Pizza Market Prime 100
Cicis Pizza took residence the highest honors as Pizza Market’s annual occasion in Las Vegas; Moto Pizza received a tech award from XRobotics and Pizza Nova’s Domenic Primucci was the highest govt of the yr.
Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Market, Whitney Cartmill, Director of Buyer Expertise at Cicis Pizza and Invoice Mitchell, CEO of HungerRush. Picture: Willie Lawless/ Join Media
March 25, 2026 by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
Coppell, Texas-based Cicis Pizza did not simply take part within the pizza wars this yr — it staged a coup. After a yr of explosive development and digital dominance, Cicis has formally secured the No. 1 spot on Pizza Market’s 2026 checklist of the Prime 100 Movers and Shakers.
By mixing “countless” nostalgia with high-tech evolution, the model has confirmed {that a} legacy idea can do extra than simply survive; it could actually lead the pack. The centerpiece of Cicis’ 2025 technique was the launch of Cicis Rewards. Removed from simply one other loyalty app, this system grew to become an in a single day sensation, surpassing 500,000 signups throughout the first 30 days and hitting No. 1 within the Meals & Drink class on the Apple App Retailer. This efficiently turned informal diners into tremendous followers, considerably boosting go to frequency.
A model with soul
Additionally, Cicis did not simply replace its software program; it up to date its soul, rolling out a refreshed inside prototype that modernized the buffet expertise whereas leaning into the customizable, enjoyable environment friends have beloved for many years. This facelift, mixed with a menu that balances nostalgic favorites with fashionable new choices, fueled spectacular year-over-year systemwide gross sales development.
The model opened eight eating places in 2025 and has over 14 agreements within the growth pipeline.
“Cicis has mastered the uncommon artwork of evolving whereas staying rooted in worth. Their capacity to scale digital engagement with out shedding their ‘value-driven’ identification is strictly why they’re essentially the most influential participant within the class as we speak,” mentioned Mandy Wolf Detwiler, editor of Pizza Market.
By a potent mixture of operational grit and guest-focused innovation, Cicis Pizza has reclaimed its crown, proving that on the planet of pizza, consistency and connection are the last word elements for fulfillment.
Behind the Prime 100
To make the 100 checklist, which incorporates the highest 75 manufacturers and the highest 25 pizza trade executives, manufacturers nominated themselves and had been vetted by a panel of judges. They measured their development, use of tech and management within the trade. This yr’s occasion was sponsored by HungerRush, Momos, Onosys, xRobotics, HIX Company and Vivant.
Through the occasion, Washington-based Moto Pizza was awarded the Visionary in Expertise Award given by xRobotics for the model’s excellent dedication to innovation and know-how.
Pizza Market’s Prime Government for 2026 was Domenic Primucci, president of Canadian pizza firm Pizza Nova. Detwiler has continuously praised Primucci’s management through the annual “Movers & Shakers” ceremonies.
“Domenic Primucci and Pizza Nova embody what it means to be a ‘Mover and Shaker’ on this trade,” Detwiler mentioned. “To keep up a 60-year legacy whereas staying on the forefront of innovation — from sustainable proteins to community-first management — is a uncommon feat. Domenic’s inclusion amongst our high executives yr after yr is a testomony to his capacity to guide with each coronary heart and a forward-thinking imaginative and prescient for the way forward for pizza.”
Nominations for the Pizza Market Prime 100 Movers & Shakers 2027 checklist will open in December.
CLICK HERE to learn the total checklist of 75 high manufacturers and 25 high executives.
About Mandy Wolf Detwiler
Mandy Wolf Detwiler is the managing editor at Networld Media Group and the location editor for PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com. She has greater than 20 years’ expertise protecting meals, folks and locations.
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An award-winning print journalist, Mandy brings greater than 20 years’ expertise to Networld Media Group. She has spent almost twenty years protecting the pizza trade, from impartial pizzerias to multi-unit chains and each measurement enterprise in between. Mandy has been featured on the Meals Community and has received quite a few awards for her protection of the restaurant trade. She has an insatiable urge for food for studying, and might let you know the place to seek out the most effective slices within the nation after spending 15 years touring and consuming pizza for a residing.Â
