Top Pizza Franchise Trends for 2026

The pizza category has been one of the most resilient segments in foodservice, but today’s pizza franchise trends show an industry evolving faster than ever. Changing consumer habits and accelerating technology are reshaping the future of pizza franchising.

For prospective franchisees, understanding the future of the pizza industry means looking beyond today’s performance and asking smarter questions about long-term growth, scalability, and profitability. Which restaurant trends will matter most in the next 5–10 years? Which models are built to evolve? And which brands are best positioned to capitalize on continued pizza franchise growth?

Hungry Howie’s is powered by its iconic Flavored Crust® pizza, operational simplicity, and a streamlined carryout and delivery model. This aligns well with the food franchise growth trends that are shaping what’s next in the pizza industry.

How the Pizza Industry Is Evolving

Consumers still love pizza, but how they order it, receive it, and engage with brands has changed. The most influential pizza franchise trends today offer customers convenience, value, and efficiency.

Carryout-and Delivery-Led Models are Driving Pizza Franchise Growth

One of the trends shaping the industry is the growing dominance of delivery and carryout. Digital ordering, carryout, and delivery now account for the majority of pizza sales, and that momentum continues to accelerate as consumers prioritize convenience and speed.

Today’s consumers expect:

Fast, seamless digital ordering experiences
Easy reordering and personalization
Transparent delivery tracking
Accuracy, speed, and reliability

Brands that rely heavily on dine in traffic face higher overhead and limited flexibility. Hungry Howie’s was built with a strong carryout and delivery mindset, positioning franchisees to align naturally with the future of the pizza industry.

Menu Innovation Without Operational Complexity

Another key question franchisees ask when evaluating pizza franchise trends is how menu innovation will evolve, and how to stay competitive without sacrificing efficiency.

The brands winning today balance:

Streamlined, profitable core menus
Strategic limited time offers
Differentiation in a crowded category
Customization without operational strain

Hungry Howie’s signature Flavored Crust® delivers meaningful innovation without complicating operations. It’s a powerful point of differentiation, yet simple to execute. This helps give franchisees a built-in competitive edge.

Profitability in a Competitive and Evolving Market

Pizza remains one of the strongest value propositions in foodservice, and it continues to perform well even during economic uncertainty.

The Hungry Howie’s model is built around a set of fundamentals that help franchisees stay competitive as consumer expectations, and the pizza landscape continue to evolve. Easy-to-execute operations, a labor-efficient staffing approach to reduce complexity, and strong consumer value support repeat business. At the same time, the model is designed to scale—making it well suited for franchisees planning multi-unit growth.

These strengths are reinforced by targeted investments in the areas that matter most today. Hungry Howie’s prioritizes digital ordering and customer convenience, brand differentiation that encourages loyalty, and marketing strategies focused on value. Together, these elements create a streamlined, growth-ready platform that supports franchisees for long-term success in an increasingly competitive pizza franchise environment.

Hungry Howie’s continues to prioritize these core drivers, ensuring franchisees are supported by a model designed for long-term success in the evolving pizza franchise landscape.

Why Hungry Howie’s Is Built for the Future of Pizza Franchising

Hungry Howie’s has operated a successful business model for more than 50 years—and continues to stand out as a brand built for what’s next. With a differentiated product, a carryout-and delivery focused operating model, and a structure designed for scalability, franchisees are well positioned to grow with a brand that understands where the industry is headed.

For those evaluating franchise opportunities, the real question isn’t whether pizza franchise growth will continue; it’s which brands are truly built to thrive in the future of the pizza industry.

Hungry Howie’s is one of them.

Learn more today and discover how you can be part of the next chapter in pizza franchising.

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*Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 25% (or 68 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024. Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida (see footnote***), affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the above fiscal year, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units closed for more than ten consecutive days during the above fiscal year due to a force majeure event.  The Franchised Units are in 20 states and have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. See Item 19 of Hungry Howie’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.

**Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 50% (or 136 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024. Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida (see footnote***), affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the above fiscal year, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units closed for more than ten consecutive days during the above fiscal year due to a force majeure event.  The Franchised Units are in 20 states and have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. See Item 19 of Hungry Howie’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.

***Locations in Florida are franchised to independent owners and operators by HH Pizza, Inc.   

This website is for informational purposes only. Any statements or information contained herein is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. 

Hungry Howie’s locations are franchised to independent owners and operators by Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc. located at 30300 Stephenson Highway, Suite 200, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 248-414-3300. However, stores located in the state of Florida are franchised by HH Pizza, Inc. located at 2109-D Main Street, Dunedin, Florida, 34698 727-734-8800.. Inquiries received for development opportunities in Florida by Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc. will be forwarded to HH Pizza, Inc. which is solely responsible for the offer or sale of any franchises in the State of Florida. 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.  SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION, OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE, AND NOT MISLEADING. 

If you are having trouble using this website with a screen ready or other device due to a disability, email: franchising@hungryhowies.com for assistance. 

 ©2025 Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Hungry Howie’s and its related marks are trademarks of Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc. Use of the trademarks in the State of Florida are under license to HH Pizza, Inc. Pepsi, the Pepsi logo and related marks are trademarks of PepsiCo. 

The Future of Pizza Franchising: Why Hungry Howie’s Is Positioned to Win