With countless chains vying for a slice of the market, it’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff—or in this case, the mozzarella from the cardboard. In this comprehensive ranking, we’ll explore 10 popular pizza chains, starting with the worst offenders and working our way up to the crème de la crème of chain pizza.
10. Chuck E. Cheese: Not Just Child’s Play
At the bottom of our list sits Chuck E. Cheese, a chain that prioritizes entertainment over culinary excellence. While it may be a hit with the younger crowd, the pizza itself leaves much to be desired. The crust often lacks crispiness, the sauce can be bland, and the toppings are typically of low quality. Food critics and pizza enthusiasts alike consistently rank Chuck E. Cheese at the bottom of their lists, citing its subpar ingredients and focus on arcade games rather than pizza craftsmanship.
However, it’s worth noting that Chuck E. Cheese has made efforts to improve its pizza quality in recent years. They’ve introduced a new recipe with a crispier crust and more flavorful sauce, but these changes have yet to significantly impact their ranking in the competitive world of chain pizzas.
9. Cici’s: Quantity Over Quality
Cici’s Pizza, known for its all-you-can-eat buffet, comes in at number nine on our list. While the chain offers an impressive variety of pizzas at an affordable price point, the quality often suffers as a result. Critics frequently describe Cici’s pizza as having a cardboard-like crust and congealed toppings, indicative of mass production rather than careful craftsmanship.
Despite its shortcomings, Cici’s does have its merits. The buffet format allows customers to try a wide range of flavors and styles, which can be appealing for families or groups with diverse tastes. Additionally, their dessert pizzas, particularly the cinnamon rolls, have garnered a following among sweet-toothed pizza lovers.
8. Little Caesars: Hot-N-Ready, But at What Cost?
Little Caesars has built its empire on the promise of “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas at rock-bottom prices. While this model has certainly found its niche in the market, it often comes at the expense of quality. The pizza’s crust can be inconsistent, sometimes too doughy and other times overcooked. The sauce and cheese are generally unremarkable, and the toppings are basic at best.
However, Little Caesars deserves credit for its convenience and affordability. For those on a tight budget or in need of a quick meal, the chain offers a viable option. Their Crazy Bread, a side of garlic-parmesan breadsticks, has become a cult favorite and is often cited as the highlight of the Little Caesars experience.
7. Pizza Hut: Nostalgia on a Platter
Once the king of pizza chains, Pizza Hut has seen its reputation decline in recent years. While many still hold fond memories of the red-roofed restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets, the quality of Pizza Hut’s offerings has become inconsistent. The thick, greasy crust that was once a signature has fallen out of favor with health-conscious consumers, and the toppings often lack the freshness found in higher-ranked chains.
Despite these challenges, Pizza Hut remains a significant player in the industry. Their stuffed crust pizza, introduced in 1995, continues to be a popular choice among cheese lovers. The chain has also made efforts to modernize its menu with artisanal-style pizzas and a greater focus on delivery and takeout options to compete in the evolving market.
6. Papa John’s: Better Ingredients, Better Pizza?
Papa John’s has long touted its commitment to “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” While the chain has made strides in using higher-quality ingredients compared to some of its competitors, the execution doesn’t always live up to the marketing. The crust can be hit-or-miss, sometimes achieving a satisfying crunch and other times falling flat. The sauce, however, is often praised for its slightly sweet and herby profile.
One area where Papa John’s shines is its commitment to innovation. The chain regularly introduces new specialty pizzas and has expanded its menu to include options like Papadias (pizza-sandwich hybrids) to cater to changing consumer tastes. Their garlic sauce, provided as a dipping option with every pizza, has become a cult favorite and sets them apart from other chains.
5. Domino’s: The Comeback Kid
Domino’s has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once the butt of jokes about cardboard-like pizza, the chain took a bold step in 2009 by publicly acknowledging its shortcomings and completely overhauling its recipe. The result has been a significant improvement in quality and a surge in popularity.
Today, Domino’s offers a consistently good pizza with a flavorful crust, robust sauce, and a wide variety of toppings. Their commitment to technology and convenience, with features like pizza tracking and easy online ordering, has also contributed to their success. While Domino’s may not offer the gourmet experience of higher-ranked chains, it provides a reliable and satisfying option for pizza delivery.
4. Jet’s Pizza: Detroit-Style Delight
Jet’s Pizza may not have the national recognition of some larger chains, but it has carved out a devoted following with its Detroit-style pizza. Known for its square shape, crispy edges, and generous toppings, Jet’s offers a unique take on chain pizza that sets it apart from the competition.
The thick, airy crust is a standout feature, achieving a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. Jet’s also doesn’t skimp on toppings, providing a satisfying ratio of cheese, sauce, and additional ingredients. Their 8-corner pizza, which maximizes the coveted crispy edges, has become a fan favorite. While Jet’s may not be as widely available as some other chains, it’s worth seeking out for those looking for a taste of Detroit-style pizza excellence.
3. MOD Pizza: Customization is King
MOD Pizza has disrupted the chain pizza landscape with its fast-casual, build-your-own pizza concept. Customers can choose from a wide array of toppings, all for a single price, allowing for nearly endless customization. This model has proven especially popular with younger consumers who value personalization and transparency in their food choices.
Beyond the customization factor, MOD Pizza impresses with the quality of its ingredients. The thin crust achieves a nice crispiness, and the toppings are noticeably fresh. Food critics have praised MOD for its commitment to using high-quality, often locally-sourced ingredients. The chain also offers a selection of curated combinations for those who prefer a more guided experience. With its focus on quality, customization, and quick service, MOD Pizza represents the future of chain pizza dining.
2. Marco’s Pizza: Authentic Italian-American Flavor
Founded by an Italian immigrant, Marco’s Pizza has stayed true to its roots by focusing on authentic Italian-American flavors. The chain prides itself on using fresh, never-frozen dough made in-store daily, which results in a crust with excellent texture and flavor. Marco’s sauce is another standout, with a blend of Roma tomatoes and a secret spice mix that gives it a distinctively zesty taste.
What sets Marco’s apart is its commitment to using premium ingredients across the board. The cheese blend includes both mozzarella and a secret white cheese, creating a rich and creamy topping. Toppings are generously applied and of noticeably higher quality than many competing chains. Food critics consistently rank Marco’s near the top of chain pizza lists, praising its balance of flavors and attention to detail in preparation.
1. Blaze Pizza: Fast-Fire’d Perfection
Taking the top spot in our ranking is Blaze Pizza, a relatively new player in the chain pizza game that has quickly risen to prominence. Blaze combines the customization model popularized by MOD Pizza with a focus on high-quality, artisanal ingredients and a unique cooking method that sets it apart from the competition.
The key to Blaze’s success lies in its 180-second cooking process, which uses an extremely hot open-flame oven to create a perfectly crisp crust with just the right amount of char. This method allows for a made-to-order experience without sacrificing speed or quality. The dough is made from scratch and allowed to ferment for 24 hours, resulting in a light, airy crust with excellent flavor.
Blaze offers an impressive array of high-quality toppings, from classic favorites to more gourmet options like roasted garlic, artichokes, and arugula. The chain also caters to various dietary needs with gluten-free crust options and vegan cheese alternatives. Food critics and pizza enthusiasts alike have praised Blaze for its innovative approach, consistently ranking it at or near the top of chain pizza lists.
What truly sets Blaze apart is its ability to deliver a customized, high-quality pizza experience in a fast-casual setting. By combining the best elements of traditional pizzerias with modern culinary trends and efficient service, Blaze Pizza has redefined what chain pizza can be, earning it the top spot in our ranking.
