Standout Pizzerias to Watch in 2025

Each year, we ask pizzeria operators to submit their businesses for consideration in our Pizzerias to Watch feature sharing their total operation, from menu, sales and employee programs to community outreach and marketing. We received so many amazing pizzeria responses. We have painstakingly whittled them down to our abridged feature of 10 standout pizzerias to watch in 2025.

We are sharing excerpts from each pizzeria’s submission so that you can read the passion and thoughts that have gone into their business success direct from the pizzeria operator. We hope that you’ll explore these businesses. If you would like to be considered for the 2026 Pizzerias to Watch feature, e-mail Executive Editor Denise Greer at [email protected]. 

Photo Courtesy of Claudio’s Pizzeria

Claudio’s Pizzeria, Winchester, Virginia

What community outreach initiatives do you organize?

At Claudio’s Pizzeria, community outreach is a vital part of our identity. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for decades. Here are some of the key initiatives we organize: 

1. Fundraisers for Local Schools and Organizations:  We regularly partner with local schools, sports teams, and community organizations to host fundraising events. These events allow a portion of our sales to be donated back to the participating organization, helping to support educational programs, extracurricular activities, and community projects.

2. Apple Blossom Festival Participation:  Claudio’s Pizzeria is a proud participant in Winchester’s annual Apple Blossom Festival, one of the biggest events in the area. During the festival, we not only serve our pizzas to attendees but also engage with the community through special promotions and activities, reinforcing our connection with local residents. 

3. Support for Local Charities:  Throughout the year, we contribute to local charities by providing food donations, sponsoring events, and offering our space for community gatherings. This helps to foster a strong sense of community and ensures that we are actively contributing to the well-being of our neighbors. 

4. Holiday Giving:  During the holiday season, we organize food drives and toy collections to support families in need. Our customers and employees are encouraged to participate, and we match donations to maximize our impact. It’s our way of ensuring that everyone in our community can enjoy the holiday spirit. 

5. Employee Volunteering:  We encourage our employees to get involved in local volunteer efforts, and we support their participation by offering flexible scheduling for those who wish to give back to the community. Through these initiatives, Claudio’s Pizzeria not only strengthens its ties with the local community but also embodies the values of family, generosity, and service that are central to our brand.

Photo courtesy of Claudio’s Pizzeria

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

Growth Over the Past 12 Months: Over the past year, Claudio’s Pizzeria has experienced steady growth. We’ve expanded our customer base by adding 3rd party delivery and improving our online presence, which has led to an increase in online orders and delivery services. We also upgraded some of our kitchen equipment to pizza master ovens, which has helped us serve our customers more efficiently.

Future Growth Plans: Looking ahead, our focus is on optimizing operations to create more efficient systems throughout the pizzeria. We plan to streamline our processes, from order management to inventory control, ensuring smoother day-to-day operations. Additionally, we aim to implement systems that will enhance customer service and improve communication within our team. By focusing on these internal improvements, we believe we can continue providing high-quality food and service while positioning ourselves for sustainable growth.

Claudios-pizzeria.com
facebook.com/claudiospizzeria1/
instagram.com/claudios_pizzeria
Year Opened: 1994     
# of Employees: 30
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 3,000,000
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 2,850,000

Photo courtesy of Soprana Rooftop Cucina.

Soprana Rooftop Cucina, Asheville, North Carolina

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

Photo courtesy of Soprana Rooftop Cucina.

Soprana Rooftop Cucina should be considered for Pizzerias to watch in 2025 because we’re not just creating exceptional pizza; we’re elevating the entire dining experience with our community-based approach. Our journey started with a clear vision for strong brand recognition, collaborating with Outline, a Charleston-based branding agency, to establish a unique identity that’s resonated with locals and visitors alike.  Despite opening less than a year ago, we’ve already achieved impressive milestones. We were on track to exceed $2 million in sales in our first year, even as we navigated the challenges of Hurricane Helene. In response to growing demand, we expanded our seating capacity by 20% and are set to introduce takeout options to better serve our community. With these developments, we’re forecasting $3 million in sales for 2025 and are actively exploring a second location in 2026.  Our marketing strategy is as unique as our pizza. Through targeted partnerships with third-party marketing agencies, we’ve gained visibility in local and national outlets. Social media has been a crucial channel, as our rooftop setting offers unrivaled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stunning sunsets, creating a destination experience that goes beyond the plate. Beyond sales and marketing, our dedication to community and sustainability sets us apart. We’re proud sponsors of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), supporting local farmers and strengthening our ties to the region’s food culture. Following Hurricane Helene, we supported the community by donating over 800 pizzas and partnered with BeLoved Asheville for hurricane relief through proceeds from local beer sales. Our commitment to giving back shows that we’re invested not only in our success but in the wellbeing of Asheville as a whole. With an unwavering commitment to quality, community impact, and an experience-driven brand, Soprana Rooftop Cucina has become more than a pizzeria. We’re a destination and a community partner, positioning us as one to watch in 2025.

sopranarooftop.com
facebook.com/sopranarooftop
Year Opened:2024          
# of Employees: 30
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 1,268,263

Photo courtesy of Blue Square Pizza.

