Watch out, Pizza Hut. There are new cheesy franchises coming for you. Franchiserankings.com has released its monthly list of the pizza franchises with best overall opportunity. And just because a franchise is large, like Domino's, doesn't mean it's looking to expand.
The site uses not only news sources and customer and employee feedback, but also examines five areas that usually make startups successful to evaluate franchises, including growth prospects, marketing support, training, ongoing support and value.
Here are the top five best pizza franchises in the country, because who doesn't love a good slice of pizza?
1. Figaro's Pizza
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Franchise score: 100%
HQ: Salem, OR
Number of franchises: 56
Take on pie: It markets itself on being "leaner than most pizzas," due to no added MSG.
Figaro's was also voted No. 27 on "Best Overall Franchises Company" for this month. The company attributes its success to its original "take and bake operation," where customers picked up pre-made pizzas. Of course, you can get a hot pizza there nowadays.
2. Nick-N-Willy's
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Franchise score: 99.8%
HQ: Boulder, CO
Number of franchises: 65
Take on pie: Made-from-scratch proprietary dough that is kneaded and tossed by hand.
At first a take and bake company, Nick-N-Willy's is now a casual family-style restaurant. Figaro's Pizza acquired Nick-N-Willy's in 2012.
3. Pizza Schmizza
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Franchise score: 99.4%
HQ: Portland, OR
Number of franchises: 23
Take on pie: Pizza-by-the-slice featuring unique flavors such as spicy thai and steak and potato.
In 2004, Pizza Schmizza earned a media award from the Oregon Department of Human Services for a program that discourages underage drinking. Talk about family-friendly.
4. Little Caesars
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Franchise score: 99%
HQ: Detroit
Number of franchises: N/A
Take on pie: Super affordable, carry-out pizza without tables or chairs.
Little Caesars may have scored fourth place in franchising, but it's the third-largest pizza chain in the United States. Started in a small suburb in 1959, by 1987, Little Caesars had locations in all 50 states.
5. Johnny's Pizza
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Franchise score: 98.6%
HQ: Manlius, NY
Number of franchises: 70
Take on pie: New York style pizza (which can't go wrong) that found success in the Southeast.
Johnny Brusco's is also a spinoff of Johnny's Pizza, where Johnny was given a last name for national stores.
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