9 of the best fast-food pizza chains across the US

Founded in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney in Wichita, Kansas, Pizza Hut is now international and it was one of the first pizza chains to offer nationwide online ordering for delivery.

Its menu consists of a variety of pizzas, pasta dishes, wings, sides, desserts, and soft drinks.

Currently, there are over 16,000 franchised Pizza Huts across the globe in more than 100 countries.

Domino's Pizza began in Michigan in 1960 when brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought a locally owned pizza restaurant called DomiNick's for $500.

The eatery underwent a number of changes and, after franchising many locations, Domino's became the fastest-growing pizza chain in the US in 1985.

Today, the chain has almost 14,000 locations throughout the world and it is known for its menu of pizzas, sides, desserts, soft drinks, and unique hot sandwiches, plates of pasta, and chicken dishes.

Little Caesars began in 1959 when husband and wife Mike and Marian Ilitch opened their first pizza restaurant in Garden City, Michigan.

The restaurant began to expand, eventually opening locations throughout the US and in countries all over the world.

For decades, Little Caesars has been known for its affordability and efficiency.

In 1979, the company launched its two-for-one pizza campaign, which established the tagline, "Pizza! Pizza!" that is now synonymous with the company. In 1997, Little Caesars began offering "hot-n-ready" pizzas that are available for quick pickup at any location.

The company currently has thousands of locations and has since expanded to offer delivery.

"Papa" John Schnatter founded the first Papa John's restaurant in 1984.

He opened the restaurant in the back of his father's tavern and the company quickly grew to have thousands of locations, including franchised, independently owned restaurants.

Papa John's brands itself as a pizza company focused on using "fresh, quality ingredients," which are all listed on its website. The chain offers takeout and delivery of its menu, which consists of pizzas, sides, desserts, drinks, and its signature garlic dipping sauce.

In 2018, the company was named the fourth-largest pizza chain in America behind Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesar's.

Blaze Pizza was founded in 2011 by Rick and Elise Wetzel, the founders of the popular chain Wetzel's Pretzels.

The California-based chain's biggest draw is that it offers fresh-made dough and allows diners to customize their own pizzas.

Customers can choose from a range of crusts (including keto-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options), plus tons of different cheeses, proteins, vegetables, and sauces. After being customized, the pies are cooked with fire at the location and are ready within minutes.

The chain also serves signature lemonades, agua frescas (fruity blended drinks), and desserts.

Brothers Don, Charlie, Jim, and Lonnie Hunt established Hunt Brothers Pizza in 1991.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Hunt Brothers is a chain that is located in places such as gas stations, convenience stores, sports arenas, schools, and even military bases.

Hunt Brothers Pizza is focused on being available to customers whether they are at home or on the road, and it currently has thousands of locations throughout the US.

Established in 1956 by Carmela and Gennaro Sbarro in Brooklyn, New York, Sbarro set out to serve large slices of New York-style pizza to people looking for a quick meal. Today, the goal is still the same.

The company operates over 600 locations throughout 28 countries, and Sbarro eateries can be found in shopping malls, airports, service areas, schools, casinos, and even The Pentagon.

Its menu consists of the classic extra-large New York-style pizza, thick-crust pizza, stromboli, pasta, salads, and other sides.

Founded in 2008 by husband and wife Scott and Ally Svenson in their hometown of Seattle, MOD Pizza is different from many other pizza chains.

Instead of offering customers a choice of established pizza recipes, MOD Pizza has a create-your-own model. Customers order individual pizzas and customize them with over 30 different toppings.

The pizzas are made when you order them and are then baked in a high-heat oven for mere minutes. The result is a completely personalized, fast-casual pizza experience that has MOD pizza growing in popularity.

The company has over 400 locations throughout the US and UK.

In 1978, Italy native Pasquale "Pat" Giammarco founded Marco's Pizza in Oregon, Ohio, just outside of Toledo. His original goal was to serve high-quality, authentic Italian food featuring his family's trademark sauce recipe.

Today, the chain seems to be achieving Giammarco's goal around the globe — Marco's Pizza is now a fast-growing chain with over 900 locations across 35 states and four countries. In 2019, Marco's was also dubbed one of the best pizza chains in America.

The chain's menu features a variety of pizzas, sub sandwiches, salads, sides, and desserts.

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