Blue Square Pizza, Hopkinton, Massachusetts

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

Blue Square Pizza has continued to defy the growth odds. We are projected to end this fiscal year with $2,700,000 in revenue, all out of 1200 sq/ft. That’s $2250 per square foot. That’s a 59% YOY increase on top of a 205% YOY increase in 2023. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last two years is approximately 120.24%.  We are primarily a DELCO operation with 97% of our sales going out the door. The sales volume during Friday night is hard to believe – literally. We are accustomed to managing a $4700/hr yes – one hour! Again, out of 1200 sq/ft. There are currently two locations under development that will open in early and late 2025. The current growth plan is 10 units in 4 years and 25 units in 10.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

Photo courtesy of Blue Square Pizza.

Blue Square Pizza deserves a spot on the “Pizzerias to Watch” list because we’re not just redefining pizza, we’re reinventing the entire customer experience through innovation, quality, and community impact. As a tech-forward company, we streamline operations and elevate customer satisfaction through cutting-edge technology. Our AI-driven phone ordering system makes it easy for customers to place orders accurately and efficiently, while our seamless mobile and web platforms offer convenient ordering options and a customer-facing order status board that enhances transparency.  We take pride in our menu, offering five distinct styles of pizza, including our exclusive Blue Square—a proprietary hybrid that combines elements of focaccia, Detroit, and grandma styles. This signature creation, with our unique house sauce and cheese blend, has become a standout that sets us apart in the crowded pizza market. Alongside our Blue Square-style, we serve Chicago cracker thin, Detroit-style, New York-style round pies, and grandma pies, catering to a diverse range of pizza lovers. Our numbers speak for themselves. A two-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 120.24% and $2.7 million in annual sales at our 1200/sqft Hopkinton location underscore the demand for our unique concept. But we know that none of this would be possible without our dedicated team. Most of our staff have been with us for over 18 months, and with a remarkably low turnover rate of just 7%, we have cultivated a winning culture built on loyalty, quality, and teamwork. This stability directly contributes to the consistency and excellence our customers experience with every visit.    Blue Square Pizza is more than just a business; we’re a community partner. Our commitment to supporting local organizations through regular fundraisers and charitable donations reflects our dedication to making a positive impact beyond our doors.    In a rapidly evolving industry, Blue Square Pizza stands out as a leader in technology, quality, and community engagement, positioning us as a brand to watch in 2025 and beyond.

bluesquarepizza.com
instagram.com/bluesquarepizza/
facebook.com/bluesquarepizza/
Year Opened: 2022         
# of Employees: 22
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 2,388,666.62
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 1,307,383.13

Photo courtesy of Uncle G’s Pizza.

Uncle G’s Pizza, Hoover, Alabama

Why is your pizzeria a great place to work? (What employee incentives/benefits do you offer?

Competitive Pay with Tip Pooling – Uncle G’s uses a point-weighted tip pooling system to ensure fair distribution of tips. Employees are rewarded based on the responsibilities of their roles, making sure that higher-responsibility roles, like Shift Leads, are compensated accordingly. We also offer a base pay rate of $12/hr before tips with a guaranteed minimum of $17/hr after tips, significantly higher than the tipped position minimum of $2.13/hr.

Free & Discounted Meals – Employees receive one free menu item per day they work. Off-duty staff also enjoy a 50% discount on menu items.

Staff SWAG – After three months, employees can choose merchandise from Uncle G’s store as a reward for their commitment.

Top G Recognition – Every three months, staff vote for an outstanding team member who exemplifies the company’s values. The winner receives a $100 cash bonus.

Lunch or Dinner on Us – Employees who work 20+ hours a week and have been with the company for three months can order a meal of their choice through DoorDash (up to $25) once a month during their shift.

Healthcare Reimbursement (QSEHRA) – Uncle G’s offers Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRA), with up to $200 per employee to cover eligible health expenses, making healthcare more affordable.

