Biggest pizza chains in the US

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock There are 350 slices of pizza consumed every second in the United States, and the average American eats pizza at least once a month. Crust, cheese, and sauce: What’s not to love about a good, old-fashioned slice? Pizza has been a staple of the American diet since the late 19th century and has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. How much does America love pizza? $45.5 billion in annual sales should give you a rough idea. Those of us who do not live in New York and Chicago know there’s much more to the story than the two-city debate for pizza supremacy. Various regional styles abound, from New Haven, Detroit, and Philadelphia, to Arizona and California staples. Some are classic fast-food franchises, customizable and deliverable to our doorsteps in less than 60 minutes; others are brick-and-mortar family joints whose popularity necessitated expansion into every corner of the contiguous U.S. You’ll find plenty of mouthwatering trivia and information within this list, whether you are a self-proclaimed aficionado or a health-conscious once-per-month consumer. You could figure that the holy trinity of commercialized express companies–Domino’s, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut–fall somewhere in the top 10 on this list, but can you guess in what order? What about the name of the iconic brick-oven New York pizza company that has somehow found its way into areas like Idaho, Wisconsin, and Arizona? And let’s not forget the idiosyncrasies in between: a children’s playhouse that coexists as a nearly 600-franchise pizza joint; a Texas buffet-style restaurant experience that dishes out a macaroni and cheese pie; a fast-casual chain only in operation since 2011 that not only churns out 180-second pizzas, but also drove over $287 million in sales only a decade later. To help you find your next favorite slice, Stacker looked through the 2021 Pizza Magazine Quarterly Power Report and rounded up the 50 biggest pizza chains in the country based on annual sales in 2020. Did your favorite make the list? You may also like: 50 easy chicken recipes packed with flavor #50. Aurelio’s Pizza Navin Rajagopalan // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $47.9 million – 1-year change in sales: 0.4% – 2020 U.S. units: 38 -1-year change in units: -2.6% -2020 sales per unit: $1.3 million Since opening its doors in 1959, Aurelio’s Pizza grew from a small four-table restaurant to a thriving chain across the country. Hailing from Homewood, Illinois, and founded by Joe Aurelio Jr., Aurelio’s became the first Chicago-based pizza restaurant to become a franchise, serving regional favorites like Italian beef sandwiches and stuffed Chicago-style pizza. #49. Pizza Boli’s Canva – 2020 U.S. sales: $48.2 million – 1-year change in sales: 1.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 81 -1-year change in units: 0% -2020 sales per unit: $595,062 Javed Nasir opened the first Pizza Boli’s more than 30 years ago in Baltimore with a particular mission–to deliver more menu options and more taste. They take their motto “We Deliver More” seriously by providing their customers with pizza that delivers on quality, taste, and of course, a mountain of toppings. Pizza Boli’s has since expanded across the mid-Atlantic region including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington D.C. #48. Oregano’s Pizza Bistro Creative Commons // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $51.4 million – 1-year change in sales: -17.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 24 -1-year change in units: 0% -2020 sales per unit: $2.1 million The Arizona-based Oregano’s Pizza Bistro celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2023. The company opened its first location in Old Town Scottsdale in 1993, and since has grown to 24 shops across Arizona and Colorado. Oregano’s serves up its Chicago roots pizza in deep dish style–pan and stuffed–along with a thin crust variety and is known for its pizza cookie dessert: over a half-pound of cookie dough baked in a pan underneath three scoops of ice cream. #47. Giovanni’s Pizza Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $53.6 million – 1-year change in sales: -9.2% – 2020 U.S. units: 62 -1-year change in units: 0% -2020 sales per unit: $864,516 Founded in 1959, Monical’s is one of the oldest chains on this list. The restaurant was founded in Tolono, Illinois, and remains very popular. One of the more unique items on Monical’s menu is “Point Pizza,” a thicker, triangular pie with a sweeter sauce. You may also like: Snacks and other food items banned in the US #45. Paisano’s Pizza Canva – 2020 U.S. sales: $54.4 million – 1-year change in sales: -13% – 2020 U.S. units: 39 -1-year change in units: -4.9% -2020 sales per unit: $1.4 million Sprinkled across northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, Paisano’s Pizza takes pride in serving customers the freshest ingredients in dishes all made from scratch daily. Along with their mouthwatering pies, Paisano’s strives to provide something on the menu for everyone, including a selection of appetizers, salads, cheesesteaks, burgers, calzones, strombolis, and more. #44. Pizza Factory Kevin Schulz // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $54.6 million – 1-year change in sales: -10.2% – 2020 U.S. units: 95 -1-year change in units: -5.9% -2020 sales per unit: $574,737 West Coast favorite Pizza Factory has been in business for over 40 years and is known for hand-tossing pizzas. Their menu features classics like cheese, meat, and veggie pies, but also has a few surprises, like Western-style BBQ chicken, Greek, and Hawaiian pizzas. #43. Papa Gino’s Pizzeria Mary at T-Comms // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $70.5 million – 1-year change in sales: 6.7% – 2020 U.S. units: 68 -1-year change in units: 9.7% -2020 sales per unit: $1 million In the heart of Chicagoland and surrounding areas, locals rave about the delectable slices dished out at Lou Malnati’s pizza. Founded in 1971 by Lou and his wife Jean in Lincolnwood, Illinois, Lou Malnati’s is known for being a quintessential contributor to developing the classic Chicago deep-dish pizza, served on their coveted butter crust. #37. Imo’s Pizza Judgefloro // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $74.9 million – 1-year change in sales: -19.