Surprising Leader: Hunt Brothers Pizza Becomes Largest U.S. Pizza Chain, Outpacing Rivals

Hunt Brothers Pizza has quietly risen to become the largest pizza chain in the U.S., boasting 9,703 locations in 36 states. By capitalizing on co-locating with gas stations and convenience stores, the family-owned chain surpasses Pizza Hut and Domino's in sheer number of outlets.

Hunt Brothers Pizza Surpasses Major Chains, Becoming Largest U.S. Pizza Chain by Dominating Convenience Stores

Pizza Hut, Domino's, Papa John's, and possibly Little Caesar's are the four pizza chains that many Americans believe compete for the title of the dominant pizza chain.

However, there exists an additional entity that boasts thousands of additional locations. Hunt Brothers Pizza operates 9,703 locations in over 4,000 cities and is currently only available in 36 states.

In February, Hunt Brothers became the largest pizza chain in the United States. It achieved this by discreetly dominating the gas station and convenience store market.

In contrast to its competitors, Hunt Brothers capitalizes on the aggregate foot traffic generated by co-locating with other businesses rather than establishing its brick-and-mortar restaurants, per Daily Mail.

Depending on the location, the chain offers ten toppings, ranging from $10 to $12.

The chain also provides a Breakfast pizza that includes scrambled eggs, crispy chopped bacon, breakfast sausage crumbles, and cheese for those on the move early during a road journey.

Hunt Brothers also provides chicken wings and boneless WingBites in four distinct flavors: Home Style, Buffalo, Southern Style, and Hot 'n Spicy.

Family-Owned Hunt Brothers Pizza Leads U.S. Market, Surpassing Domino's and Pizza Hut in Locations

In 1991, the four original Hunt brothers, Don, Charlie, Jim, and Lonnie, established the franchise. The pizza chain, currently the largest in the United States, is still family-owned and has even secured sponsorships from NASCAR driver Joey Logano.

Domino's Pizza, the second-largest chain, operates 6,929 locations in two territories and all 50 states. Its most significant presence is in Texas, which has 742 locations.

Pizza Hut was in third place with 6,775 locations throughout the United States and its territories.

Although both have fewer locations, their profits are significantly higher. Pizza Hut offers in-restaurant dining, and both establishments provide delivery services.

In the interim, a recent survey evaluated the most desirable cities in the United States for Pizza.

Detroit was at the top of the list the previous two years, and New York City and Chicago are typically in the top position.

However, a comprehensive study that examined EIGHT metrics determined that Denver, Colorado, was the finest city for Pizza.

In summary, Clever Real Estate researchers evaluated the number of restaurants, their ratings, and a "pizza passion" score in addition to the typical price. In 50 of the largest US metros, the Mile High City ranked as the highest.

NYC did acquire an unwelcome addition: the most expensive pizzas in the United States, with a large pepperoni priced at nearly $34.