What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Hungry Howie's Franchise
Considering alternatives to a Hungry Howie's franchise? If you're exploring pizza franchise opportunities, understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for making a smart investment. Discovering other popular pizza concepts and their unique selling propositions can help you find the perfect fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blaze Pizza | Blaze Pizza offers a modern, build-your-own assembly-line format that appeals to customers seeking customization and speed, distinguishing it from traditional pizza delivery franchises. With strong brand recognition and celebrity backing, Blaze Pizza has experienced rapid growth and boasts strong unit-level economics, often exceeding $1 million in Average Unit Volume (AUV) for mature locations. |
| 2 | Papa Murphy's | Papa Murphy's operates on a unique 'take 'n' bake' model, providing customers with fresh, unbaked pizzas to cook at home, which significantly reduces operational complexity and startup costs for franchisees. This model translates to lower labor costs and food waste, and while its AUV is lower than some competitors, the efficient operations can lead to attractive profit margins. |
| 3 | Little Caesars | Little Caesars is a globally recognized brand known for its 'Hot-N-Ready' model, offering extreme convenience and affordability, making it a strong competitor and alternative in the pizza franchise market. Its simple, high-volume operational model is designed for efficiency and profitability, and the brand's extensive national advertising presence directly benefits franchisees by driving customer traffic. |
Key Takeaways
- Marco's Pizza, Jet's Pizza, and Blaze Pizza are top-performing alternatives to a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit, with Marco's Pizza reporting an AUV of over $12 million for its top 50% of stores in 2023, surpassing Hungry Howie's approximately $913,000 AUV.
- Investors can find franchise alternatives by analyzing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), attending franchise expos, and consulting with franchise brokers, with resources like Franchise Direct and Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 providing updated rankings and financial data for 2025.
- The total initial investment for a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit ranges from $330,400 to $570,900, while alternatives like Marco's Pizza range from $281,385 to $801,835, and Blaze Pizza requires a higher investment of $419,800 to $1,154,500.
- Low-cost pizza franchise opportunities exist, such as Papa Murphy's with an initial investment of $368,469 to $659,131 and a unique 'take 'n' bake' model, and Little Caesars, with an initial investment ranging from $394,000 to $1,718,000, offering a 'Hot-N-Ready' model.
- Hungry Howie's 2023 system-wide AUV of $913,353 is competitive but below rivals like Marco's Pizza (approximately $1.2 million for top 50% of stores) and Jet's Pizza (approximately $1,050,457 for traditional locations), with Hungry Howie's also showing a modest growth rate of -0.5% in unit count from 2022 to 2023 compared to Marco's Pizza's approximately 6.8% growth.
What Alternative Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit Options Exist?
When considering franchise opportunities in the pizza industry, it's beneficial to explore various brands beyond a single option. Several top-performing pizza franchises offer compelling alternatives to a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit, each with its own unique strengths and market appeal. These alternatives are frequently recognized among the best pizza franchises to own due to their growth trajectory and established market presence.
What are the best pizza franchises besides Hungry Howie's?
- Top-performing alternatives to a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit include Marco's Pizza, Jet's Pizza, and Blaze Pizza, each offering unique brand positioning and strong Average Unit Volumes (AUVs) as of late 2024. These brands are frequently listed among the best pizza franchises to own due to their growth and market penetration.
- Marco's Pizza reported an impressive AUV of over $1.2 million for its top 50% of stores in 2023, a benchmark for those evaluating pizza franchise options. This figure surpasses the reported 2023 AUV for a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit, which was approximately $913,000.
- Jet's Pizza, known for its Detroit-style deep-dish, presents another strong alternative. As of early 2025, its AUV for traditional stores is approximately $1,050,000, showcasing strong financial performance for potential investors looking for alternatives to owning a Hungry Howie's.
How to find pizza franchise alternatives?
- Investors can find robust pizza franchise alternatives by analyzing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), attending franchise expos, and consulting with franchise brokers who specialize in food franchise opportunities. These resources provide direct comparisons of financial requirements and performance metrics.
- Websites like Franchise Direct and Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list provide updated rankings and financial data for 2025. For example, they show that while a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit has over 530 locations, a brand like Marco's Pizza has over 1,100, indicating a different scale of market presence.