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 50 -1-year change in units: -9.1% -2020 sales per unit: $1.5 million Shakey’s Pizza Parlor opened its doors in 1954, serving beer and pizza alongside live swing and jazz music. The establishment has since evolved, while still remaining true to its fun roots. Its simplistic, endearing slogan says it all: “We serve fun at Shakey’s, also pizza.” #34. Pizza Inn Rsa182 // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $77.8 million – 1-year change in sales: -13.7% – 2020 U.S. units: 151 -1-year change in units: -2.6% -2020 sales per unit: $514,940 Pizza Inn has specialized in pan pizza since its founding in 1958. The restaurant now operates 252 locations both in the U.S. and internationally. Pizza Inn offers several unusual pies, such as the loaded baked potato and spinach alfredo pizzas, and you can also get non-pizza fare like stromboli, pasta, and chicken wings. #33. Bertucci’s John Phelan // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $79 million – 1-year change in sales: 9.2% – 2020 U.S. units: 25 -1-year change in units: 8.7% -2020 sales per unit: $3.2 million Dion’s was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, over 40 years ago. It’s a mainstay with 25 locations throughout the state, plus in Texas and Colorado. Dion’s started out as a Greek eatery, but while waiting for the restaurant’s equipment, the staff sold pizza. The rest is history. #31. Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria Helen89 // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $103.9 million – 1-year change in sales: -32% – 2020 U.S. units: 61 -1-year change in units: -9% -2020 sales per unit: $1.7 million Popular along the East Coast with more than 60 locations, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza prides itself on freshly made dough and the best plum tomatoes imported from Italy. Anthony’s sticks to traditional pies like white pizza, eggplant, and Margherita, and offers other Italian dishes like meatballs and broccoli rabe. #27. Pieology Pizzeria calimedia // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $108.5 million – 1-year change in sales: -22.1% – 2020 U.S. units: 117 -1-year change in units: -5.6% -2020 sales per unit: $927,350 Pieology Pizzeria is a newer chain founded in 2011 and already has nearly 200 locations across the United States. Pieology’s premise is to create your own pizza using fresh, high-quality ingredients. There are four crusts to choose from, and dozens of toppings. Pieology also provides an “after bake” sauce, in case the initial sauce doesn’t suffice. #26. Ledo Pizza Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post // Getty Images – 2020 U.S. sales: $114 million – 1-year change in sales: 0.9% – 2020 U.S. units: 111 -1-year change in units: 3.7% -2020 sales per unit: $1 million Ledo Pizza was founded in 1955, serving customers in Maryland and along the East Coast at more than 80 locations. The chain is known for its rectangular pies and thick-cut pepperoni. Ledo has innovative pizzas like enchilada, buffalo chicken, and cauliflower crust pizzas, as well as sandwiches, stromboli, and salads. You may also like: Biggest pizza chains in America #25. Rosati’s Pizza Canva – 2020 U.S. sales: $114.6 million – 1-year change in sales: 4% – 2020 U.S. units: 153 -1-year change in units: 5.5% -2020 sales per unit: $749,020 Rosati’s has been serving pizza since 1964. Whether you design your own deep dish pie or pick one from the menu, you’re tasting the same recipes Sam Rosati used more than half a century ago. #24. Uno Pizzeria & Grill Lissandra Melo // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $151.1 million – 1-year change in sales: -28.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 86 -1-year change in units: -9.5% -2020 sales per unit: $1.8 million If you can’t make a trip to Chicago for a slice of authentic deep dish, a trip to Uno Pizzeria & Grill will satisfy that craving for you. Known as one of the easily accessible deep dish chains, Uno Pizzeria & Grill started in Chicago in 1943 and quickly expanded to dozens of locations across the U.S. #23. LaRosa’s Pizzeria Leonard Zhukovsky // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $176.8 million – 1-year change in sales: 3.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 68 -1-year change in units: 0% -2020 sales per unit: $2.6 million Giordano’s is known for one thing: deep-dish pizza. What you might not realize is that Giordano’s started in Torino, Italy, as an Easter pie that Mama Giordano would serve on special occasions. Giordano’s sons moved from Italy to Chicago and started making their mom’s stuffed pizza in 1974. Don’t worry if you don’t have proximity to one of these restaurants–Giordano’s is happy to ship a pie to your doorstep. You may also like: IPAs to Pilsners: The best beer of every type #20. Chuck E. Cheese JHVEPhoto // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $177.3 million – 1-year change in sales: -53.