2026 Pizza Trade Traits Report

Pizza Traits & Insights to Watch in 2026

Annually, we take a crucial take a look at what’s taking place in pizzerias throughout the U.S. from pizza developments, labor market insights, advertising developments, know-how and a 2026 pizza {industry} forecast. We combed by means of lots of of pizzeria operators’ surveys, nationwide stories and key {industry} indicators to deliver you the 2026 Pizza Trade Traits Report.

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Pizzeria Trade Snapshot

The projected variety of pizzerias within the U.S. grew to 75,736 in 2025, in accordance with IBISWorld’s “Pizza Eating places within the US – Market Analysis Report.” Although pizza continues to be the brilliant spot within the total restaurant panorama, pizza restaurant income was estimated to fall by an estimated 0.3%, to succeed in $49.5 billion in 2025.

The Prime 4 pizza firms within the U.S. haven’t modified prior to now yr. They embody:

1. Domino’s
2. Pizza Hut
3. Little Caesars
4. Papa John’s

Search for shifts in America’s largest pizza firms within the coming yr. Because the yr ends, a number of information shops report that Yum Manufacturers, Pizza Hut’s father or mother firm, might look to promote the model. In November, Yum Manufacturers initiated “a proper evaluation of strategic choices for the Pizza Hut model”, in accordance with a Yum Manufacturers Investor Launch.

Papa John’s skilled late-year inventory turbulence, Axios reported. The media firm reported a $2.1 billion supply to take pizza chain non-public by Apollo World Administration, who later withdrew the supply.

Based on estimates, 45%-60% of the general pizzeria market is comprised of unbiased pizzerias. Over 83% of Pizzeria Operator Survey respondents are unbiased operators. The unbiased pizzerias represented are prosperous, with greater than 20% producing annual product sales of over $2 million and almost 42% reporting $1 million in gross sales.

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Desk of Contents — 2026 Pizza Trade Traits Report

 

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2026 Pizza Trade Key Findings

Prime Pizza Enterprise Traits to Watch in 2026

The pizzeria market is not like another within the restaurant {industry}, with its personal distinctive challenges, alternatives and developments. We’ve analyzed information from our operator survey, industry-specific analysis and our flagship occasions, Worldwide Pizza Expo and Pizza Expo Columbus, to deliver you insights about prime pizza enterprise developments to look at in 2026.

Synthetic Intelligence (AI) is powering restaurant companies. 

Synthetic intelligence options have been built-in into day-to-day operations. Ordering, stock, tools monitoring, employees administration and lots of extra areas are optimizing operations. The important thing in 2026 will probably be maximizing the place AI excels whereas leaning on human touchpoints in areas the place AI struggles. The extra you perceive AI’s capabilities and weaknesses, the higher geared up you’ll be within the AI revolution.

What’s in your tech stack? 

Expertise options have by no means been extra necessary for the unbiased pizzeria market. With options approachable to small-market pizzerias, extra operators are aligning their operational, monetary, advertising and worker methods with know-how options. Look to enhance and advance your tech stack in 2026.

Compete for client {dollars}. 

People have much less discretionary earnings than they did 5 years in the past. Count on each non-public and public sector workers to drag again on eating and search for cheap choices when feeding their households.

Reply the dine-In decline

Because the broader pizza {industry} continues to prioritize comfort and worth, dine-in institutions might want to lean into their distinctive attributes and total eating expertise.

Ordering apps are on the rise

Pizzerias are discovering methods to succeed in generations of consumers accustomed to third-party comfort and cellular expertise by constructing their very own apps.

On-line ordering and third-party supply publish massive gross sales numbers. 

For these operators who go all-in on digital gross sales, the efforts are paying off. Roughly 84% of pizzeria operators surveyed report gross sales from on-line ordering, averaging 26.9%. Over 18% surveyed reported on-line gross sales of greater than 45% of whole gross sales.

Over 46% of respondents use third-party supply, with the channel deriving 12.4% of total gross sales. Simply over 31.2% averaged 16% or extra from third-party supply.

