In this article, we will explore the 15 Largest Pizza Chains in the US. You can skip our comprehensive analysis and proceed directly to the 5 Largest Pizza Chains in the US.
The pizza industry in the US is a dynamic and fiercely saturated realm. While pizza franchises dominate the market with their nationwide presence and extensive resources, independent pizzerias too have carved out their own space by leveraging their uniqueness, community connections, and emphasis on quality.
The pizza restaurant industry in the US experienced remarkable growth, surpassing $45 billion in sales in the year 2021. Notably, over the past decade, there was a substantial increase of almost $10 billion in pizza restaurant sales. The overall market size of the pizza restaurant industry in the US reached a peak of more than $55 billion in 2021.
Based on a report by Business Wire, the worldwide pizza market achieved a size of $141.1 billion in the year 2022. Projections from the same source anticipate that the market will expand to $192.4 billion by the year 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the period spanning 2022 to 2028. The article 25 Largest Pizza Chains in the World explores more about the largest as well as the second largest pizza chain in the world.
Crust and Competition: Independent Pizzerias vs Chain Dominance
Understanding the competitive landscape of the largest pizza chains in the US is crucial for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities present in this business. While chain franchises hold a significant market share, independent pizzerias have elevated their presence and made their mark.
The pizza industry’s competitiveness stems from the diverse offerings of both pizza chains and independent establishments. Chains prioritize consistency and standardized menus to appeal broadly, while independent pizzerias pride themselves on unique, locally-inspired flavors catering to specific community tastes.
Menu variations, pricing, and marketing strategies shape the competitive landscape. Pizza franchises, with extensive resources and national advertising campaigns, can offer competitive deals to attract customers. During the 2022 financial year, the advertising expenditure of Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) stores operated by the company in the US totaled $33.8 million. It is noteworthy that the restaurant chain’s highest advertising spending was recorded in 2018, reaching $43.4 million.
Despite the dominance of pizza franchises with vast resources and national advertising, independent pizzerias thrive through agility, personalized service, and a focus on quality. They adapt swiftly, use quality ingredients, and build loyal customer bases. They stand out from chain pizzas with fresh, local sourcing, attracting discerning clients, and promoting repeat business. Some also embrace eco-friendly practices, appealing to a broader demographic and demonstrating corporate responsibility.
Slicing Up the Pizza Industry: Largest Players in the US Market
When it comes to the largest pizza chains in the US, the spotlight naturally falls on the dominant franchises that have a strong national presence. Companies like Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ), Pizza Hut – owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), Little Caesars, and Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) have become household names, known not only for their tasty pizzas but also for their innovative marketing campaigns and efficient delivery services.
So, who sells the most pizza in the United States? According to Statista’s data for the year 2021, Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) emerged as the top pizza restaurant in the US, boasting sales amounting to around $8.64 billion. Following closely, Pizza Hut (NYSE:YUM) and Little Caesars secured second and third positions, respectively. It is noteworthy that Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) has maintained its dominant position in the US since 2017, consistently leading in terms of sales.
Which is better, Papa John’s or Domino’s Pizza? This classic question often stirs up passionate debates among pizza enthusiasts. While the battle for supremacy between the major pizza franchises remains intense, regional players also deserve recognition. Many independent pizzerias have managed to expand their operations to multiple locations, gaining significant market share in their respective regions.
As per PMQ Pizza Magazine, there was a significant increase in the number of independent pizzerias. The count rose from 39,808 in 2021 to 44,644 in 2022, representing a growth of 12.15% in total units. Conversely, the growth in units for pizza chains was relatively stagnant, increasing from 35,309 in 2021 to 35,531 in 2022, showing a minimal growth of 0.63%.
That said, let’s move on to the list of the top pizza chains in the US.
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Methodology
We selected the largest pizza chains in the US based on their franchise presence. We meticulously curated the pizza chains list and ranked it in ascending order, with the restaurant boasting the highest number of franchises securing the top position.
We then gathered our primary data from official websites, ensuring the utmost accuracy and credibility of our findings. In instances where information was not readily available on the website, we relied on ScrapeHero as a supplementary source.
Note: Our methodology considers number of locations as the exclusive ranking factor and certain Pizza chains may be bigger than the ones outranking them based on revenue.
We present our list of 15 Largest Pizza Chains in the US below:
15 Largest Pizza Chains in the US
15. Cici’s Pizza
Number of locations: 277
CiCi’s Pizza is a popular American pizza buffet restaurant chain with 277 operational stores across the US, as of their website’s last update. Established in 1985, CiCi’s offers a wide variety of freshly made pizzas, including classic flavors and unique specialty options, all served on an all-you-can-eat buffet. In addition to pizzas, they provide a selection of salads, pasta dishes, and desserts to cater to various tastes. CiCi’s is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordable pricing, making it a popular choice for gatherings and casual dining.