Team-Centric Environment – The company emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and a positive work atmosphere, highlighted in the company’s mission, vision and Ten Directives.

This combination of competitive wages, tangible benefits, and a supportive work environment ensures employees feel valued at Uncle G’s Pizza.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

Photo courtesy of Uncle G’s Pizza.

Uncle G’s Pizza deserves a spot on the Pizzerias To Watch List because we’ve combined innovation, community engagement, and authenticity to create a unique and thriving pizza experience. We’ve expanded from Detroit-style to New York-style pizzas, opened our first brick-and-mortar in March 2024, and use technology like kiosks to streamline service. Our rotating daily deals ensure pizza lovers from all income levels can enjoy our products, and our community outreach, from gift cards for those in need to fundraisers for disaster relief, sets us apart as a pizzeria that truly cares. Most of all, we are an independent pizzeria dedicated to bringing great pizza to the Southeast where great independent pizzerias are few and far between. Our commitment to quality and deep connection with our customers makes us a must-watch in the industry.

unclegspizza.com
instagram.com/unclegspizza/
facebook.com/unclegspizza/
Year Opened: 2021 (As a food truck)          
# of Employees: 14
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 1,035,230
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 727,659

Photo courtesy of Slyce Pizza Co.

Slyce Pizza Co., Fort Collins, Colorado

Why is your pizzeria a great place to work?

We really strive to make work life balance a key working here. We put in a lot of work to make sure staff has balance to go to concerts, take vacations etc. Outside of full health insurance premiums paid 100% for staff. We offer paid vacation days as well. We also have longevity rewards. They start off small like clothing and water bottles. But 1 year of employment we offer a full membership to a local climbing gym. 3 years a custom bike. 5 years an annual ski pass to a resort of your choice, or = money to be used for outdoor adventure. We also do lots of other activities for the staff. Free yoga classes held in the store weekly. And countless other activities to make them happy to work here.

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

We not only continued to grow sales by almost 40% again this past 12 months. We also have added a full hidden “Speak Cheesy” Speak Easy bar underground, as well as expanded next door to a new prep space since we grew out of our old kitchen. It has doubled our capacity and given us a unique event space to host local comedy, to trivia nights, as well as private events too. Our future growth is physically to connect the two spaces for the public vs how we have it connected for the staff. Kinda hard to explain but easy to see in person. Also to continue to innovate and behind the scenes flesh out more internal systems that make working here easier and more user friendly. We are eyeing a new pizza oven to help with business and even adding on to our dough producing room.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

Photo courtesy of Slyce Pizza Co.

A, because we absolutely love pizza. We love our community, and we love our employees. We are constantly pushing the envelope what one small pizza shop can do, and been growing now for 10 years straight just by commenting our values into the community. We have more employees then ever before and the company is growing in new exciting ways. I do not see us stopping and we keep getting bigger and better every single day. I think when it comes to loving our jobs and loving pizza. Like all things pizza, it will be hard pressed to find a group and a leader who does not let their love for pizza consume them. All while remembering to have fun and manage stressful situations restaurants can create. We are trying to break the mold and run the place right for all its people and the community. Slyce loves pizza and will continue to have fun with the space. But I really think with the edition of the hidden bar and prep space / experimental kitchen etc. We are doing a lot of fun creative things in the industry and it would be an honor to be on the watch list. Also I think our pizza is pretty darn good too and I think a lot would agree. 10 years in we still have the energy and enthusiasm as day one and are not looking to slow down.

SlycePizzaCo.com
instagram.com/slycepizza/
facebook.com/SlycePizza/
Year Opened: 2014         
# of Employees: 24
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 2,400,000
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 2,100,000

Photo courtesy of Pizzeria da Laura.

Pizzeria da Laura, Berkeley, California

What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?

We market our pizzeria as your neighborhood pizzeria that offers 4 different styles of pizza. We’re in the heart of the downtown area close to the UC Berkeley campus, High a school campus and down the street from multiple music venues. We cater to everyone from families, to students, to business meetings, to the local construction crews and everyone in between.

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

Photo courtesy of Pizzeria da Laura.

We are a young company and so far the community has really embraced us. I’m hoping to provide health insurance for all employees who want it and really make this a place that people want to come to but also work at. A place for everyone with tons of variety without being over complicated. Of course, we are also hoping to grow sales with the addition of a market and really boost sales.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

We are a young company that is growing in many ways. I’m a competitive person who is always striving for more in many ways as well as a teacher. I hope for my community and staff that they look to us as a place to gather, eat, share, and learn skills for their future.

