Hunt Brothers Pizza Emerges as America’s Largest Pizza Chain, Beating Out Industry Giants.
When it comes to pizza dominance in America, names like Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Papa John’s, and Little Caesar’s often come to mind. However, the true leader in terms of sheer number of outlets may surprise many: Hunt Brothers Pizza.
With a staggering 9,703 locations spread across 36 states and more than 4,000 cities, Hunt Brothers Pizza quietly claimed the top spot in February as the largest pizza chain in the United States. Unlike its competitors, which rely on standalone restaurants, Hunt Brothers thrives by strategically partnering with convenience stores and gas stations, benefiting from high foot traffic and convenience.
Offering a variety of ten toppings, their pizzas are priced modestly between $10 and $12 depending on location. For those hitting the road early, Hunt Brothers even caters with a Breakfast Pizza featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, and cheese.
Beyond pizza, Hunt Brothers also offers chicken wings and boneless WingBites in flavors like Home Style, Buffalo, Southern Style, and Hot ‘n Spicy. Established in 1991 by the Hunt brothers — Don, Charlie, Jim, and Lonnie — the chain remains family-owned and has secured sponsorships with notable figures such as NASCAR driver Joey Logano.
In comparison, Domino’s Pizza, the second-largest chain, boasts 6,929 locations nationwide, with a strong presence in Texas, where it operates 742 outlets. Pizza Hut follows closely behind with 6,775 locations across the US and its territories.
Both Domino’s and Pizza Hut generate significant revenue from in-restaurant dining and delivery services, setting them apart despite having fewer outlets.
Meanwhile, a recent survey highlighted Denver, Colorado, as America’s top city for pizza, according to a study by Clever Real Estate. Factors considered included price, number of restaurants, ratings, and a ‘pizza passion’ score, propelling the Mile High City to the forefront among 50 major US metros.
While New York City and Chicago typically hold high regard for pizza, with Detroit having topped rankings in previous years, Denver’s comprehensive appeal and affordability elevated it to the coveted position. Conversely, New York City stood out for having some of the priciest pizzas in America, with a large pepperoni costing nearly $34.
In conclusion, Hunt Brothers Pizza’s unconventional approach has propelled it to the forefront of the pizza industry, highlighting the diverse strategies and preferences that shape America’s pizza landscape.