Hunt Brothers Pizza: The Largest Pizza Chain You Never Knew About
When you think of pizza giants, names like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s likely come to mind. However, the title of the largest pizza chain in the United States doesn’t belong to any of these familiar chains. Surprisingly, it belongs to Hunt Brothers Pizza, a brand that operates primarily through convenience stores rather than standalone restaurants. With an impressive count of over 9,500 locations, Hunt Brothers Pizza has created a unique niche in the fast-food landscape, outpacing its competitors significantly.
The Unconventional Growth Model of Hunt Brothers
What sets Hunt Brothers Pizza apart from traditional pizza franchises is its innovative business model. Instead of opening traditional restaurants, the brand partners with convenience stores, driving its success without the usual franchise fees and long-term contracts. This approach allows convenience stores to sell Hunt Brothers’ offerings with relative autonomy, while far-reaching distribution channels help the chain maintain its expansive footprint. Among its notable partners are popular gas station chains where Hunt Brothers has become synonymous with convenience-oriented pizza dining.
By selling pre-made frozen pizzas, cooking ovens, and necessary ingredients, Hunt Brothers effectively integrates itself into the convenience store landscape. This model has proven effective, enabling the brand to establish a presence in 36 states, while competing brands like Domino’s and Pizza Hut have expanded deeply into all 50 states.
Dominating the Pizza Industry Statistics
As reported by data analytics firm ScrapeHero, Hunt Brothers Pizza eclipses the most well-known pizza chains in the U.S. in terms of sheer number of locations. Here’s a brief breakdown of the statistics:
- Hunt Brothers Pizza: 9,500+ locations
- Domino’s: 6,929 locations
- Pizza Hut: 6,775 locations
- Little Caesars: 4,203 locations
- Papa John’s: 3,145 locations
This numerical advantage highlights the brand’s unique position within the industry. Despite being present in fewer states compared to competitors like Domino’s, its location strategy within convenience stores has allowed it to establish a formidable presence quickly.
More Than Gas Station Pizza
While many might dismiss the idea of pizza from a convenience store, Hunt Brothers offers a diversified menu that surprises many consumers. Their pizza selections include both original and thin-crust options, with up to 10 toppings available without additional charges. For those looking for more than just pizza, the chain’s offerings extend to chicken wings and chicken bites, catering to a broader audience.
One unique item that stands out is the Breakfast Pizza, featuring scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sage sausage, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This option draws comparisons to popular breakfast pizzas from other convenience store chains, notably Casey’s General Store, which boasts over 2,200 locations across the Midwest. Such offerings highlight that Hunt Brothers is not merely a provider of gas station snacks but has carved out a respected niche in the breakfast market as well.
A Pioneering Influence in Frozen Pizza
Hunt Brothers is also known for its innovation in the frozen pizza market. The brand pioneered the rising crust style of frozen pizza in the 1990s, a trend that many associate with DiGiorno today. This advancement reflects its commitment to quality; the brand has changed perceptions surrounding convenience store food options.
Despite initial hesitance, customer feedback demonstrates that Hunt Brothers is changing the narrative. Their pizzas are no longer seen as inferior alternatives but rather as legitimate contenders in the competitive pizza market.
Rethink Convenience Store Options
It’s clear that Hunt Brothers Pizza is more than just a quick fix for late-night cravings or road trip munchies. With an expansive network of locations and a surprisingly diverse menu, it’s time to reconsider the potential of getting pizza from a convenience store. The next time you’re filling up your tank or grabbing snacks for your journey, take a moment to explore what Hunt Brothers has to offer — you just might be in for a treat.
