Ordering pizza is a national sport in the United States. While fast-food pizza is not the healthiest option and bears little resemblance to actual Italian pizza, no one can deny that it's a delicious indulgence.
But within the world of chains, which come out on top and which are at the "only get it in an emergency" bottom of the rung?
Here are 25 American fast-food and fast-casual pizza chains, ranked from worst to best.
25. Papa John's Pizza
Papa Johns Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1984
No. of states with a location: 50
2021 U.S. sales: $3.59 billion
*Sales numbers come from the 2022 Restaurant Business Top 500 Chains Report unless otherwise noted.
Bottom Line: Papa John's Pizza
You can thank Papa John's for inventing the pizza dipping sauce we all love and enjoy. But that's pretty much where the good qualities of the chain stop.
First, John Schnatter, the founder, has spent most of the decade jumping from one controversy to another. And while the board of directors fired him as CEO and pretty much made it impossible for him ever to be the majority stakeholder, this doesn't change the fact that the pizza is borderline inedible.
Hard pass on this one.
24. Hunt Brothers Pizza
Hunt Brothers Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1991
No. of states with a location: 28
2021 U.S. sales: $3.3 million*
*Sales numbers come from Zippia.
Bottom Line: Hunt Brothers Pizza
If you’ve ever had gas station or convenience store pizza, it’s probably been Hunt Brothers. The fast-food chain’s main target customers are those that are on the go and need to put something in their stomach. Well, that and school kids that don’t get a say in what is served in the cafeteria.
Sold by the slice, this is not the type of pie that will win awards. If we’re honest, the flavor is OK, and if your stomach is sensitive, it may give you a stomachache. But sometimes you have to choose between that and eating McDonald’s, which we’re convinced is just cardboard painted to resemble food.
In those cases, Hunt Brothers is the safer choice.
23. Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese / Facebook
Year founded: 1977
No. of states with a location: 47
2021 U.S. sales: $315 million
Bottom Line: Chuck E. Cheese
We don’t know who thought using a rat as a mascot for a pizza chain was a good idea. But that never stopped children from wanting to host their birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese. Or parents from complying.
This chain was the first to combine an arcade-like experience with food, particularly pizza. And though it also sells other foods, pizza is what it’s known for, which is why we’ve included it here.
We can’t say much about its quality, but people don’t seem to mind the taste when they’re concentrating on playing games.
22. Sbarro Pizza
Sbarro / Facebook
Year founded: 1956
No. of states with a location: 38
2021 U.S. sales: $193 million
Bottom Line: Sbarro
Sbarro rules mall food courts around the country with their cheap pizza-by-the-slice model. The chain claims to sell New York-style pizza, but it fails to be actually good. At least it remains cheap.
If you crave pizza in a mall, a highway truck stop, or an airport, sure, go for Sbarro. But, in general, we'd avoid it.
21. Villa Italian Kitchen
Chris N. / Yelp
Year founded: 1964
No. of states with a location: 40
2021 U.S. sales: $65.2 million
Bottom Line: Villa Italian Kitchen
Sbarro still rules food court pizza, but Villa Italian Kitchen is heating up the competition. The chain is family owned and operated and can be found in malls, highway stops and airports. People like that it’s convenient and filling. But no one thinks it’s tasty pizza.
Besides being overly greasy, reheated pies aren’t that good. But it does the job well enough if you’re on the road or waiting to board a flight.
20. Peter Piper Pizza
Peter Piper Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1973
No. of states with a location: 5
2021 U.S. sales: $87 million*
*Sales numbers come from Zippia.
Bottom Line: Peter Piper Pizza
Peter Piper Pizza is often compared to Chuck E. Cheese. And for good reason. Though Peter Piper opened before Chuck E. Cheese, it eventually copied its model so well that Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company eventually acquired it.
The debate about which one is better is one for the ages. In terms of games, Chuck E. Cheese has the upper hand. But if it’s pizza that you care about, you’re better off following the call of Peter Piper’s music.
19. Round Table Pizza
Hungy Q. / Yelp
Year founded: 1959
No. of states with a location: 8
2021 U.S. sales: $421 million
Bottom Line: Round Table Pizza
Calling itself "Pizza Royalty," Round Table Pizza hasn't expanded as rapidly as other chains on this list, but that seems to make it even more beloved in the eyes of its customers. Mainly spread throughout the West Coast, there are also locations in Hawaii, Alaska and Texas.
Besides the regular pizza stores, the company also has a clubhouse model, where customers can enjoy arcade games or drink beer while they watch a sports game.
18. Little Caesars
Little Caesars / Facebook
Year founded: 1959
No. of states with a location: 50
2021 U.S. sales: $4.23 billion
Bottom Line: Little Caesars
If you're looking for price over quality, Little Caesars is a great option. Hey, we've all been broke and in the mood for a slice.
