Americans Are Eating More Pizza Than Ever

Pizza is more than just food—it’s part of American culture. Whether it’s family movie night or a quick bite with friends, pizza continues to dominate the American menu. 

Since its boom in popularity after World War II, pizza has become an American staple. In fact, pizza has become so popular in the U.S. that Americans are officially eating more pizza than ever before. 

Now is the perfect time to capitalize on one of the strongest sectors in food franchising! If you’re looking to open a Hungry Howie’s franchise, the numbers and trends point to promising growth and opportunity. 

Pizza Consumption by the Numbers

Looking for some pizza statistics you can sink your teeth into? Check out some of our favorite pizza statistics: 

• Americans spent $16.5 billion on pizza delivery in 2023. 
• About 1 in 8 Americans eat pizza on any given day. 
• Approximately 350 pizza slices are sold each second. That equates to more than 1.25 million slices of pizza sold every hour.  
• Saturdays are the most popular night for eating pizza.  

Sources: Pizza Need, Uber Eats 

Growth in Pizza Locations across the U.S.

The demand for pizza is evolving, but it’s clear the market is thriving and full of opportunities. Whether it’s through convenience store pizza offerings or a battle for dominance among major brands, the industry is primed for continued success in 2024 and beyond. 

With more than 80,000 pizzerias in operation, the U.S. pizza market generated a record-breaking $46.9 billion in sales. The majority of  U.S. pizza sales  are pizza chain dominant, meaning pizza chains are more widely available and drive higher sales than independently owned pizzerias. 

Finding Pizza Restaurants in the United States

Knowing where demand is high and competition is lacking is invaluable when opening a pizza franchise. Since 2022, the number of pizza restaurants has been steadily increasing. California, New York, and Texas have the largest number of pizzerias, while Wyoming has the fewest options. 

When considering a Hungry Howie’s franchise, it’s wise to explore states with promising opportunities, such as: 

• North Carolina 
• Tennessee 
• Colorado 
• South Carolina 
• Utah 
• Arizona 
• Texas 
• Georgia 
• Alabama 
• New Mexico 
• Mississippi 
• Louisiana

Choosing a location with high demand and low supply can significantly impact your investment’s success. Opening in a saturated market can lead to intense competition, making it harder to attract customers. However, brands like Hungry Howie’s aren’t afraid of a competitive market. Their Flavored Crust Pizza is a true differentiator between their brand and other pizza franchises. Conducting thorough market research helps identify these promising locations and ensures your investment is sound. 

Pizza Trends Shaping the Future 

The Technomic report highlights a growing consumer desire for unique toppings and transparency regarding nutritional information. This shift in preferences signals a significant opportunity for pizza businesses to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. 

According to Pizza Today, operators are responding to these trends by offering a variety of pizza styles, with over 68% of pizzerias featuring multiple options on their menus. Popular toppings vary regionally, but classics like pepperoni remain at the forefront, alongside exciting new choices such as plant-based alternatives and sweet toppings like hot honey. 

Additionally, specialty diets are becoming increasingly important, with many pizzerias now catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free customers. These offerings not only meet consumer demands but also enhance the dining experience, allowing everyone in a group to find something they can enjoy. 

By staying in tune with these trends, pizza businesses can better engage with their customers and create menus that reflect their preferences, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Why Choose Hungry Howie’s Franchise?

In 2024, Hungry Howie’s has over 500 locations, and we’re continuing to, create pizza franchise opportunities for new franchisees. 

Our franchise model offers a tried-and-true concept, refined over 50 years, and includes comprehensive training, grand opening  support, and easy access to high-quality ingredients. Ranked #8 in U.S. pizza sales (Technomic Pizza Consumer Trend Report 2024), Hungry Howie’s is also listed at #152 on the Franchise Times Top 500.  

Hungry Howie’s franchise opportunities are available nationwide, and we’re committed to guiding new owners every step of the way. Whether you’re in one of the 21 states we currently serve or in a new territory, we provide the tools to help you launch and grow your business successfully. 

Get Started with a Hungry Howie’s Franchise

Now is the time to explore one of the most promising pizza franchise opportunities available! Request more information from Hungry Howie’s today!