredients and unique variations. Customers can choose from classic options to specialty creations like the Double Decker. Every sandwich is made fresh to order using high-quality bread and cheese combinations.
Gyros
George's Best Gyros offers authentic lamb/beef meat with traditional tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions. Customers can customize their orders with extra meat, sauce, or toppings for an additional charge.
Tacos
Paco's Tacos provides both traditional street tacos and loaded options with multiple protein choices. Customers can customize with various toppings and side dishes. The menu includes both chicken and beef options with authentic preparation methods.
Catering
Our catering services accommodate events of all sizes with three distinct food cart options. We offer flexible pricing structures and require a $600 minimum deposit. Additional charges apply for extended hours and locations outside our primary service area.
Late Night Service
Originally established as a late-night option for college students, we continue providing evening service at our restaurant location. This service remains popular with both current students and visiting alumni seeking nostalgic dining experiences.
People
Mark Paterno
Co-Founder
Co-founded Marco's Grilled Cheese in 2000 while attending the University of Iowa. Directed business expansion through strategic acquisitions including George's Best Gyros in 2006.
Pete Johnson
Co-Founder
Started Marco's Grilled Cheese with Mark Paterno in 2000. Oversaw the business's evolution from a single food cart to multiple locations and a full restaurant operation.
Questions
What catering options do you offer?
We provide three price structures for events with a $600 minimum. Options include public, private, and neighborhood events with flexible payment arrangements.
What menu items are available?
Our menu includes grilled cheese variations, gyros, street tacos, loaded options, and specialty sandwiches like the Birdman. We also offer beverage choices.
What are your operating hours?
We operate primarily in the evenings as a late-night option but also serve during daytime hours at our restaurant location.
How do you handle payments?
We accept credit cards with a 3.5% processing fee. Cash payments are also accepted at our physical locations.
Where can I find your food carts?
Our carts operate in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. We also provide mobile catering services throughout the region.
Do you offer merchandise?
Yes, we sell vintage-style t-shirts for $25 and caps for $23 with shipping available.
