25 Largest Pizza Chains in the World

Published on February 10, 2023 at 3:59 pm by Muhammad Jamal Akbar in Business, Lists, News

We will take a look at the 25 largest pizza chains in the world.

Pizza restaurants are an important segment of the food industry, especially in the United States. According to a report by PMQ, nearly 13% of Americans eat pizza on an average day. Euromonitor data suggests that the worldwide pizza market is expected to grow by 6.1% in 2023 to reach $159 billion, with Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific markets expected to grow at the fastest pace.

Despite the significant decline in restaurant traffic, the take-out and delivery models allowed the pizza industry to remain competitive during the coronavirus pandemic. In-house dining was severely impacted due to the social distancing measures deployed by the governments worldwide which also led to the closure of some of the pizzerias during the period. Some pizza chains, like Chuck E. Cheese in the US and Pizza Express in the UK, had to undergo bankruptcy and corporate restructuring to remain operational.

We have picked the 25 largest pizza chains in the world based on the number of restaurants and franchise locations operated by them across the world. Some of these companies are standalone brands, either owned privately or with publicly traded shares, while others are a part of a group of restaurant companies owned by a single organization. The list is topped by large pizza chains including Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ), Pizza Hut – owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), and Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA), among others.

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25. Pizza Inn

Number of locations: 200+

Dallas-based Pizza Inn is an American pizza chain founded in 1958 by two Texas brothers. The chain has since grown significantly and currently boasts more than 200 locations across the United States as well as multiple countries internationally. Pizza Inn is famous for its innovative cuisine, such as “Taco Pizza” launched in 1979, a pizza dessert “Pizzert” launched in 1986, and Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza in the 1990s.

Rave Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAVE) franchises or licenses the Pizza Inn restaurants in the United States as well as on an international level. It currently has a market capitalization of $26.4 million.

24. Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Number of locations: 250+

Mountain Mike’s Pizza is a pizza chain based in Newport Beach, California that was founded in 1978. The pizza chain currently has more than 250 locations across California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Idaho. It also has a strong online presence and offers online food order options to its customers. Mountain Mike’s intends to expand its presence in the United States. As part of this strategy, the company is targeting additional franchises in its existing target markets as well as a foray into new markets such as Colorado and Texas.

Mountain Mike’s is known for its variety of toppings and sauces which allow the customers to alter the pizzas according to their taste. In addition to serving pizzas in multiple styles including hand-tossed, thin crust, and stuffed crust, Mountain Mike’s also serves salads, sandwiches, and wings.

23. Sarpino’s Pizzeria

Number of locations: 250+

Sarpino’s Pizzeria is among the few pizza restaurant chains on our list that are not based in North America. Singapore-based Sarpino’s Pizzeria was founded in 2001 and is known for its pervasive presence in the Asian region. It has more than 250 branches in several countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Australia, and offers a wide variety of pizza options in addition to other food items on their menu.

22. The Pizza Company

Number of locations: 290

The Pizza Company is the largest pizza chain in Thailand with more than 70% market share and 250 pizza chains across the country as well as 40 additional chains across other Asian countries. The brand was launched in Thailand in 2001 and is famous for its variety of toppings, sauces, and crusts. It offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering services across its markets and has a strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base in the region.

The largest pizza chains in the world are based in the United States and include names such as Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ), Pizza Hut – owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), and Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA), among others.

21. Cici’s

Number of locations: 300+

Cici’s Pizza is a chain of buffet-style pizza restaurants in the United States. The first restaurant opened in 1985 in Plano, Texas, and there are now more than 300 locations in more than 30 states. The restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes a variety of pizzas as well as salads, pasta, and desserts.

Cici’s entered Chapter 11 protection in 2021 due to financial problems. It successfully emerged from the protection within two months through reorganization on an internal level as well as an acquisition by D&G Investors, a newly-formed affiliate of SSCP Management and Gala Capital Partners.

20. Blaze Pizza

Number of locations: 342

Blaze Pizza is a fast-casual pizza chain based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2011 by Elise and Rick Wetzel (co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels). The chain is known for its “build-your-own” pizza concept, where customers can choose from a variety of fresh, artisanal toppings and sauces to create their own personalized pizzas. They also have a menu of signature pizzas that customers can choose from. The pizza is made in an open kitchen and then cooked in a high-heat oven in less than 3 minutes.

Blaze Pizza has more than 340 locations across 38 states in the United States and 6 countries. The pizza chain has been on an aggressive expansion spree and has recently signed master agreements for multi-unit franchise developments across Texas and Maryland.

19. Boston Pizza

Number of locations: 377

Boston Pizza is a casual dining restaurant chain based in Canada that specializes in pizza and Italian American cuisine. It was founded in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964 and now has nearly 377 locations across Canada. They have a sports bar atmosphere and also offer a variety of drinks and cocktails.

Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange as BPF.UN and currently has a market capitalization of C$355 million. Boston Pizza franchises generated aggregate franchise sales amounting to C$230 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

18. Jet’s Pizza

Number of locations: 400

Jet’s Pizza is a pizza chain based in Michigan that was founded in 1978 by brothers Eugene and John Jetts. The chain is known for its deep-dish square pizza, which is a Detroit-style pizza with a thick crust and crispy edges. Jet’s Pizza currently has more than 400 locations in 19 states across the United States and offers a variety of services such as dine-in, delivery and take out. They are also known for their Jet’s Boat specialty pizza which is a rectangular pizza with 8 corner crust.

17. Round Table Pizza

Number of locations: 410

Round Table Pizza is a pizza chain launched by William R. Larson in 1959 with the opening of his first pizza restaurant in Menlo Park, California. Round Table Pizza has since grown to amass more than 410 pizza chains across the United States. It is known for its “Medieval” theme and a variety of “King-sized” pizzas on the menu.

Los Angeles, California-based global franchising company FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:FAT) owns Round Table Pizza, in addition to 16 other restaurant brands. FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:FAT) currently has a market capitalization of $112 million and generated a total revenue of $103 million in Q3 2022.

In November last year, FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:FAT) announced that it had entered into an agreement with Brame Holdings LLC to open 80 new franchise locations in the state of Texas. The new franchise locations include 40 Round Table Pizza restaurants to be opened over the next 10 years.

16. PizzaExpress

Number of locations: 470

Pizza Express is a London-based restaurant chain that specializes in pizza. It was founded in 1965 and offers a variety of pizza toppings, as well as salads, sandwiches, and desserts. It is known for its Italian-style pizzas and use of fresh ingredients. It has nearly 470 restaurants across the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kuwait, Macau, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, and UAE.

Pizza Express underwent a corporate restructuring in November 2020 with Hony Capital – its existing majority shareholder, and a group of other creditors holding a combined total of 76% of its total debt. As part of the restructuring, 34 restaurants were closed down while the Mainland China business was sold to Snacks Group Limited.

15. MOD Pizza

Number of locations: 520

MOD Pizza is a fast casual pizza restaurant chain based in Seattle, Washington. The pizza chain was founded in 2008 by Scott and Ally Svenson. It is known for its “build-your-own” pizza concept, where customers can choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to create their own personalized pizzas. MOD Pizza currently has more than 520 locations across United States, UK, and Canada.

MOD Pizza expanded its presence to Oklahoma state through the opening of its first restaurant in the state in Tulsa in April 2022.

14. Hungry Howie’s Pizza and Subs

Number of locations: 530

Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs is a pizza chain based in Michigan, United States, that was founded in 1973. It is known for its flavored crust pizza, which comes in eight different flavors including butter, butter cheese, Cajun, garlic herb, onion, ranch, sesame, and Asiago cheese. They have over 530 locations in 21 states across the United States and offer a variety of services such as dine-in, delivery and take out.

Hungry Howie’s has been focusing on expanding its presence which is evident from the opening of new restaurants in Fayetteville and Clayton, North Carolina; Little Rock, Arizona; Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Katy, Texas, during 2022.

13. Godfather’s Pizza

Number of locations: 600+

Godfather’s Pizza: Godfather’s Pizza is a pizza restaurant chain based in Nebraska, Omaha. It was founded in 1973 and is known for its large, rectangular shaped pizzas with a variety of toppings. They also offer salads, breadsticks, and a dessert pizza. It currently has more than 600 restaurants across more than 43 states.

12. Chuck E. Cheese

Number of locations: 600+

Chuck E. Cheese’s is a family entertainment center chain based in Dallas, Texas that specializes in pizza. They have a variety of pizza toppings, as well as salads, sandwiches, and desserts. They also have a variety of arcade games, rides, and other attractions for children. Chuck E. Cheese is owned by CEC Entertainment, LLC, headquartered in Irving, Texas, which operates more than 600 Chuck E. Cheese and more than 120 Peter Piper Pizza venues in 47 states and 17 foreign countries.

Chuck E. Cheese expanded its presence to Suriname with the opening of its first restaurant in the country in September 2022. During the same year, the company also announced a development agreement to open new locations in Dominican Republic. The Company intends to increase its global presence to more than 100 global locations by the end of 2023.

11. Pizza Pizza

Number of locations: 624

Pizza Pizza is a Toronto-based pizza chain that was founded in 1967. They have a variety of pizza toppings, as well as salads, sandwiches, and desserts. They are known for their online ordering and delivery service. The pizza chain has since grown to more than 600 locations across Canada.

Pizza Pizza Royalty Corp. (TSX:PZA) owns the Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 brands and currently has a market capitalization of C$344 million. The Pizza Pizza restaurants generated system-wide sales of C$131 million during Q3 2022.

10. Sbarro

Number of locations: 630

Sbarro is an American fast-food pizza chain founded in 1956 by Carmela and Gennaro Sbarro. They are known for their New York-style pizza, and also offer pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches. Sbarro has since expanded to 630 locations across 28 countries worldwide.

9. Dodo Pizza

Number of locations: 893

Dodo Pizza is a Russian fast-food pizza chain founded in 2011 by Fyodor Ovchinnikov. Dodo Pizza has grown rapidly and currently operates 893 restaurants in more than 20 countries, including Russia, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and China. The company is known for its innovative approach to the pizza business, using technology, data analysis and online ordering system to improve efficiency and customer experience. It uses a cloud kitchen model, which allows it to prepare and deliver pizzas without having a physical store.