You can famously get an entire box for $5 (well, $5.55, thanks to post-pandemic inflation). Little Caesars has the third-most sales of any pizza chain, and its affordability is a big reason for it.
Sadly, we can't say much about the taste. It's just OK.
17. Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 2011
No. of states with a location: 40
2021 U.S. sales: $347 million
Bottom Line: Blaze Pizza
This California fast-casual chain has become fairly famous on the West Coast due to its build-your-own approach to pizza.
Customers can put as many toppings as they want, which makes for endless and extremely personalized iterations. If you don't feel like doing the work, Blaze Pizza has some signature pizzas you can choose from.
Oh, and the taste is pretty good for fast food.
16. MOD Pizza
Mauricio B. / Yelp
Year founded: 2008
No. of states with a location: 29
2021 U.S. sales: $590 million
Bottom Line: MOD Pizza
MOD stands for "made on demand," which is exactly how this chain makes its pies. As with Blaze Pizza, customers can choose ingredients for their pizza. They then wait for a mere three minutes while their individual pizza made with organic flour bakes in front of their eyes.
The company is very on-brand for Seattle, the city where it hails from. We love its choose-your-own-adventure approach that lets you get exactly what you want.
15. Your Pie
Your Pie / Facebook
Year founded: 2008
No. of states with a location: 19
2021 U.S. sales: $40 million
Bottom Line: Your Pie
Your Pie is often described as the Chipotle of pizza. Before its model came out, people doubted whether it was possible, but the chain proved all the disbelievers wrong. You can choose exactly what you want on your pizza, so you don’t have to deal with anyone judging your topping choices. (Yes, pineapple does belong on pizza.)
But beyond that, this brand has succeeded because it uses fresh dough and high-quality ingredients. Once a pizza pie is assembled, it’s baked in a brick oven and ready in four minutes. That’s beautiful.
14. Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
Old Chicago / Facebook
Year founded: 1976
No. of states with a location: 24
2021 U.S. sales: 208 million
Bottom Line: Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
A fast-casual restaurant, Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom specialices in, well, Chicago-style pizza. But the chain also serves other styles, along with pasta, calzones and more. A list of beers on tap complements the food and leaves customers pretty satisfied.
All in all, it’s a nice place to visit if you’re looking for something fast and easy but not as casual as a fast-food place. That said, the pizza isn’t exactly life-changing. Rather, it’s good for a night where the focus is spending time with friends rather than the food.
13. Donato's
Donatos Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1963
No. of states with a location: 11
2021 U.S. sales: $216 million
Bottom Line: Donato's
Did you know that there is Columbus-style pizza? It has a thin crust, toppings that cover the entire area and is sliced in squares rather than triangles. If you can’t make it up to Ohio to try it, your best bet is to find a Donato’s near you.
This fast-casual chain does a great job at exporting its home city’s signature pizza, offering a generous amount of cheese and not skimming on the toppings. It’s a great place to try when you want something different from your typical pizza styles.
12. Godfather’s Pizza
Godfather's Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1973
No. of states with a location: 43
2021 U.S. sales: $274 million
Bottom Line: Godfather’s Pizza
We respect that Godfather’s Pizza broke all conventions and made its brand around a fictional character from an Italian mafia movie. We’ll take that over a tiny Caesar, a random Domino or a creepy rat any day.
They keep up the creativity in their pizza toppings that are indulgent and borderline heartstopping. The five cheese and sausage pizza will fill you up for an entire day. But nothing comes close to the taco pizza with a stuffed crust.
Is it more than anyone should eat in one sitting? Yes, but that’s the beauty of it.
11. Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Uno Pizzeria & Wrill / Facebook
Year founded: 1943
No. of states with a location: 18
2021 U.S. sales: $172 million
Bottom Line: Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Uno’s Pizzeria claims to have invented the Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. And for that, we will be eternally grateful. Sure, there are now fancier restaurants that serve a mean version of the famous pie. But this fast-casual chain remains one of the best in the game.
You can also get pasta, seafood, steak, soups, salads and more. But who are we kidding? Why would you go to Uno’s and not get a deep-dish pizza? That seems sacrilegious.
10. Hungry Howie's Pizza
Hungry Howie's Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1973
No. of states with a location: 21
2021 U.S. sales: $478 million
Bottom Line: Hungry Howie's Pizza
Hungry Howie's claims to be the first pizza franchise to do flavored crusts. And for that, we'll be eternally grateful. The Michigan company has a loyal local following, who love that they can also order oven-baked subs and chicken wings.
If you have space for it, the Howie cookie dessert pizza is absolutely delicious.
