Last month, we published our list of the nation’s 100 most successful independent operations. Now, we present to you our yearly listing of America’s 100 largest pizza chains. Click here to view the list.
SIX UP AND COMERS
#12 Marco’s Pizza
Toledo, Ohio
The Italian artisan pizza company has made great strides in 2013, up nine spots in the Top 100, increasing total units to 387 (274 in 2012) and $280 million in gross annual sales, a significant jump from its 2012 sales of $143,923,217. Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco opened the first location in 1978. Today, Marco’s operates units in 29 states and three countries.
#36 Johnny’s Pizza/Johnny Busco’s Pizza
Fayetteville, Georgia
The Atlanta, Georgia-based pizza franchise rose 18 spots from last year and generated $76 million in gross annual sales in 2013 (up from $44 million in 2012). Bruce Jackson and Scott Allen opened the first Johnny’s Pizza in 1977, adding the affiliate company, Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza in 2003. The franchise operates locations in Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.
#40 Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen
Morristown, New Jersey
Villa Fresh climbed 29 spots and added 60 units this year. The pizza company’s gross annual sales total $63,908,405 (up from $35,910,000 in 2012). The enterprise began as a small pizzeria next to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. Today, Villa operates 260 units, including 34 international locations.
#54 Beggars Pizza
Blue Island, Illinois
The Chicago, Illinois-based pizza company has raised 16 spots from last year, adding two units (22 total in 2013) and increasing its gross annual sales to $40,471,209 (from $35,384,890 in 2012). Angelo Garetto founded Beggars in 1976. Larry and Peter, Angelo’s sons, run the pizza company today.
#58 Toppers Pizza
Whitewater, Wisconsin
The Midwest pizza company climbed 28 spots from 2012, reporting gross sales of $39.5 million (up from $29 million in 2012). Scott Gittrich opened the first location in 1991. The chain has grown to 49 company-owned and franchised units.
#80 Pizza My Heart
Los Gatos, California
The surf-themed chain moved up 10 places from 2012 and reports gross sales at $28.1 million. Opened in 1981, Pizza My Heart operates 22 company-owned units and one franchised location in the San Francisco Bay area.
