The

10

best

Pizza

franchises of 2026

Complete ranking by Growth & Profitability

Home
Best Franchises

Pizza

Pizza franchises operate in one of the most competitive segments of food franchising, combining high customer frequency with strong brand loyalty.

Successful systems tend to balance unit-level economics with scale, making capital efficiency and network strength critical differentiators.

Below are the top 10 pizza franchises ranked by overall performance across payback efficiency, investment profile, system size, and franchisee momentum.

‍

Our methodology
Franchise
Franchisees

?

Investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Score

6751

+
5%
5%

$107,000 - $744,000

$1,279,000

9.0
/
10

2752

+
4%
4%

$111,000 - $853,000

$1,068,000

8.6
/
10

1114

+
9%
9%

$287,000 - $807,000

$886,000

8.2
/
10

494

+
-1%
-1%

$292,000 - $567,000

$805,000

7.9
/
10

409

+
15%
15%

$347,000 - $1,092,000

$1,028,000

7.6
/
10

75

+
19%
19%

$146,000 - $428,000

$1,039,000

7.4
/
10

55

+
20%
20%

$510,000 - $690,000

$983,000

7.2
/
10

299

+
13%
13%

$477,000 - $983,000

$1,015,000

7.0
/
10

51

+
50%
50%

$191,000 - $641,000

$824,000

6.8
/
10

103

+
7%
7%

$279,000 - $630,000

$816,000

6.6
/
10

Domino's

9.0
/
10

Domino's is a pizza delivery and carryout franchise known for its wide variety of pizza options and efficient delivery service, offering convenient and flavorful pizza choices.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

6751
+
5%
5%
Franchise fee

?

$10,000
Investment

?

$107,000 - $744,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,279,000

+
-0.6%
-0.6%
Operating Profit

?

10.7%

Our score
9.0
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Domino’s operates a global pizza delivery system built around technology-driven ordering and high-volume carryout.
Its ranking is driven by unmatched scale, strong unit-level efficiency, and consistent system stability.

  • Large system with 6,700+ franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$425K
  • Attractive 0.33x payback
  • Steady 5% franchisee growth supports durability

Papa John’s

8.6
/
10

Pizza delivery and takeout franchise known for its signature pizzas, offering a variety of toppings and crust options for customers to customize their orders.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

2752
+
4%
4%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$111,000 - $853,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,068,000

+
-3.4%
-3.4%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
8.6
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Papa John’s delivers a nationally recognized pizza brand with a strong focus on delivery and carryout.
Its ranking reflects strong revenues, extensive system scale, and proven brand longevity.

  • Large system with 2,750+ franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$482K
  • Solid 0.45x payback
  • Modest 4% franchisee growth reflects maturity

Marco’s Pizza

8.2
/
10

Pizza delivery and takeout franchise offering handcrafted pizzas made with fresh ingredients and a signature sauce, providing a delicious and convenient meal option.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

1114
+
9%
9%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$287,000 - $807,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$886,000

+
-2.8%
-2.8%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
8.2
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Marco’s Pizza operates a fast-casual pizza concept emphasizing quality ingredients and neighborhood locations.
Its ranking is supported by balanced investment requirements and a large, growing franchise base.

  • Established system with 1,100+ franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$547K
  • Respectable 0.62x payback
  • Healthy 9% franchisee growth adds momentum

Hungry Howie’s Pizza

7.9
/
10

Hungry Howie's Pizza is a pizza delivery and carryout franchise that offers flavored crust pizza options and various toppings, providing a flavorful and customizable pizza experience for customers.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

494
+
-1%
-1%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$292,000 - $567,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$805,000

+
7.1%
7.1%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
7.9
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Hungry Howie’s Pizza focuses on value-driven delivery and carryout with strong regional brand recognition.
Its ranking benefits from manageable investment levels but is slightly weighed down by flat growth.

  • Established system with 494 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$429K
  • Solid 0.53x payback
  • Slight -1% franchisee growth reflects maturity

Round Table Pizza

7.6
/
10

Pizza restaurant franchise offering a variety of specialty pizzas, wings, salads, and appetizers, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

409
+
15%
15%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$347,000 - $1,092,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,028,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
7.6
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Round Table Pizza operates a dine-in–oriented pizza concept with strong average unit volumes.
Its ranking reflects solid revenues and improving growth despite higher capital requirements.

  • Mid-sized system with 409 franchisees
  • Higher average investment of ~$719K
  • Moderate 0.70x payback
  • Positive 15% franchisee growth supports stability

Pizza Guys

7.4
/
10

Pizza delivery and takeout franchise known for its diverse pizza menu, offering a range of toppings and specialty pizzas, providing convenient and tasty options for pizza lovers.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

75
+
19%
19%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$146,000 - $428,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,039,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
7.4
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Pizza Guys delivers a delivery-first pizza model with a strong West Coast footprint.
Its ranking is driven by efficient payback and accelerating growth from a smaller base.

