Pizza Today mails out surveys to independent pizzerias across the country and annually ranks the the pizza industry’s largest independent pizzerias in the U.S. based on gross sales. Using the responses, let’s break down Hot 100 stats:

Operational breakdown

• The average Hot 100 pizzeria operates three units.
• Average age of a pizzeria in the Hot 100 is 27 years old.
• Nearly 40% of Hot 100 pizzerias plan to open at least one unit in the next year.
• Hot 100 pizzerias with dine-in areas average 155 seats.
• The average dinner check for a Hot 100 pizzeria is $23.46.
• Of those who offer dine-in, it accounts for 62% of sales.
• 60% of Hot 100 pizzerias offer delivery.
• 93% of Hot 100 pizzerias offer carryout.
• 76% of Hot 100 Pizzerias offer catering.
• 92% of Hot 100 pizzerias have a POS system.
• 42% of Hot 100 Pizzerias have an online ordering system.

Menu breakdown

• Of Hot 100 pizzerias, pizza accounts for an average of 69% of total food sales.
• 47% of Hot 100 pizzerias offer pizza by the slice.
• 36% of Hot 100 Pizzerias offer take-n-bake pizza.
• 22% of Hot 100 Pizzerias offer a buffet.
• 90% of Hot 100 Pizzerias serve appetizers.
• 70% of Hot 100 Pizzerias serve pasta.
• 87% of Hot 100 Pizzerias serve sandwiches.
• 98% of Hot 100 Pizzerias offer vegetarian options.

Alcohol breakdown

• 84% of Hot 100 pizzerias serve alcohol.
• 84% of Hot 100 pizzerias serve beer.
• Of those who offer beer, it makes up an average of 63% of alcohol sales.
• 80% of Hot 100 pizzerias serve wine.
• Of those who offer wine, it makes up an average of 23% of alcohol sales.
• 50% of Hot 100 pizzerias serve liquor.
• Of those who offer liquor, it makes up an average of 22% of alcohol sales.