Pizzeriadalaura.com
instagram.com/pizzeriadalaura
Year Opened: 2023
# of Employees: 29
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 2,185,504
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 628,338

Photo courtesy of Rad Pies.

Rad Pies, Williamsport, Maryland

What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?

Our brand is all about living a Rad Lifestyle with a heavy influence of the 80s and 90s surf and skate culture.  We hold our team to a World pizza championship quality level day in and out.  We like to think outside of the box on our custom pies while still holding to authentic roots in pizza styles.  We take our dough very serious, but we never forget to have fun while doing it.

What community outreach initiatives do you organize?

Right now, we are working with local sports teams and charities to help build skate parks and recreational safe spaces for children in the community.  We have also partnered up with slice out hunger to deliver 100 pizzas per quarter to neighbors in need.  We partnered up with our friends Franks pizza in Baltimore in a special pizza challenge at each of our shops competing against each other and donating the sales to slice out hunger as well.

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

Photo courtesy of Rad Pies.

In the past 12 months our 1st shop has grown financially as well as allowing us to open up our second Rad Pies location. (Third location overall for us). We are working on building out a full bakery and commissary kitchen right now right next door to our Williamsport location.  Once open we would be able to prepare and provide dough, bread and pastries to all three of our locations as well as the community.  We are still looking at future rad sites and our goal is to open another shop in 2025 all while taking another gold medal at the International Pizza expo.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

After winning best Pan Pizza, best Detroit style pizza, as well as placing highly in traditional and non-traditional at the 2022 pizza expo we have continued to be a relevant competitor at the highest level all while becoming the neighborhood hot spot for pizza and sandwiches.

radpies.com
instagram.com/radpiesmd
tiktok.com/radpiesmd
Year Opened: 2020
# of Employees: 17
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 1,247,547
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 998,242

Photo courtesy of Providence Pizza.

Providence Pizza Company, Grandview, Missouri

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

In the past 12 months, Providence Pizza Company has seen incredible growth, thanks to the exciting addition of our new bagel business, Luca Bagels. Expanding our offerings beyond pizza has allowed us to serve our community in fresh and delicious ways, from morning through night. Luca Bagels has quickly become a local favorite, known for its hand-rolled, freshly baked bagels, and a variety of spreads and sandwiches that have added a whole new dimension to what we can offer our customers.    This expansion has not only increased foot traffic but also strengthened our presence in the community as a versatile, go-to spot for any time of day. Our customers now start their mornings with us at Luca Bagels, enjoying coffee and breakfast, and continue to visit Providence Pizza Company later for lunch or dinner. The integration of the two businesses has allowed us to cross-promote between our brands, fostering even stronger loyalty from our existing customer base while attracting new ones.  With Luca Bagels now part of our family, Providence Pizza Company continues to evolve, offering more variety, convenience, and quality, while maintaining the same commitment to excellence and community engagement that our customers know and love.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

Photo courtesy of Providence Pizza.

Providence Pizza Company should absolutely be considered one of the pizzerias to watch, thanks to the recent addition of Chef Benjamin Wood to our team. With his creative vision and culinary expertise, Chef Wood has transformed our menu, pushing the boundaries of what a pizza can be. His innovative approach combines traditional pizza-making techniques with unexpected, high-quality ingredients, resulting in bold, exciting flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. Under Chef Wood’s leadership, we’ve introduced a variety of new, gourmet pizzas that blend the best of both local and global flavors. Whether it’s a pizza inspired by classic Italian roots or one that experiments with fusion elements from other cuisines, each creation brings something fresh and surprising to the table. Chef Wood isn’t afraid to take risks, and his passion for reimagining pizza has quickly garnered attention from food lovers and critics alike. With a renewed focus on culinary innovation and an ever-evolving menu, Providence Pizza Company is on the cutting edge of the industry. We’re not just serving pizza; we’re creating an experience that challenges expectations and leaves customers excited for what’s next. That’s why Providence Pizza Company is truly a pizzeria to watch.

providencepizza.com
instagram.com/providencepizza/
instagram.com/providencebytheslice/
Year Opened: 2015          
# of Employees: 20
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 1,900,000
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 1,700,000

Photo courtesy of Prohibition Pizza.

Prohibition Pizza, High Springs, Florida

What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?