With discretionary spending projected to say no, market your on-line ordering apps as diners search for handy, budget-friendly options to third-party supply.

Catering stays the go-to further income supply.

Whether or not on- or off-premises, catering continues to provide income to over half of pizzeria operators surveyed. Different Home-Made Items / Retail (16%), Room/Facility Rental (14.5%) and Merchandise (12.5%) additionally show to be good further income drivers. A income supply to look at in 2026 is frozen pizza and ready-to-make pizzas. Effectively-known unbiased pizzerias have entered the market and now seem in grocery shops throughout the nation.

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2026 Pizza Traits to Watch

We requested pizzeria operators for his or her prime pizza developments, and they didn’t disappoint, bringing creativity, culinary curiosity and confirmed pairings. Listed below are simply a number of the highlights.

Scorching Honey has taken over the pizza world.

The spicy and candy condiment’s dominance continues to surge with widespread adoption throughout all segments. Your 2026 objective is to maintain the ingredient at its highest relevance by staying curious with infused honey and sizzling honey pairings.

Suppose past discounting with pizza specials.

Chances are you’ll not have to low cost to drive curiosity and visits. Your Pizza of the Week – or of the Month – may very well be your subsequent massive factor! Don’t be afraid to get artistic however maintain your ingredient and prep prices in line.

Spicy is ALWAYS in season!

You don’t should go for the most popular pepper on the Scoville scale. Good medium- to high-heat flavors fulfill American palates.

Pizza is having a meat-centric second.

Meat-lover’s pizzas all the time offered effectively across the nation, however the present protein craze has elevated the demand for meaty pizzas.

 

Scorching Pizza Traits from the World’s Finest Pizza Makers

Pizza developments take heart stage on the Worldwide Pizza Problem and Nice American Pizza Problem. The perfect pizza makers from around the globe converge in Las Vegas to compete in a number of classes and total better of the most effective. The Detroit pizza development began at Pizza Expo. Right here’s a fast abstract of a number of the developments noticed on the 2025 competitors stage by problem emcee and Pizza At the moment contributor John Gutekanst.

1. Dig into the Dough Science: Lengthy fermentations and modern flour blends (e.g., rye and Tipo 0-floured poolish dough.

2. Regional and Worldwide Kinds:

• Development in Neapolitan and Basic divisions.
• Recognition of Detroit-style and Roman-style pizzas, with artistic use of toppings and crust strategies.
• Midwestern pan pizzas (reminiscent of Detroit) gained consideration for his or her simplicity and daring crusts.
• Specialty Crusts: Introduction of black rice crusts and Pinsa crusts (a mixture of soy, wheat and rice for an ethereal, low-gluten crust).

3. Inventive and Progressive Toppings: Rivals showcased distinctive taste combos, reminiscent of:

• Chorizo pizza with roasted butternut squash and matcha-goat cheese sauce.
• Kung Pao hen pizza with mushrooms and asparagus.
• Prosciutto and fig jam pizza with micro basil and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
• Detroit-style Reuben pizza with Wisconsin Brick Cheese and frico crust.
• Use of marinades and infusion strategies to reinforce flavors.
• Don’t Overlook the Ending Elements: Microgreens, edible flowers and smooth cheeses reminiscent of stracciatella as post-bake garnishes are the lacking substances so as to add wow-factor.

 

America’s Prime 10 Pizza Kinds of 2026

Listed below are the Prime 10 Pizza Kinds in the USA:

1. New York Fashion

2. Conventional American

3. Chicago Skinny (together with Tavern)

4. Detroit

5. Neapolitan/NEOpolitan

6. Sicilian

7. Deep Dish

8. Grandma

9. California/American Artisan

10. Roman

New York Fashion pizza continues to dominate the American market. Chicago skinny has risen to the Prime 3, whereas Detroit has damaged into the Prime 5.

Roman has entered the chat 

The thick, ethereal rectangular-cut Roman type has been a sluggish burn in its rise to the Prime 10.  Pizza al taglio is gentle and straightforward to digest, nice for health-conscious diners. Its look makes it a social star.