- A key strategy involves comparing Item 19 financial performance representations. As of 2024 data, comparing the royalty fees shows Hungry Howie's at 5.5%, Marco's Pizza at 5.5%, and Jet's Pizza at 8%, which is a critical factor when franchising a pizza business with lower startup costs or ongoing expenses.
Tips for Evaluating Pizza Franchise Alternatives
- Understand AUV Benchmarks: Compare the Average Unit Volumes (AUVs) of potential franchises against industry averages and your specific financial goals. For instance, Marco's Pizza's AUV of over $1.2 million in 2023 offers a strong performance indicator.
- Analyze Fee Structures: Pay close attention to royalty fees, marketing fees, and any other ongoing costs. A lower royalty fee, like Jet's Pizza's 8%, can significantly impact your bottom line compared to the 5.5% charged by Hungry Howie's.
- Consider Market Saturation: Research the number of existing locations for competing brands. A larger footprint, such as Marco's Pizza's over 1,100 locations, can indicate greater brand recognition and market penetration, but also potentially more competition within the franchise system.
- Review FDDs Thoroughly: The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is your most crucial resource. It contains vital information on financial performance, fees, franchisor obligations, and franchisee rights.
When exploring franchise opportunities similar to Hungry Howie's, understanding the financial landscape is paramount. The initial investment for a Hungry Howie's franchise typically ranges from $431,873 to $629,908. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. For those seeking to compare Hungry Howie's to other pizza franchises, examining their respective Item 19 data and overall investment requirements is essential. For a deeper dive into earnings potential, you can explore How Much Does a Hungry Howie's Franchise Owner Make?
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
When exploring pizza franchise options, understanding the investment spectrum is crucial. The initial investment for a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit, as of early 2025, typically falls between $330,400 and $570,900. This figure provides a baseline for comparing other opportunities in the food franchise sector. For those considering alternatives to owning a Hungry Howie's, it's helpful to look at brands with varying financial requirements.
What are the franchise costs compared to Hungry Howie's?
Comparing franchise costs is a key step in evaluating different pizza franchise options. For instance, a Marco's Pizza franchise can require an initial investment ranging from $281,385 to $801,835. This shows that while Marco's might have a lower entry point on the low end, its upper investment limit is considerably higher than Hungry Howie's. Another popular choice, Blaze Pizza, which operates as a fast-casual restaurant franchise, demands a more significant investment, typically between $419,800 and $1,154,500. This higher range reflects its distinct service model and the associated store build-out requirements, which are important factors when evaluating pizza franchise options.
Understanding these differences helps in determining which pizza business investment aligns best with your financial capacity. You can find more detailed information on specific costs in our guide on How Much Does a Hungry Howie's Franchise Cost?
Are there low cost pizza franchise opportunities?
Yes, there are certainly low cost pizza franchise opportunities available that require a lower initial investment than a typical Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit. Brands like Papa Murphy's, known for its take-and-bake model, significantly reduce startup costs. As of early 2025, the initial investment for a Papa Murphy's franchise is estimated between $368,469 and $659,131. While this range is comparable, its unique operational model, which doesn't involve commercial ovens or extensive seating, can lead to lower build-out expenses, making it a compelling pizza delivery franchise alternative.
Another brand to consider when starting a pizza franchise instead of Hungry Howie's is Little Caesars. Their efficient 'Hot-N-Ready' model and often smaller footprint can result in an initial investment ranging from $394,000 to $1,718,000. However, many traditional Little Caesars units fall on the lower end of this spectrum, presenting a strong value proposition for those seeking franchise opportunities in the pizza industry with lower startup costs.
Tips for Evaluating Lower-Cost Pizza Franchises
- Focus on the Model: Understand how the lower cost is achieved (e.g., take-and-bake, smaller footprint, limited seating) and if it aligns with your operational preferences.
- Compare Unit Economics: Look beyond the initial investment to compare average annual revenues and profit margins for similar low-cost models.
- Research Market Demand: Ensure there's sufficient local demand for the specific type of pizza offering.
Is Hungry Howie's a Good Franchise Investment?
When considering any franchise, especially within the competitive pizza sector, evaluating key performance indicators is essential. For those exploring Hungry Howie's franchise alternatives, understanding how it stacks up against other pizza franchise options provides crucial context. This comparison helps in determining if Hungry Howie's is a good franchise investment for your goals.