To market Prohibition Pizza, we’ve built a brand that transports our customers to the rebellious and fun spirit of the Prohibition era. Our identity is deeply rooted in the rich history of the 1920s, which is reflected in everything from our menu to our marketing strategies. We use authentic Prohibition-era slang to set ourselves apart, with our customers encouraged to “get a wiggle on” and join us for a Gangster of a pizza such as our “Capone” or “Sammy The Bull”. On social media, we’ve crafted a voice that’s both playful and immersive, using vintage visuals and phrases to engage our audience and give them a sense of exclusivity—like being in on a well-kept secret.    Our branding emphasizes community connection, which is key to our growth. At Prohibition Pizza, we don’t just serve pizza—we foster relationships. We engage deeply with our local community by hosting and sponsoring events ensuring that we’re more than just a place to eat. Each of these initiatives allows us to build genuine connections with our customers and give back to the community that supports us. Our marketing reinforces this connection by highlighting these efforts, showing that we care about the people we serve, and providing opportunities for our customers to join us in these causes. Additionally, we craft experiences that resonate both online and offline. Our social media presence invites customers to be part of our pizza “speakeasy,” where they feel like insiders getting a sneak peek at new menu items, special promotions, and fun events. We aim to create shareable moments—whether through a post about our themed events or a story highlighting our community outreach—so our customers feel like they’re part of something special. This combination of community involvement and engaging storytelling has helped us build a loyal customer base that sees Prohibition Pizza as not just a restaurant, but a vital part of the local culture and a destination restaurant that guests travel miles to experience.

Photo courtesy of Prohibition Pizza.

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

Prohibition Pizza should absolutely be among the pizzerias to watch because, despite being relatively new, we’ve already garnered significant recognition and accolades. We were voted Best Pizza in Florida by the Tourism Council, Best Lunch in Gainesville, and Best Restaurant in our local town. These honors reflect our commitment to quality and our community-driven approach. We’re truly grateful to our community for making us what we are today, and we believe we’ve got what it takes to keep delivering the best. As we continue to grow, we’re confident that when you taste our pizza, you’ll think we’re the bee’s knees! With exciting new ventures like catering and a food truck coming down the line, we’re ready to make an even bigger splash. Stick around — this is just the beginning, and we’re certain the best is yet to come!

prohibitionpizza.com
facebook.com/prohibitionpizzaHS/
instagram.com/prohibitionpizza
Year Opened:2023
# of Employees: 13
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 801,301
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 185,349

Photo courtesy of Prime Pizza.

Prime Pizza, Los Angeles, California

What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?

We market ourselves as New York pizza made for LA.  We make high quality, authentic New York style pizza while still staying true to our LA roots.  We are 100% focused on quality and never compromise on that.  Our brand is a mixture of old school New York slice shop mixed with LA skate and hip-hop culture, all wrapped up in a hospitality forward, family friendly package!

What community outreach initiatives do you organize?

Photo courtesy of Prime Pizza.

Each shop that we open is deeply connected to the community that it serves. We are very much a neighborhood pizzeria and that means supporting the people who make our neighborhoods great! That means doing frequent donations to our local schools, fire stations and poling places, as well as supporting local businesses and nonprofits.  This year we even organized a fundraiser to raise over $1,300 for a local pizzeria that had their trailer stolen from in front of their shop. This year we also launched our “Pizza with a Purpose” fundraising program that allows local schools and other youth nonprofits to organize “dine and donate” events at our shops where we give them 20% of the sales that they bring in.  This program has been hugely successful and has become a huge focus of our community outreach.

How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?

We opened two very successful locations in 2023 (El Segundo and Altadena) and are planning four additional stores for 2025, including our first ever stores in Orange County.  We can’t wait to bring more Prime Pizzas to the greater Los Angeles area and beyond!

Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch?

We believe that every neighborhood needs a pizzeria like Prime and we are on a mission to make that happen.  There isn’t nearly enough quality New York pizza in California and we aim to fix that!

primepizza.la
instagram.com/primepizzala/
facebook.com/primepizzala/
Year Opened: 2014
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024): 22,400,000
Gross Annual Sales (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023): 18,400,000

Best of the Best Pizza Spots in the U.S. based Pizza Today’s 2024 Best Pizza Lists

Want more pizzerias to watch in 2025? Check out our Best of the Best Pizza Spots in the U.S. We ranked the Top 20 Pizzerias in America of 2024 based on appearances on national and international pizza lists. Let’s look the Top 20 Pizzerias that made the most national and international pizza lists in 2024. Each year we compile the top pizza lists in the U.S. to create our Guide to the 2024 Best Pizza Lists. With assistance of Jasper AI, I combed through the lists to find out which pizzerias were the highest rated that made the most lists. I sought to find out which pizzerias were ranked the most in national best pizza lists we shared in our Guide to the 2024 Best Pizza Lists. Go to the Best of the Best now.