In this piece, we are going to look at the 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America. If you want to skip the detailed analysis of the Pizza Food Chain industry, you can go directly to 5 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
The global pizza market has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2023, the market size reached US$ 148.6 Billion, and it is projected to expand to US$ 222.5 Billion by 2032, with a growth rate of 4.45% during 2024-2032, according to IMARC Group. This growth is driven by various factors, including changing consumer dietary preferences towards healthier options like low-calorie, vegan, and gluten-free pizzas, as well as the increasing popularity of online pizza ordering through web portals and mobile apps.
Over time, pizza has become a staple food in many cultures, available in various forms such as pizzerias, restaurants, frozen meals, and prepackaged options at grocery stores. It is enjoyed as a quick meal, ordered for delivery, or served at social events and gatherings. The market is particularly thriving in developing economies due to rapid westernization and the adoption of advanced technologies like customer preference tracking analytics, robotic automation, and integrated delivery systems. Furthermore, the globalization and cultural integration of cuisines have introduced a wide range of international flavors to different parts of the world. In total, there are more than 245,000 pizza restaurants globally, with around 77,000 located in the United States alone.
Notably, Gennaro Lombardi is credited with opening the first pizzeria in the U.S. in 1905. Among the three largest pizza chains in the U.S. now, Pizza Hut, founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, is the oldest, followed by Domino’s, established in 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Papa John’s, founded in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, just outside of Louisville. Interestingly, Domino’s boasts a menu with 34 million possible pizza combinations, with over 70% of its orders coming through digital channels. It is also worth noting that the largest pizza chains in the world are American.
Pizza restaurants play a significant role in the American restaurant industry. Offering options for dining in, takeout, and delivery, these establishments have seen a steady increase in sales over the past decade. In 2022, sales from pizza restaurants in the U.S. reached a record high of 46.9 billion U.S. dollars, marking a growth of approximately ten billion U.S. dollars compared to the previous decade. Additionally, the number of pizza restaurants in the U.S. has been steadily rising, with an increase of around seven thousand units over the last eight years, totaling more than 80 thousand units in 2022. Notably, in the same year, sales from chain pizza restaurants in the U.S. surpassed those of independent pizza restaurants by over seven billion U.S. dollars.
There are more than 70,000 pizza restaurants in the U.S. alone, couple of which we are going to discuss just now, which are also operating on the global scale.
Major Pizza Chains in the World
Papa John’s International, Inc. (NasdaqGS:PZZA)
Recently, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NasdaqGS:PZZA) franchisees in North America made the decision to significantly boost their contributions to Papa John’s national marketing fund. This move comes as part of a new strategy set to be implemented in 2024 by the company, following a thorough review of the brand’s creative and media efforts in 2023. Additionally, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NasdaqGS:PZZA) expanded its global presence by opening a net total of 45 restaurants in the third quarter. By the end of September 24, the brand operated 5,825 units worldwide, comprising 3,397 in North America and 2,428 across international markets. In 2023, Papa John’s unveiled 210 new units, with 57 in North America and 153 in international regions.
Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ)
On December 7th 2023, Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) unveiled a new five-year plan dubbed “Hungry for MORE,” outlining three key objectives: achieving annual global retail sales growth of over 7%, exceeding the current 4% to 8% guidance, annual global net unit growth of more than 1,100 stores, and annual operating income growth surpassing 8%. Currently, as at 2023 year-end, Domino’s boasts annual sales of $18 billion worldwide and operates over 20,000 stores, with 99% operating under a franchise model.