Search for New Haven Apizza to make a splash in 2026

With Connecticut tourism capitalizing on its famed pizza, we anticipate New Haven apizza to pop up across the nation. The skinny-crust, historically coal-fired pizza is understood for its char and chew.

 

2026 Trending Pizza Kinds

Greater than 45% of pizzeria operators surveyed indicated curiosity in including a brand new pizza type(s) to their menu.

Listed below are the Prime 5 Trending Pizza Kinds to look at in 2026:

1. Detroit

2. New York Fashion

3. Chicago Skinny (together with Tavern)

4. Deep Dish

5. Sicilian

Detroit continues to be a trendsetter. One other Midwest pizza additionally continues to achieve floor, as Chicago Skinny is showing on menus across the nation.

 

2026 Pizza Toppings Traits

Pizza topping preferences can differ by area. However first, let’s see which pizza toppings are the preferred nationally. This yr’s 20 hottest pizza toppings provided by pizzerias in the USA are:

Prime 20 Pizza Toppings within the U.S.:

1. Pepperoni

2. Sausage

3. Mushroom

4. Bacon

5. Onion

6. Further Cheese

7. Rooster

8. Black Olives

9. Canadian Bacon

10. Jalapeños

11. Ham

12. Crimson/Inexperienced Pepper

13. Meatballs

14. Pineapple

15. Basil

16. Beef

17. Contemporary Garlic

18. Banana Peppers

19. Spinach

20. Artichokes

 

Scorching Pizza Toppings in 2026

We requested pizzeria operators what pizza toppings they may add or check of their pizzerias throughout the coming yr. The findings have been diverse and included some fascinating toppings to strive in your subsequent pizza. Listed below are a number of the sizzling pizza toppings in 2026:

Chorizo:

The spicy Spanish sausage presents depth to a pizza. Whereas you should utilize floor chorizo, check the skinny slices that can cup and char like pepperoni.

Calabrian Chiles:

The Italian peppers are spicy, candy and just a little smoky. Pair them with salty meats and creamy cheese.

Figs:

Apart from being pictures gold, figs generally is a go-to while you need to construct a savory and candy mixture.

Pistachios:

This nut has hit a complete new degree, as culinary creatives have used pistachio mud as a ending topping and infused it into dough or whipped it into feta or ricotta with honey or lemon.

Ricotta:

It’s a staple in pizza kitchens. Ricotta has discovered a renewed zest as curious makers mix it with herbs, nuts and even fruit to raise the gentle, creamy cheese.

Brisket:

Fall-apart beef brisket is crimson sizzling. When you might imagine barbecue first, there are such a lot of functions for this smoked and slow-cooked meat.

Nduja:

One other Calabrian delicacy continues to development, nduja. Change up your favourite sausage pizza with nduja.

 

Toppings being ditched in 2026

Whereas the vast majority of operators we surveyed didn’t take away any toppings, some elected to remove a topping or two. With excessive ingredient prices, operators have regarded to slim their toppings listing to take away unpopular, low-demand and area of interest gadgets. Examples embody anchovies, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and shrimp.

 

Non-Pizza Menu Combine

The menu gadgets mirror a mixture of indulgent consolation meals, Italian classics, and versatile choices that cater to each particular person and group eating experiences. Wings, garlic knots, and salads stand out as probably the most universally common selections.

Prime 10 non-pizza menu gadgets present in American pizzerias in accordance with our survey are:

1. Wings

2. Garlic Knots & Breadsticks 

3. Salads

4. Mozzarella Sticks

5. Calzones/Stromboli

6. Pasta Dishes

7. Subs/Hoagies

8. Meatballs

9. Burgers

10. Rooster Tenders

 

 

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Illustration by Katie Wilson

Compete in At the moment’s Pizzeria Labor Market

Over 572,886 persons are employed in pizza eating places, in accordance with IBISWorld. The common hourly wage has elevated by 3.86%, survey respondents relay. The common vary for labor prices is roughly 23%-28%.

