The Marco’s Grilled Cheese Story

How grilled cheese became a local Iowa City street food tradition

The Marco’s Grilled Cheese cart opened for business in May of 2000. Started by local UI college students Mark Paterno & Pete Johnson, Marco’s quickly grew to become a popular late night stop for college students and local Iowa City residents in the Iowa City Ped Mall.

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More carts to meet demand

In 2006 Mark & Pete purchased another landmark food cart, George’s Best Gyros, from long time food vendor and restauranteur George Mihalopoulos. In 2012 they expanded again and opened the taco cart Paco’s Tacos. In 2016 Marco’s added a second Marco’s Grilled Cheese cart to its fleet. Marco’s now offers all three unique and delicious food cart options to cater your special event.

After 24 years of business, Marco’s Grilled Cheese has become a must stop for after-hours bar goers, nostalgic visiting alumni and Iowa City locals alike.

Whether it’s for your college or high school graduation, wedding after-hours, birthday party, reunion or community gathering let Marco’s Catering take the hassle out of hosting your party and add a special touch of local & unique tradition to your event.