To enhance efficiency, Domino’s plans to focus on improving order preparation timing, food temperature accuracy, and delivery consistency. The company is also aiming for a “just-in-time” pizza delivery approach. To add value and appeal, Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) aims to concentrate on offering mix-and-match deals, loyalty programs, and partnerships with aggregators like Uber Eats and Postmates. According to Domino’s, these aggregator apps can reach customers with higher incomes, who are less price-sensitive and younger. Referred to as “the aggregator marketplace,” this sector represents a $1 billion net growth opportunity over the next three years, as per Domino’s projections.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM)
Pizza Hut, which is part of the Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), was established back in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. Since then, it’s been known for its innovative spirit, introducing all-time favorites like the Original Pan and Stuffed Crust pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut made history as the first online food order platform. Today, Pizza Hut remains at the forefront of technology, with more than half of its global orders now placed digitally. Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) recently shared results for the second quarter ending on June 30, 2023. Despite excluding foreign currency translations, worldwide system sales saw a 13% surge, accompanied by a 9% growth in same-store sales and a 6% increase in the number of units. The GAAP operating profit for the second quarter grew by 4%, while the core operating profit skyrocketed by an impressive 12%.
A family gathering around a delivery pizza box in the comfort of their own home.
Methodology
After conducting thorough research over the internet, across various sources, such as QSR, Tasting Table, Spoon University, and couple of others, we got a list of Pizza Chains for our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America. Once we got our preliminary list, we chose the top 15 based on the star ratings (rating are out of 5) provided on Tripadvisor. Although we ranked the chains based on the ratings, but in case the ratings stood the same for multiple chains, we gauged our rankings for those chains based on the number of reviews/ratings.
With this, let’s move to our list of Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
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15. Godfather’s Pizza
Rating: 3.5
Number of Reviews: 267
First on our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America is Godfather’s Pizza. Founded in 1973 in Omaha, Nebraska, Godfather’s Pizza has a rich history of innovation and success. It all began when the founder and a member of his crew, Willy, were looking for a place to relax and plan their future endeavors. What started as a simple hangout spot soon turned into a thriving pizza business.
The savory aroma of freshly baked pizzas quickly attracted customers from the neighborhood, leading to a steady stream of patrons eager to taste the delicious pies. Before long, Godfather’s Pizza had established itself as a popular spot, with a loyal customer base lining up around the block.
Today, Godfather’s Pizza is renowned for its signature thick crust, generous toppings, and slogan “Pizza, the way it was meant to be”. With over 600 locations across the country, the chain continues to delight pizza lovers with its mouth-watering offerings.
14. Sbarro
Rating: 3.5
Number of Reviews: 311
Established in 1956 in Brooklyn, New York, Sbarro is a renowned fast-food chain specializing in New York-style pizza, stromboli, and pasta. With a presence in over 26 countries and more than 600 locations, Sbarro is a popular choice for food enthusiasts, especially in shopping malls, airports, and train stations, and is placed 14th on our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
The journey of Sbarro began when Carmela and Gennaro Sbarro inaugurated their Italian salumeria in Brooklyn in 1956. Carmela, affectionately known as “Mama” Sbarro, started by offering delicious pizza slices to shift workers seeking a quick and satisfying meal. The popularity of her slices soon led to the opening of a second location dedicated solely to pizza. Since its humble beginnings, Sbarro has expanded its menu to include a wide range of offerings, including pasta and salad, in addition to their iconic XL NY slice.
13. Jet’s Pizza of Destin
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 117
Oh, in 1978, Eugene Jetts was all set to buy a new home, but guess what? His love for pizza was stronger! He ended up leasing a space that would eventually become the very first Jet’s location. Together with his brother John, they opened Jetts Party Shoppe & Pizzeria in Sterling Heights, MI, sparking a pizza revolution. From that small beginning, Jet’s Pizza has now expanded to hundreds of locations in more than 20 states. They’re known not just for their famous Detroit-style pizzas, but also for their hand-tossed round, thin-crust, and NY-Style pizzas, as well as fresh salads, breads, and desserts. One thing that remains constant is their dedication to using quality ingredients.
12. Ledo Pizza
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 123
Founded in 1955 in Adelphi, Maryland, Ledo Pizza is famous for its rectangular pizzas with thin crust, sweet sauce, and smoked provolone cheese, and sits on the 12th place on our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America. With over 100 locations across the U.S., Ledo Pizza has been a local favorite since its beginnings. Starting with the first restaurant by Bob Beall, Ledo Pizza has stayed true to its roots by using fresh ingredients and offering a great value in a friendly atmosphere. The rectangular shape of Ledo Pizza goes way back to the 1950s when square pans were more common than round ones. Customers love the thick pepperoni slices, which were cut by hand for that extra kick. The legacy at Ledo Pizza continues today, with families across new areas maintaining the same high standards that have made Ledo Pizza an enduring success.