Restaurant staffing ranges slowed in 2025, in accordance with the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation. Whereas demand for workers is excessive, there was a major uptick in staff leaving their jobs.

As pizzerias compete for his or her share of the labor pool, operators might want to deal with recruitment and retention methods, in addition to analyzing their firm tradition, worker compensation and advantages.

Redefine your advantages package deal

Pizzeria operators supply a wide range of advantages for his or her workers. Primarily based on our survey, the commonest advantages are free meals, bonuses, paid break day, medical insurance, retirement packages and parental depart. As operators look to spherical out their 2026 advantages package deal, advantages reminiscent of profession growth packages, {industry} conferences and well being financial savings accounts might be engaging to workers and recruits. There are some advantages which have been popping up on the radar just lately value investigating, reminiscent of versatile scheduling, way of life spending accounts (LSAs) and psychological well being help.

Pizzeria operators in 2026 ought to put together for a aggressive labor market with regular job progress, excessive turnover and average wage will increase. Retention methods, aggressive pay and recruitment from various labor swimming pools will probably be important to navigating these circumstances.

Workforce Demographic Shift: Are you tapping into hiring older staff?

May retired People be a solution for the labor points? Staff 65 and older are actually the fastest-growing section of the U.S. workforce, in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whereas the vast majority of older staff haven’t retired and plan to proceed working, 29% have reentered the workforce after retirement, an SHRM analysis examine finds. The examine goes on to report that 91% of older staff are glad with their jobs and 87% really feel engaged at work. Over 70 p.c say they don’t really feel burnt out. There’s additionally a really excessive sense of loyalty and dedication to their jobs (70%).

 

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Client Perspective

Based on the newest information from the U.S. Division of Agriculture, People spend about 56% of their whole meals budgets on eating places annually. Whereas many operators noticed foot site visitors sluggish in 2025 (37% of People have scaled again on restaurant visits), year-over-year gross sales are rising, in accordance with Black Field Intelligence, which stories same-store gross sales have been up 1.1% yr over yr in September after peaking at 2.4% in July.

Complete meals service {industry} gross sales are anticipated to prime $1.5 trillion in 2025 – and since late 2023, spending at unbiased eating places has been outperforming chains in more and more giant numbers 2024, in accordance with information from Financial institution of America.

Look ahead to the annual gross sales stoop to hit in January, as shoppers attempt to recuperate from vacation spending. Gross sales usually rebound beginning in February, as cabin fever units in.

Client Confidence

Client confidence stays comparatively excessive however shaky, in accordance with The Convention Board, whose Client Confidence Index fell one level to 98.5 in October. People beneath age 35 and people incomes lower than $75,000 per yr usually tend to have declining confidence within the labor market and enterprise circumstances, in accordance with the report.

In the meantime, the group’s Expectations Index fell 2.9 factors to 71.5 throughout the identical interval. The index is taken into account a bellwether for looming recession when it drops beneath 80 foundation factors, which has been the case since February 2025.

Based on a client outlook report launched by the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation in October, “Shoppers on the mixture will seemingly have the monetary wherewithal to help their spending.”

 

Workplace Staff Skipping Lunch

An October report from restaurant and catering market ezCater signifies workplace staff more and more are consuming lunch at their desks, with staff within the Gen Z and millennial generations least more likely to go to eating places throughout the midday hour. Among the many findings:

• 78% of workers report altering lunch habits on account of inflation, choosing cheaper options (31%), consuming fewer meals (31%) and selecting worth choices (22%).
• 49% of staff skip lunch at the least as soon as per week, and 17% are doing it to save cash.
• 40% of younger workplace staff say their firm tradition discourages going out to lunch.

Providing worth meals and afternoon supply service is perhaps key to reaching this demographic, which feels more and more tethered to their desks. A report from Yelp reveals that searches are up for “meal deal” (117%), “worth meal (22%) and “low-cost eats (21%) in 2025.

As fast-food eating places are pressured to lift costs, informal eating spots more and more are considered as having higher meals at comparable costs.