  • Smaller system with 75 franchisees
  • Lower average investment of ~$287K
  • Strong 0.28x payback
  • Healthy 19% franchisee growth supports expansion

Toppers Pizza

7.2
/
10

Fast-casual pizza franchise known for its wide variety of specialty pizzas, wings, and other appetizers, offering unique and flavorful combinations.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

55
+
20%
20%
Franchise fee

?

$30,000
Investment

?

$510,000 - $690,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$983,000

+
-16.5%
-16.5%
Operating Profit

?

7.4%

Our score
7.2
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Toppers Pizza emphasizes late-night delivery and college-town locations.
Its ranking reflects improving growth supported by a moderate system size.

  • Established system with 55 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$600K
  • Solid 0.61x payback
  • Positive 20% franchisee growth adds momentum

Mountain Mike's Pizza

7.0
/
10

Pizza restaurant franchise known for its specialty pizzas, including the legendary "The Everest," providing a family-friendly dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

299
+
13%
13%
Franchise fee

?

$30,000
Investment

?

$477,000 - $983,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,015,000

+
-0.9%
-0.9%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
7.0
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Mountain Mike’s Pizza focuses on dine-in and family-style pizza restaurants.
Its ranking is supported by steady expansion and consistent unit economics.

  • Mid-sized system with 299 franchisees
  • Higher average investment of ~$730K
  • Moderate 0.72x payback
  • Healthy 13% franchisee growth supports stability

Romeo's Pizza

6.8
/
10

Pizza restaurant franchise specializing in gourmet pizzas, subs, wings, and salads, known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

51
+
50%
50%
Franchise fee

?

$30,000
Investment

?

$191,000 - $641,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$824,000

+
26.3%
26.3%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
6.8
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Romeo’s Pizza operates a regional pizza brand with strong local market loyalty.
Its ranking benefits from improving growth but is moderated by limited scale.

  • Smaller system with 51 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$416K
  • Solid 0.50x payback
  • Strong 50% franchisee growth adds upside

Pizza Factory

6.6
/
10

Pizza restaurant franchise serving a variety of specialty pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches, focusing on quality ingredients and family-friendly dining.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

103
+
7%
7%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$279,000 - $630,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$816,000

+
19.0%
19.0%
Operating Profit

?

21.0%

Our score
6.6
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Pizza Factory offers a community-focused pizza concept with flexible formats.
Its ranking reflects balanced economics but slower expansion relative to peers.

  • Mid-sized system with 103 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment of ~$454K
  • Respectable 0.56x payback
  • Modest 7% franchisee growth limits upside

See OtHER RANKINGS

Top
10
Breakfast
franchises
Top
10
Baked-Goods
franchises
Top
10
Ice Cream
franchises
Top
10
Coffee–Tea
franchises
Top
10
Chicken Restaurants
franchises
Top
10
Healthy
franchises

Find the best franchises

Get transparent franchise data & unlimited FDD access

Franchise fees, royalties & costs
Detailed initial investment

?

Pay $49 per FDD download

?

Revenue
Pro
Profit metrics
Pro
Unlimited FDD downloads
Pro
Sign up for free
Upgrade to Pro

Our latest newsletters

Home
Newsletters

The 43-unit Subway Bankruptcy and The Risks of MCA Loans

February 4, 2026

From Subway to Del Taco, a dangerous financing trend is crushing margins. Inside the 94% APR "debt spiral" threatening major operators.

FAT Brands Files for Chapter 11: What Went Wrong

January 29, 2026

How aggressive acquisitions, securitized debt, and rising rates pushed a major franchisor into bankruptcy.

Where Franchise Growth Capital Is Moving in 2026

January 22, 2026

New data and recent deals show why multi-unit operators are expanding beyond restaurants.

New IFA Report: The Real Impact of Franchising on Small Business

January 15, 2026

A new IFA report developed with Oxford Economics highlights how franchising drives entrepreneurship and job growth. Based on nearly 3,000 franchise owners, the data shows franchised businesses outperform non-franchises on employment growth and wages. Here’s what the numbers reveal.

Franchises by industry
Business Services
Education
Pets
Senior Care
Recreation
Financial Services
Beauty
Food & Beverage
Home Services
Healthcare
Fitness
Automotive
Retail
Franchises by investment
Under $25,000Under $50,000Under $100,000Under $200,000Under $500,000Over $500,000
Popular searches
All franchisesAll industriesBest franchisesNew brandsHome-based opportunitiesPassive investmentsFranchise earnings
Company
Log inLog outSign upPricingNewsletterBlogSitemapTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
Any information on Franchise Payback (franchisepayback.com) has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented therein. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content on Franchise Payback is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this website before making any decisions. See terms for more information.
© 2026 Franchise Payback. All Rights Reserved.