2025 Pizza Franchise Industry Outlook

Americans are passionate about pizza, and the franchise industry is feeding the craving. Whether you’re a fan of New York-style crust, Chicago deep dish, or Detroit’s signature pan pizza, there are franchise options to suit each customer’s taste buds. If you’re considering getting a slice of this thriving market, learn more about the key trends and flavors driving growth in the pizza franchise sector.

Pizza is a customizable, affordable, and convenient meal solution. It’s a culinary staple in many American households. And the leftovers are even tasty, served cold at breakfast. At least 3 billion pizzas are enjoyed in the U.S. annually and one in eight Americans eat pizza daily.

The enduring popularity of pizza makes it a strong investment opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs. Globally, the pizza market is forecast to reach $222.5 billion over the next eight years, according to Research and Markets. Technomic reports Gen Z and millennials are eating even more pizza now than in 2021.

Pizza Franchise Trends Driving Growth

While the pizza marketplace is crowded with independent operators, franchise growth is booming. Chains have been eating into the independent operator’s market share for decades. Although only 44% of pizza restaurants in 2022 were chains, they outsold independent locations by $7 billion.

A pizza franchise enables you to get a piece of the pizza market with a proven brand, training, and ongoing support. Hungry Howie’s is leading the franchise charge. The pizza delivery chain has more than 520 locations in twenty-one states.

Here are some of the trends helping propel these franchises forward:

Menu Enhancements

Pizza’s versatility allows franchises to quickly adjust to consumer trends. The top five pizza styles in 2024 were Detroit, Grandma, Deep Dish, Sicilian, and New York, Pizza Today reports. Other popular menu items helping pizza chains gain ground are:

• Specialty and gourmet pizzas: There is increasing demand for unique, high-quality ingredients and diverse flavor profiles. While pepperoni still reigns supreme, some popular newcomers are
• Diet-focused options: Franchises are catering to individuals with dietary concerns by adding pizzas with cauliflower crust, organic ingredients, and plant-based options. Keto-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are also popular. Hungry Howie’s menu includes both a Gluten Free crust and a No-Dough Bowl, a crustless pizza baked in a bowl with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings.
• Personal meals: As the popularity of personal meals continues to grow, pizza chains are responding by introducing pizza bowls, calzones, melts, and wraps.

Advances in Pizza Technology

Technology is also helping fuel franchise growth in the pizza segment. Advanced point-of-sale (POS) systems are integrating delivery management and GPS tracking. They can also integrate with kitchen display systems to replace paper tickets. Automated pizza-making robots are helping streamline the pizza-making process and reduce labor costs.

Chains are also using customer data to help optimize menus and marketing strategies and improve customer service. Some larger chains are harnessing the power of AI to facilitate predictive ordering, which helps franchisees manage inventory and accurately anticipate customer demand.

Customer Engagement

In our digital world, pizza chains are mastering the art of customer engagement through social media and other digital platforms. Pizza chains utilize mobile apps to engage with consumers and drive repeat business. Not only do the apps facilitate a smooth online ordering process, but they also alert customers about specials. Many chains are using apps to facilitate loyalty programs. Our award-winning Howie Rewards® loyalty program builds customer frequency and drives sales.

Get Hungry for Success!

Hungry Howie’s has 50+ years of experience in the pizza industry, giving us a deep understanding of evolving trends and what it takes to help our franchisees succeed. With prime territories available in major metro areas across the country, now is the perfect time to join the Hungry Howie’s franchise family and make your mark in the pizza business.

Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship and want to open a single location or are an experienced multi-unit operator and want to become an area developer, we’ve got you covered.

Get started by having a conversation about opening a Hungry Howie’s and learn about the benefits of a franchise pizza location.