9. Papa Murphy's Pizza
Delia W. / Yelp
Year founded: 1995
No. of states with a location: 38
2021 U.S. sales: $809 million
Bottom Line: Papa Murphy's Pizza
According to a recent Market Force study, Papa Murphy's was the top-rated pizza chain for food quality, healthy options and cleanliness. Do we even need to say more?
The chain uses a take-and-bake model in which people pick up a ready-made uncooked pizza and bake it themselves. The advantage of this is that your pizza will never get cold on the way home, which makes all the difference.
8. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
Mellow Mushroom / Facebook
Year founded: 1974
No. of states with a location: 20
2021 U.S. sales: $401 million
Bottom Line: Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
While it’s not the most famous chain, Mellow Mushroom provides a pretty good pie for a decent price. They claim that the secret to their success is their signature Mellow dough, which is apparently made with Appalachian spring water.
We admire their commitment. And though we can’t say for sure that this water is what makes their pizza so good, they are definitely doing something right. The chain also sells beer, so you can make a whole night out of coming here.
There aren’t as many locations as their fans would like. But that will hopefully change in the future.
7. Cicis
Deniece W. / Yelp
Year founded: 1985
No. of states with a location: 24
2021 U.S. sales: $286 million
Bottom Line: Cicis
Founded in 1985, Cicis took a mere two years before it started expanding with franchises. Today, people in almost half the states enjoy their unusual pizza toppings. Everyone's favorite is the mac and cheese pizza — probably the most American food you could think of.
Cicis also has deep-dish pizzas, wings and salads. Overall, everything is good for when you want the greasy satisfaction of a casual pizza chain.
6. Jet's Pizza
Jet's Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1978
No. of states with a location: 20
2021 U.S. sales: $371 million
Bottom Line: Jet's Pizza
Originally a family-owned pizza chain, Jet's Pizza still uses the original recipe from the founders' mother. Needless to say, their pies are good. The franchise is one of the few in the industry that serves Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, bringing it to states woefully deprived of it.
Unlike most other chains, Jet's specializes in square pizzas, which were basically unheard of back in the 1970s Midwest. Despite expanding from a business owned by two brothers to a successful national chain, the company has kept true to its roots, which we applaud.
5. Pizza Ranch
Julie B. / Yelp
Year founded: 1981
No. of states with a location: 15
2021 U.S. sales: $279 million
Bottom Line: Pizza Ranch
This Iowa chain was the highest-rated fast-food pizza fast chain in the Market Force study.
Most locations have a buffet option that gives customers unlimited food, drinks and desserts. This probably led consumers to also rate it as number one for best atmosphere.
Besides the main dish, you also can order fried chicken and buffalo wings.
4. California Pizza Kitchen
Mauricio B. / Yelp
Year founded: 1985
No. of states with a location: 32
2021 U.S. sales: $490 million
Bottom Line: California Pizza Kitchen
A leader in the fast-casual pizza market, California Pizza Kitchen is known for its innovative and non-traditional approach to toppings. You'll find deliciously interesting spins like BBQ chicken and Jamaican jerk chicken pizzas.
Californians love it for bringing together flavors from the world. But the chain's also been a hit in another 31 states, where people enjoy the low prices and casual atmosphere that still provides a better flavor than a full-on fast-food place.
3. Marco's Pizza
Stephanie Michelle P. / Yelp
Year founded: 1978
No. of states with a location: 33
2021 U.S. sales: $899 million
Bottom Line: Marco's Pizza
Marco's Pizza stands out from every other pizza chain in the U.S. with two important details: Its dough is made fresh every day and its cheese is never frozen.
This makes for one of the best-tasting pizza experiences you can have at a fast-food chain. Plus, the founder, Pasquale Giammarco, was born in Italy, so the chain follows the country's idea of pizza much more closely than its competitors.
Bottom Line: Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut / Facebook
Year founded: 1958
No. of states with a location: 50
2021 U.S. sales: $5.51 billion
2. Pizza Hut
There are 6,548 Pizza Hut locations in the U.S. alone, but the chain has expanded globally further than any other pizza chain.
Pizza Hut is famous for its stuffed crust pizza, though you can also get its thin-n-crispy style. Other "Italian" dishes like calzones are part of the menu as well.
For good quality, decent prices and definite decadence, Pizza Hut is one of the best casual pizza chains in the country.
1. Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza / Facebook
Year founded: 1960
No. of states with a location: 50
2021 U.S. sales: $8.64 billion
Bottom Line: Domino's Pizza
You either hate or love Domino's. There is no in-between. And for us, it's definitely a love story.
Is this the best pizza you'll ever taste? Of course not. This is fast food we're talking about. But this is our go-to when we want something that goes well with a movie night without burning holes in our pockets.
Besides, Domino's Philly cheesesteak pizza is one of the best pizzas in the fast-food world.