 

Take-out and Supply

Practically half of all shoppers report getting meals to go at the least as soon as per week – and for younger adults, the numbers are even larger, in accordance with the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation (NRA).

The NRA  says 30%-40% of eating places have made adjustments to enhance the expertise for off-premise orders together with take-out, third-party supply providers and drive-thru, since these channels picked up throughout the pandemic and retained reputation after the tip of social distancing.

In the case of ordering pizza for supply or take-out, 64% of shoppers report a choice for inserting orders digitally, in accordance with restaurant software program agency Altametrics, which provides that loyalty packages can enhance frequency of visits.

 

Loyalty Applications

It prices considerably much less to retain a buyer than purchase a brand new one, and a stable approach to enhance return clients is by providing a loyalty program.

Whereas loyalty rewards reminiscent of a free slice for each 10 would possibly look like cash strolling out the door, loyalty program members usually make 22% extra visits than non-members, in accordance with customer-research agency Circana.

Restaurant-management platform Restoworks argues that personalised messages based mostly on order historical past could make clients 72% extra more likely to return, so assume twice earlier than sending blanket e-blasts and textual content messages to your whole contact listing.

Having a buyer’s order instantly accrue rewards at level of sale is a seamless approach to foster model loyalty. Bear in mind: If you happen to determine to vary loyalty platforms, give patrons loads of discover that they’ll want to make use of their rewards or lose them.

 

Dine-in Experiences

With restricted {dollars}, shoppers more and more are prioritizing experiences when selecting to dine out. Whether or not it’s an Instagram-worthy backdrop, a secret menu or choices that cater to these with restricted diets, diners are on the lookout for issues that set eating places aside.

Yelp additionally discovered that patrons more and more are trying to find “solo eating” ( up 271% in Q1 2025) and “finest place to eat alone (150%). Whereas pizza is among the many most sharable meals on the planet, eating places needs to be ready to serve solo diners touring for enterprise or on the lookout for an after-work choose me up.

 

GLP-1 Slims Down Portion Sizes

About 12% of People report utilizing GLP-1 weight-loss medication, in accordance with Kaiser Household Basis, a health-policy nonprofit group. The medicines cut back urge for food and sluggish digestion, main customers to really feel full longer.

Shoppers consuming much less more and more have to be centered on macros once they do eat, particularly protein, which is necessary for sustaining muscle throughout weight reduction.

Restaurant homeowners in some areas the place GLP-1 use is excessive, reminiscent of Los Angeles, have created so-called “mini-meals” that attraction to shoppers with smaller appetites. Pizzerias that supply lunch service typically do that already – providing single-serving pizzas or slices. This could cut back waste and drive site visitors from shoppers who don’t need to reply questions on why they aren’t ending their meals.

GLP-1s can also immediate customers to crave extra healthful choices as a substitute of fattening snacks. Contemplate including a soup and salad part to your menu to satiate common clients with altering tastes.

To this point, brand-name GLP-1s have been prohibitively costly, however that every one might change in March 2026, when the patent for semaglutide (generally referred to as Ozempic) expires in lots of international locations, that means drug producers might promote generic variations for much less. Canada is predicted to start promoting generic GLP-1 medicines subsequent yr, and with the price of U.S. well being care rising, search for larger adoption amongst People.

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2026 Advertising and marketing Traits for Pizza Eating places

Advertising and marketing in the present day is targeted on data-driven outcomes. It’s critical for pizzeria operators to stay agile in 2026 with their advertising methods.

Large Image Advertising and marketing Traits to Watch in 2026

Storytelling takes a extra vital function: The differentiator in a world of 24/7 advertising will probably be sharing your pizzeria’s distinctive tales.

Synthetic Intelligence to do extra of the advertising operational raise:

AI will probably be a go-to device for content material and advertising initiative administration, in addition to analytics. Entrepreneurs will lean extra closely into AI-driven workflows in advertising methods.

Hyper-personalization goes subsequent degree to ship customer-specific advertising:

With the assistance of AI, entrepreneurs are ready dive into first-party information and create distinctive methods particular to every buyer’s pursuits, preferences and vital life occasions.