11. Papa John’s International, Inc. (NasdaqGS:PZZA)
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 127
Back in 1984, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Papa John’s Pizza set out on a mission to make the best darn pizza around. Now with over 5,000 locations in 46 countries, they’re still as hungry for perfection as they were three decades ago. Papa John’s secret sauce to success? Quality, folks! From their humble beginnings in a broom closet to their worldwide reach today, they’ve always focused on top-notch ingredients and innovative recipes. Whether it’s their irresistible sauces, mouth-watering toppings, or original fresh dough, they spare no expense to give you the finest pizza experience.
10. Round Table Pizza
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 1,011
Back in 1959, Bill Larson kicked off the Round Table Pizza saga with the very first spot in Menlo Park, California. His vision? A cozy joint where you could enjoy a slice with someone special. Bill made sure only the best ingredients and old-school recipes were used to craft pizzas worth savoring together. Today, Round Table Pizza honors Bill’s legacy by sticking to his high standards. They still whip up pizzas using superior ingredients and his original recipes. Plus, they’re giving the brand a fresh new look—from the logo to the store design— to match the exceptional pizzas they serve and keep Bill’s dreams alive. With over 400 locations spread across the country, Round Table Pizza continues to bring people together over delicious pies, and is placed 10th on our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
9. Pizza Hut
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 1,147
Back in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, Pizza Hut started with a $600 loan from their mom. How cool is that? With just enough space for eight letters on their sign, they coined the iconic name. Fast forward to today, Pizza Hut holds the title of the world’s biggest pizza chain with over 19,000 spots in 130 countries. What sets Pizza Hut apart? Their famous pan pizza, stuffed crust, and WingStreet wings, of course! The pizza was a hit right from the start, serving up great food and top-notch service that made you feel like family. And hey, they’ve been dishing out that same awesome combo ever since. Pizza Hut is 9th on our list of Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
8. California Pizza Kitchen
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 1,740
Back in the sunny streets of Beverly Hills in 1985, former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax cooked up something special – California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). These food enthusiasts mixed their love for quality ingredients to whip up fresh California-style pizzas, giving birth to the legendary Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. CPK keeps the culinary magic alive by constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Today, CPK has taken the global stage, bringing its creative California cuisine to nearly 200 hot spots worldwide, spanning 12 international cities and 11 countries and U.S. territories. It’s more than just a pizza place – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to be devoured! It is placed on our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
7. Cicis Pizza
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 1,906
Back in ’85, Cicis burst onto the scene in good ol’ Plano, Texas, serving up all the pizza, pasta, salad, and desserts you could munch on in one spot. For almost 40 years, Cicis has been all about creating a chill, family-friendly vibe where folks can kick back, dig into their favorites, and make memories without breaking the bank. Fast forward to now, Cicis has over 300 joints spreading the goodness across 30-plus states. They’ve snagged some cool awards too, like CNN Money calling them the top “Casual Dining Pizza Chain for your money” in America. Technomic even hailed them as the second most “Kid-Friendly Chain” according to super cool millennial moms.
6. UNO Pizzeria & Grill
Rating: 4.0
Number of Reviews: 1,989
The Uno story kicks off in Chicago back in ’43 when Ike Sewell rocked the pizza world with his deep-dish magic and opened up shop at Ohio & Wabash. Picture this: a buttery crust that’s out of this world, with a tall edge like a fruit pie. Ike’s creation was a flavor bomb with Italian spices, top-notch tomatoes, and more cheese than you could dream of, all baked to perfection for almost an hour. People couldn’t get enough, forming lines out the door. Uno still stays true to its heritage and vibe from the original Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, and is hence, ranked 6th on our list of 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Quality Pizza Chains in America is originally published on Insider Monkey.