What Imo's Pizza is and where to find it

Imo's Pizza is a regional pizza chain based in St. Louis, Missouri, with locations across the Midwest and parts of the South. The chain is known for a specific style of pizza called "St. Louis-style" or "Imo's-style" pizza, which differs from the thick, round pizzas you might order from national chains. If you've never ordered from Imo's before, the menu and ordering process work differently than what you may be used to.

Imo's operates both dine-in locations and delivery-only ghost kitchens in some areas. You can order online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a restaurant. The chain also partners with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats in many markets, though ordering directly often gives you faster service and sometimes lower prices.

To find an Imo's location near you, visit their website and use the location finder tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you which restaurants are open, their hours, and whether they deliver to your address. Some locations are franchise-owned, so hours and menu items can vary slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • Imo's Pizza serves St. Louis-style pizza, which is rectangular, thin-crust, and cut into small squares rather than traditional triangular slices.
  • You can order online, by phone, or in person, and delivery is available in most areas through the Imo's website or third-party apps.
  • The menu includes pizza, salads, sandwiches, and sides like breadsticks and wings, with customization options for most items.
  • Pricing varies by location and size, but St. Louis-style pizzas are typically less expensive than large round pizzas from other chains.
  • Imo's uses a specific cheese blend called "Provel" on most pizzas, which is a regional ingredient that tastes different from mozzarella.

Understanding St. Louis-style pizza and Imo's signature cheese

The pizza at Imo's looks and tastes different from what you may expect if you're used to chains like Domino's or Pizza Hut. St. Louis-style pizza is rectangular, not round, and comes cut into small squares. The crust is thin and crispy, almost like a cracker, rather than thick and chewy. The pizza is baked on a flat pan, which is why the edges are often slightly darker and crispier than the center.

The most distinctive ingredient on Imo's pizza is Provel cheese, a regional blend that includes provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar. Provel has a tangy, slightly sharp flavor and melts differently than regular mozzarella. If you've never had it, it may taste unusual at first — some people love it when ready, while others prefer to order with regular mozzarella instead. You can request mozzarella on any pizza when you order.

Because the crust is thin and the pizza is cut into small squares, one rectangular pizza serves fewer people than a large round pizza from another chain. A "medium" Imo's pizza is roughly equivalent to a large round pizza in terms of total area. Keep this in mind when deciding what size to order.

How to order and what the menu includes

Imo's menu is organized by category: pizzas, salads, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. When you order a pizza, you choose the size (small, medium, or large), the crust type (original thin crust is standard, but some locations offer pan crust or other options), and your toppings. The website shows the price for each size and lets you add or remove toppings before checkout.

Beyond pizza, Imo's serves salads with various dressing options, hot and cold sandwiches, breadsticks, chicken wings, and desserts like brownies and cinnamon sticks. Sides like breadsticks and wings are priced separately and can be added to any order. Drinks are also available, including bottled beverages and fountain drinks at dine-in locations.

If you order online, you'll enter your delivery address or select "pickup" if you're visiting a restaurant in person. The website will show you the estimated time for your order and let you pay by credit card, debit card, or other methods depending on the location. Some locations accept cash on delivery, but this varies.

Pricing and what to expect to pay

Imo's pricing varies by location, so there is no single price list that applies everywhere. A medium pizza typically costs between $10 and $15 before tax and delivery fees, depending on your area and the toppings you choose. A large pizza usually runs $2 to $4 more than a medium. Specialty pizzas with multiple toppings already included cost more than a plain cheese pizza.

If you order for delivery through the Imo's website, you may pay a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5) plus tax. If you order through a third-party app like DoorDash, that app charges its own delivery fee and service fee on top of the restaurant's price, which can add $5 to $10 to your total. Picking up in person avoids delivery fees entirely.

Imo's occasionally runs promotions like discounts on certain pizzas or combo deals that bundle a pizza with sides and a drink. Check the website or app to see current offers in your area, as these change regularly.

Dine-in versus delivery versus pickup

If you visit an Imo's restaurant in person, you can sit down and eat when ready or order at the counter and take your pizza home. Dine-in locations have tables, napkins, and plates available. Service is typically casual — you order at the counter, pay, and your food is brought to your table or you pick it up when called.

For delivery, order through the Imo's website, app, or a third-party service. Delivery times vary depending on how busy the location is and how far you live from the restaurant, but typically range from 30 to 60 minutes. You can track your order status on the website or app in real time.

Pickup is faster than delivery — you can order online and pick up your food in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. Call ahead or order online to let the restaurant know you're coming, so your order is ready when you arrive. Pickup also saves you the delivery fee.

Customizing your order and dietary considerations

You can customize any pizza by adding or removing toppings. The website shows the price for each topping you add. Common toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. You can also request half-and-half pizzas with different toppings on each side.

If you have dietary restrictions, Imo's offers some options. You can request no cheese, substitute mozzarella for Provel, or ask for extra vegetables. However, Imo's does not currently offer gluten-free crust at most locations, and the kitchen handles all ingredients in a shared space, so cross-contamination is possible. Call your local restaurant directly if you have severe allergies or dietary needs — they can tell you what they can safely prepare.

Vegetarian pizzas are straightforward to order by selecting only vegetable toppings. Vegan options are more limited since most pizzas come with cheese by default, but you can order a pizza with no cheese and vegetable toppings only.

Contacting Imo's and resolving order issues

If you have a problem with your order — such as a missing item, incorrect toppings, or a late delivery — contact the restaurant directly by phone. The phone number for your local Imo's is listed on the website location finder. Call as soon as you notice the problem, and the restaurant can often remake your order or offer a refund or credit.

If you ordered through a third-party app like DoorDash, you can also report the issue through that app. The app will let you contact the restaurant or the delivery service depending on what went wrong. Keep your receipt or order confirmation so you have proof of what you ordered.

For general questions about the menu, locations, or hours, visit the Imo's website or use the chat feature if available. Many locations also have social media accounts where you can send a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Provel cheese and why is it on Imo's pizza?

Provel is a regional cheese blend made from provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar that is traditional to St. Louis-style pizza. It has a tangy flavor and melts differently than regular mozzarella. You can request regular mozzarella instead if you prefer — just note it when you order.

How many people does one Imo's pizza feed?

A medium Imo's pizza is roughly equivalent to a large round pizza from another chain in terms of total area. A medium typically feeds 2 to 3 people as a main course, while a large feeds 3 to 4 people. Because the pizza is cut into small squares, it's straightforward to count how many pieces you're getting.

Can I order Imo's if I don't live in St. Louis?

Imo's has locations in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and other Midwest states, as well as some locations in the South. Use the location finder on the Imo's website to see if there's a restaurant near you. If there isn't, you won't be able to order from Imo's.

Is Imo's cheaper than other pizza chains?

Pricing varies by location and what you order, but St. Louis-style pizzas are often less expensive per square inch than large round pizzas from national chains. However, because a medium Imo's pizza is smaller than a large round pizza, you may need to order a larger size to feed the same number of people. Compare prices for your specific area and order size to see which is better for your budget.

What should I do if my delivery order arrives late or cold?

Call the restaurant when ready with your order number and explain the issue. Most locations will remake your order or offer a refund. If you ordered through a third-party app, you can also report the problem through that app, which may issue a credit to your account.