Dodo Pizza generated $89.8 million in system-wide sales during December 2022, 9% more than the previous month. The company also added 22 new stores to its system during the month while its development pipeline includes 98 stores under construction and 493 additional committed stores to be developed in the future.

8. Marco’s Pizza

Number of locations: 1,100

Marco’s Pizza is an American restaurant chain and franchise pizza delivery corporation founded by Pasquale Giammarco in 1978 in Toledo, Ohio. It currently operates over 1,100 stores across 33 states of the US and Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. The pizza chain is known for its authentic Italian pizza and use of fresh ingredients.

Marco’s Pizza is the 5^th largest pizza chain in the United States in terms of system sales which amount to more than $1.0 billion a year. The company is on an aggressive expansion spree and has more than 200 stores in various stages of development with agreements signed for more than 350 stores.

7. Papa Murphy’s

Number of locations: 1,301

Papa Murphy’s is an American take-and-bake pizza company. They are known for their “fresh-made, fresh-baked” pizzas that are sold uncooked for customers to bake at home. They have a variety of toppings available and also offer salads and desserts.

Papa Murphy’s is owned by Montreal-based MTY Food Group Inc. (TSX:MTY) which operates more than 6,600 locations under more than 80 different banners in Canada, US, and Internationally. MTY Food Group Inc. (TSX:MTY) currently has a market capitalization of C$1.7 billion and generated system sales of more than C$1.1 billion in Q3 2022.

6. Telepizza

Number of locations: 1,440

Telepizza is a pizza restaurant chain based in Spain that was founded in Madrid in 1986. It is one of the largest pizza delivery chains in Europe and Latin America with more than 1,400 restaurants across more than 20 countries worldwide. They have a wide variety of pizza options, including classic pizzas, gourmet pizzas, and specialty pizzas.

Telepizza is working on an expansion plan to further extend its reach. The plan focuses on increasing its presence in towns with populations around 25,000 inhabitants.

Telepizza is owned by the Food Delivery Brands Group which also franchises and operates restaurants under the brand names of “Pizza Hut”, “Pizza World”, “Jeno’s Pizza” and “Apache”, mainly located Spain, Portugal, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Ireland.

5. Little Caesars

Number of locations: 5,403

Little Caesars is the third-largest pizza chain in the United States, behind Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza. It was founded in 1959 and is known for its “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas that are pre-made and ready for immediate purchase. They also have a variety of other menu items such as chicken wings and breadsticks. Little Caesars has more than 5,400 locations across all 50 states of US and 27 countries and territories.

4. Papa John’s

Number of locations: 5,589

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA), doing business as Papa John’s Pizza is a leading pizza restaurant chain co-headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and Atlanta, Georgia. As of September 25, 2022, there were 5,589 Papa John’s restaurants in operation, consisting of 521 Company-owned and 5,068 franchised restaurants operating in 47 countries and territories.

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) generated a total revenue of $511 million and a net income of $8.3 million during the quarter ended September 25, 2022. It also added 18 new restaurants to its chain globally, with 240 to 260 net units expected to be added during 2022.

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) currently has a market capitalization of $3.22 billion. As of Q3 2022, its shares were held by 22 hedge funds with a total value of $342 million. Jeffrey Smith’s Starboard Value LP was its largest hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 2.8 million shares valued at $193 million.

3. Hunt Brothers Pizza

Number of locations: 8,000

Hunts Brothers Pizza is a family-owned pizza brand based in Nashville, Tennessee, with more than 8,000 locations across 30 states in the United States. With a history dating back to 1962, Hunts Brothers Pizza offers original and thin crust pizzas in the ready-to-go form as well as customizable whole pizza options.

2. Pizza Hut

Number of locations: 18,807

Pizza Hut is a leading pizza brand owned and operated by Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM). The first Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in Wichita, Kansas in 1958, since then the brand has grown to more than 18,800 locations worldwide. It operates through delivery, carryout, and casual dining restaurants.

In November, Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) released its financial results for the third quarter. Sales for the Pizza Hut Division of the company declined by 1% y-o-y to $3.1 billion, while operating profit shrunk by 8% y-o-y to $92 million. Pizza Hut also opened 392 new restaurants in 47 countries during the quarter.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) currently has a market capitalization of $36.4 billion. As of Q3 2022, its shares were held by 40 of the 920 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, with a total value of $2 billion.

1. Domino’s

Number of locations: 19,519

Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ), doing business as Domino’s, is the largest pizza company in the world with more than 19,500 stores in more than 90 markets worldwide. Founded in 1960, the company operates in both delivery and carryout pizza.

In October, Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) released its financial results for the quarter ended September 12, 2022. Its total revenues increased by 7% y-o-y to $1.1 billion, while net income declined by 16.5% y-o-y to $100 million. It added 225 new stores to its network globally, during the quarter.

Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) currently has a market capitalization of $12.4 billion. As of Q3 2022, its shares were held by 52 of the 920 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, with a total value of $1.5 billion.