14. Sbarro
Number of locations: 321
Sbarro Pizza is a renowned pizzeria chain known for its delectable New York-style slices. With a rich history dating back to 1956, Sbarro has garnered a loyal following worldwide. Based on the information from Zippia, Sbarro America Inc generated an annual revenue of $130 million in 2022.
13. Blaze Pizza
Number of locations: 324
Blaze Pizza, a prominent pizza chain, has recorded an impressive annual revenue of $63 million. One noteworthy aspect of Blaze Pizza’s performance is its efficient utilization of human resources, with a revenue-per-employee amounting to $35,775. Moreover, the company achieved its peak revenue of $63 million during the year 2022, reflecting its continuous growth and success in the highly competitive food industry. These key financial metrics signify Blaze Pizza’s robust position in the market and its ability to thrive even in challenging economic landscapes.
12. Round Table Pizza
Number of locations: 409
In 2020, Round Table Pizza showcased its resilience in the competitive Quick Service segment, as reported by Restaurant Business Magazine. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the renowned pizza chain achieved commendable success with $439 million in US sales, marking a slight yet noteworthy 2.8% year-over-year increase.
11. Jet’s Pizza
Number of locations: 430
Jet’s Pizza is one of the top pizza chains in America. It is an adored pizza brand, cherished by pizza enthusiasts for its mouthwatering offerings and outstanding service. Jet’s Pizza harnessed the power of AI, propelling it to an extraordinary achievement of earning $100 million since its implementation in late 2019. The introduction of text ordering in the fall of 2019, officially launched the next year, further contributed to their success, with text-to-order sales reaching $31.36 million by 2021. By utilizing this technology, Jet’s Pizza experienced an impressive 24% increase in sales. In January 2022, Jet’s Pizza announced surpassing 2 million text orders, with this innovative system integrated into almost 85% of their global locations then.
10. Chuck E’ Cheese
Number of locations: 468
Chuck E. Cheese is a popular pizza place with 468 locations in the US. Its roots trace back to 1977 in San Jose, offering a unique experience blending food, games, and entertainment. The main attraction is the animatronic character Chuck E. Cheese, who interacts with visitors during live performances. The restaurant offers excellent pizzas with a range of toppings, catering to different preferences, from classic options like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives to more adventurous choices like barbecue chicken, pineapple, and jalapeños.
9. Hungry Howies
Number of locations: 530
Hungry Howie’s Pizza is one of the most popular pizza chains in the US with 530 locations across the United States. Established in 1973, it is known for its flavored crust options, offering eight varieties such as butter cheese, Cajun, and garlic herb. The menu includes a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and wings. Hungry Howie’s also offers online ordering, delivery, and carryout options. The franchise emphasizes community involvement, participating in charitable programs like the “Love, Hope & Pizza” campaign. It has garnered a loyal customer base due to its focus on quality, value, and customer service.
8. Mod Pizza
Number of locations: 557
MOD Pizza is a fast-casual pizza chain founded in 2008. It offers made-to-order, individual-sized pizzas with unlimited toppings at a fixed price. MOD stands for “Made On Demand,” reflecting its personalized approach to pizza. Their dough is hand-pressed and cooked in an 800-degree oven for quick preparation. The company emphasizes a “people-first” culture, fostering a positive environment for employees known as “MOD Squaders.” MOD Pizza also actively supports local communities through charitable initiatives and partnerships.
7. Papa Murphy’s
Number of locations: 1,139
Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:FRSH) is a take-and-bake pizza chain founded in 1981. It differs from traditional pizzerias by preparing fresh pizzas to be baked at home. According to Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:FRSH) official website, the company holds the fifth position among “the usual suspects” for Top Total Sales, as stated in their annual report. This success can be attributed to their 1,139 stores, which achieved an average of $606,153 in sales. Remarkably, over 41% of their locations have surpassed or matched this impressive sales figure, as reported in Papa Murphy’s April 2021 Franchise Disclosure Document. Papa Murphy’s Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:FRSH) consistent performance and widespread appeal have contributed to its strong position in the market.
6. Marco’s Pizza
Number of locations: 1,158
Marco’s Pizza is one of the largest pizza chains in the US. It stands amongst the most prominent pizza restaurants in the US. In the year 2022. Currently, Marco’s Pizza operates around 1,158 locations throughout the US, making it a well-established and thriving presence in the pizza industry.
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Disclosure: none. 15 Largest Pizza Chains in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.