Insider Monkey

15 Largest Pizza Chains in the US

Khadija Shafaat
9 min read

In This Article:

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.

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