Mix bodily and digital experiences:

On-line and in-person engagement, like live-streaming occasions and augmented actuality.

Search has gone conversational:

AI assistants are altering the search algorithm. Tailor your website positioning technique to make use of pure language queries and conversational search.

Pizzeria-specific Advertising and marketing Traits to Watch in 2026

Whereas big-picture developments are inclined to get the highlight, it’s necessary to hone in on distinction makers that drive pizzeria advertising. Discover the next marking focuses as you dive into 2026:

• Get actual along with your social marketing campaign to share your real model.
• Step up the frequency along with your loyalty program to drive repeat enterprise.
• Faucet into nostalgic and artistic campaigns.
• Showcase experience-based content material.
• Lean into your Distinctive Promoting Proposition (USP).
• Stand out along with your limited-time presents.
• Capitalize on user-generated content material to hype up your corporation.

As pizzerias discover their area of interest, we discover the effectiveness of a broad vary of promoting methods to see what resonates with their clients. Right here is how every ranked from best to least efficient:

Reasonable to Extremely Efficient Advertising and marketing Methods

1. Social Media Promoting
2. Phrase of Mouth
3. Loyalty Applications
4. Group/Sports activities Occasions
5. Electronic mail
6. Textual content
7. Video Advertising and marketing
8. In-store Promoting
9. Social Media Influencer Campaigns

 

Advertising and marketing Methods with Much less to No Effectiveness

1. Flyer
2. Direct Mail
3. Search Advertisements
4. Door Hanger
5. Billboard
6. Public Relations/Press Releases
7. Geofencing
8. Radio Advertisements
9. Tv Advertisements
10. Journal Advertisements
11. Newspaper Advertisements

 

Pizzeria Social Media Traits for 2026

Social media is the No. 1 means pizzerias market to shoppers. We requested operators surveyed to charge the effectiveness of social channels they at present use to advertise their pizza companies. There’s some shakeup amongst social media platforms. Here’s what we discovered:

• Fb barely edged out Instagram as the simplest platform.
• TikTok has made big good points for pizzerias as manufacturers discover their area of interest within the common app.
• Instagram and TikTok are confirmed winners with foodies.
• YouTube continues to be a great area of interest for operators who leverage long-form movies.
• Continuous algorithm adjustments on social platforms will maintain pizzeria entrepreneurs on their toes.

Quick-form video dominates the social area. Comply with this intently, as shorts have cooled on a macro degree.

 

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Expertise Traits

Maintaining with (and staying forward of) restaurant know-how is driving pizzerias to put money into new tech and advancing know-how. Over 70% of survey contributors invested in new know-how purchases prior to now 12 months. Listed below are the applied sciences ranked by most bought to least:

POS System – 32%

On-line Ordering – 26%

Loyalty System – 18%

Cellphone System – 16%

Cell Cost (e.g. Google, Apple, CashApp, and so forth.) – 13.5%

Ordering App – 13%

Textual content Ordering – 11%

Contactless Cost – 9.8%

Tablets for Servers – 8.6%

Kitchen Show Programs (KDS) – 6.9%

Digital Menu Boards – 5.7%

Scheduling Expertise – 5.3%

Full In-house Supply – 4.9%

Synthetic Intelligence (AI) Voice or Chat Ordering / Buyer Service – 4.9%

Automated Stock Administration System – 4.1%

Paging System – 3.7%

Digital Waitlisting – 2.4%

Self-serve Tablets/Kiosks at Desk – 2.0%

Renewable Vitality (e.g. photo voltaic, wind, and so forth.) – 1.6%

Automated Meal Preparation – 1.6%

Dynamic Value Module – 1.2%

Autonomous Supply – 0.8%

Order Kiosks in Foyer/at Counter – 0.8%

 

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2026 Pizzeria Tools Shopping for Traits

What about basic restaurant tools? Automation purchases have elevated as operators search for effectivity, consistency and labor financial savings. We requested our respondents, “What tools do you intend to buy within the subsequent 12 months?” Right here have been the outcomes:

Refrigeration – 46.2%

Oven – 44.1%

Prep Desk – 32.2%

Freezer – 26.6%

Mixer – 26.6%

Ice Machine – 18.2%

Makeline – 13.3%

Meals Holding/Warming/Cooling Desk – 11.9%

Dishwasher – 11.9%

Rounder – 11.2%

Fryer – 11.2%

Press or Sheeter – 10.5%

Show Cupboards – 9.8%

Shredder – 9.1%

Proofing Cupboard – 8.4%

Divider – 8.4%

SMART Home equipment – 2.1%

Supply System – 2.1%

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A Look Ahead

What retains operators up at evening?

As we peer into one other yr, uncertainty plagues the restaurant {industry}.  Addressing a number of the prime enterprise issues will help pizzeria operators as they navigate upcoming challenges. We requested pizzeria operators what their No.1 enterprise concern is. Amongst lots of of responses, we analyzed and located frequent themes. Listed below are the outcomes, together with actions you’ll be able to take into account to handle every concern:

Labor Challenges: Staffing points dominate, with issues about discovering expert staff, retaining workers and managing rising labor prices.

Actions: Put money into employee-retention packages, coaching and aggressive advantages to draw and maintain expert staff.

Financial Pressures: Inflation, lowered disposable earnings and a sluggish economic system are impacting buyer spending and restaurant profitability.

Actions: Keep laser centered on prices and income era that may offset financial shifts.

Price Administration: Rising prices throughout meals, labor and operations are a common concern, with many struggling to keep up margins.

Actions: Deal with environment friendly buying, lowering waste and leveraging know-how to handle rising prices.

Buyer Retention: Eating places are centered on retaining clients engaged and dependable amidst declining site visitors and elevated competitors.

Actions: Construct loyalty packages, improve the eating expertise and use focused advertising to retain and entice clients.

Authorities and Tariffs: Insurance policies, tariffs and regulatory adjustments are including to operational prices and uncertainty.

Actions: Keep knowledgeable in an ever-changing panorama. Optimize your provide chain and sourcing and modify pricing methods.

Gross sales Development: Many are on the lookout for modern methods to extend gross sales, entice new clients and drive repeat visits.

Actions: Discover added income streams.

Sustainability and Well being: There’s a rising emphasis on providing extra healthful, sustainable and high-quality substances to fulfill buyer expectations.

Actions: Spotlight clear, natural and non-GMO substances to align with health-conscious developments.

Competitors: The inflow of chain eating places and oversaturation in some markets is intensifying competitors for eating {dollars}.

Actions: Emphasize your distinctive promoting proposition. Leverage focused advertising, loyalty packages and partnerships with native companies

 

Pizzeria Trade Outlook Optimistic

A majority of pizzeria operators (66%) are optimistic concerning the outlook of the pizza {industry} within the subsequent 12-18 months. Although optimism is down 2.5% over final yr, the general pizza {industry} feels assured about their companies going into 2026.

Pizzerias’ enterprise priorities to develop gross sales (70.6%), keep present enterprise (62%) and add income streams (30.6%) have been among the many highest responses. Just below 1 / 4 of respondents look to develop new models or develop or renovate present unit(s).

Optimism interprets into optimistic gross sales and revenue margins projections

Over 78.8% of survey respondents anticipate an uptick in gross annual gross sales – a achieve of 19.8% over the earlier yr. Twenty-nine p.c of all operators surveyed anticipating gross sales to be up by 10% – a rise of 9% over the earlier yr. Optimism filters into revenue margin projections as 64.5% of operators surveyed anticipate revenue margins to be up, with 29% on the lookout for 10% good points or extra.

 

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The 2026 Pizza Trade Traits Report was produced by Pizza At the moment with evaluation and coordination by Editor in Chief Denise Greer and Senior Editor Kate Lavin.

Structure, Pictures and Artwork coordination by Design Lead Katie Wilson.

All Illustrations by Katie Wilson.