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 491 -1-year change in units: -8.6% -2020 sales per unit: $361,100 Chuck E. Cheese’s has been an American staple for children’s birthday parties since 1977. The entire concept is based around entertainment for kids and was established by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell. Today, there are over 560 Chuck E. Cheese restaurants in 47 states and 19 countries. #19. Sbarro Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group // Getty Images – 2020 U.S. sales: $181.8 million – 1-year change in sales: -17.1% – 2020 U.S. units: 302 -1-year change in units: -2.3% -2020 sales per unit: $601,987 Sbarro is an American mall staple, with over 600 locations throughout the globe. The franchise behemoth was founded in 1956 in Brooklyn, New York, and is famous for its loaded stromboli as much as its pizza. #18. Pizza Ranch Corey Coyle // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $188.5 million – 1-year change in sales: -30.1% – 2020 U.S. units: 210 -1-year change in units: -0.9% -2020 sales per unit: $897,757 Pizza Ranch is a Midwestern franchise beloved for its pizza buffet. The franchise, founded in 1981, has over 200 locations across the country. It’s best known not only for its tasty slices and dessert pizza options, but also for serving up deliciously crispy broasted chicken. #17. Donatos Pizza Eric Glenn // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $203.8 million – 1-year change in sales: 14.3% – 2020 U.S. units: 168 -1-year change in units: 5% -2020 sales per unit: $1.2 million Jim Grote fell in love with making pizza, opened his own pizzeria in Columbus, Ohio, in 1963, and never looked back. Donatos now has almost 200 locations in the U.S. The restaurant’s award-winning dough comes from the same recipe Grote used more than 50 years ago. Donatos puts 100 pieces of pepperoni on every pepperoni pie ordered and only uses handmade sausage and real mozzarella. #16. Mountain Mike’s Pizza Jim Lambert // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $259.4 million – 1-year change in sales: 4.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 593 -1-year change in units: 1.2% -2020 sales per unit: $437,437 Godfather’s Pizza has that old-school Italian feel and is simply “a pizza you can’t refuse.” The restaurant was founded by William Theisen in 1973. Later on, Pillsbury bought the franchise. Godfather’s advertising is based on a satire of Marlon Brando’s character in the “Godfather” films. The chain offers four types of crust: original, golden, “Mozz-Loaded,” and thin. #13. Blaze Pizza Bilder4u // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $287.9 million – 1-year change in sales: -21.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 309 -1-year change in units: -1.6% -2020 sales per unit: $931,809 Blaze opened in 2011 in California as a fast-casual chain, churning out each pizza in just 180 seconds thanks to their ovens’ extreme heat. So if you want something speedy and delicious, Blaze is your place. #12. Mellow Mushroom Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $307.4 million – 1-year change in sales: -35.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 177 -1-year change in units: -7.3% -2020 sales per unit: $1.7 million Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers was founded in Georgia in 1974. Today, the chain’s 177 stores are filled with eclectic art and offer a family-friendly environment. Mellow Mushroom is known for its spring water crust, stone-baked pizza, and dedication to customer service. The chain has even gone mobile with the Bake Bus, a traveling pizza oven they park at festivals, concerts, and sporting events throughout the country. #11. Jet’s Pizza Bruce VanLoon // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $442.1 million – 1-year change in sales: 14.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 537 -1-year change in units: 0% -2020 sales per unit: $823,289 Hungry Howie’s is home to the “original flavored crust,” and has been since its founding in 1973. The crust comes in nine flavors ranging from ranch to Cajun. The restaurant has eight sizes of pizza, dozens of toppings, and serves up delicious “Howie Bread” and “Howie Rolls.” #7. MOD Pizza Edward Kimmel // Wikimedia Commons – 2020 U.S. sales: $461 million – 1-year change in sales: -4.7% – 2020 U.S. units: 490 -1-year change in units: 4.9% -2020 sales per unit: $940,816 Fast and casual are what you’ll find at MOD. The restaurant was founded in 2008 in Seattle, delivering artisanal pizza to the masses. The price stays the same whether you build your own pie or order off the menu–even if you pile on the toppings. #6. Marco’s Pizza Andriy Blokhin // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $797.1 million – 1-year change in sales: 6.5% – 2020 U.S. units: 1,293 -1-year change in units: -2.7% -2020 sales per unit: $616,455 Papa Murphy’s was founded in 1995 in Vancouver, Washington. The restaurant sells what’s known as a “take-and-bake” pizza: delivered to you raw to be baked hot and fresh in your own kitchen. It was a unique concept that resonated with fans, which is why Papa Murphy’s has around 1,500 stores across the United States and Canada. Customers even ranked Papa Murphy’s as the best pizza chain in 2022 in terms of customer loyalty and satisfaction. #4. Papa Johns Susan Montgomery // Shutterstock – 2020 U.S. sales: $8.3 billion – 1-year change in sales: 17.6% – 2020 U.S. units: 6,355 -1-year change in units: 3.7% -2020 sales per unit: $1.3 million Domino’s Pizza was founded in 1960 in Michigan and now has nearly 19,000 locations worldwide. The company became famous after expanding from traditional pizza into other areas, like their fan favorite “stuffed cheesy bread.” The restaurant was the first to patent insulated bags to keep pizza piping hot during delivery–and was the first to introduce the online pizza tracker back in 2008. You may also like: Side dish recipes to complement any main course