How does Hungry Howie's AUV compare to rivals?
The Average Unit Volume (AUV) is a significant metric for assessing the financial health and earning potential of a franchise. When you compare Hungry Howie's to other pizza franchises, its 2023 system-wide AUV of $913,353 is competitive, but it does sit below some key rivals.
- Marco's Pizza, a primary Hungry Howie's franchise alternative, reported a 2023 AUV of approximately $1.2 million for the top half of its franchised stores. This shows a 31% higher revenue potential in its top-performing units, making it an attractive option for those seeking higher average sales.
- Jet's Pizza also demonstrates a stronger AUV. Its 2024 FDD indicates an average gross sales figure for traditional locations around $1,050,000, which is approximately 15% higher than the AUV for a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit.
These figures are critical for anyone questioning if Hungry Howie's is a good franchise investment, as they highlight potential differences in revenue generation among leading pizza brands.
What is Hungry Howie's franchise growth rate?
The growth trajectory of a franchise network can indicate market demand, franchisee satisfaction, and the franchisor's strategic effectiveness. The expansion of the Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit network has been steady but modest. As of the end of 2023, the brand had 534 total units, a slight decrease from 537 units at the end of 2022, representing a -0.5% change.
In contrast, other pizza franchise options have shown more aggressive expansion, signaling strong franchisee demand. Marco's Pizza, for example, grew its unit count from 1,105 in 2022 to over 1,180 by the end of 2023, marking a growth rate of approximately 6.8%. This data is crucial when evaluating franchise opportunities in the pizza industry.
Tips for Evaluating Franchise Growth
- Always look at the net unit growth year-over-year, not just the total number of units. A decrease in units, even a small one, warrants further investigation.
- Compare a brand's growth rate to its main competitors. Faster growth often suggests higher demand and potentially better franchisee support.
- Consider the reasons behind growth or decline. Is it due to market saturation, franchisee profitability, or strategic decisions by the franchisor?
For those interested in understanding the broader landscape, exploring What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Hungry Howie's Franchise? can provide further insights into the brand's operational model and potential challenges.
Marco's Pizza
What is the investment for a Marco's Pizza?
When considering alternatives to a Hungry Howie's franchise, Marco's Pizza emerges as a strong contender in the pizza franchise sector. The estimated initial investment for a new Marco's Pizza franchise unit, as of early 2025, falls within the range of $281,385 to $801,835. This investment covers a variety of essential components, including a franchise fee of $25,000, which is the same as the fee for a Hungry Howie's franchise. The final cost can fluctuate based on factors such as the chosen real estate, construction expenses, and necessary equipment for the establishment.
For ongoing financial planning, it's crucial to note the operational fees associated with Marco's Pizza. These include a royalty fee of 5.5% and a marketing fund contribution of up to 7%. Understanding these percentages is vital for accurately projecting long-term profitability when investing in this food franchise opportunity.
How do Marco's Pizza sales compare?
Marco's Pizza demonstrates impressive sales performance, positioning it as one of the best pizza franchises to own. According to its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the Average Unit Volume (AUV) for the top 50% of its franchised stores in 2023 reached $1,203,814. This figure represents a notable advantage, being approximately 31% higher than the system-wide AUV of $913,353 reported for a Hungry Howie's franchise unit during the same period. This substantial revenue difference highlights Marco's Pizza's potential for higher top-line earnings.
With annual system-wide sales surpassing $1 billion and a consistent pattern of unit growth, Marco's Pizza presents a compelling financial proposition for prospective franchisees. For those exploring franchise opportunities similar to Hungry Howie's, Marco's Pizza offers a strong case for consideration, particularly for those prioritizing greater revenue potential.
Key Considerations for Pizza Franchise Investment
- Investment Range: Understand the full spectrum of initial costs, from franchise fees to build-out expenses.
- Ongoing Fees: Factor in royalty and marketing contributions when analyzing profitability.
- Sales Performance: Compare Average Unit Volumes (AUVs) to gauge revenue potential.
- Brand Growth: Look for brands with a track record of consistent unit expansion and strong system-wide sales.
| Franchise Brand | Estimated Initial Investment | Average Unit Volume (AUV) | Royalty Fee | Marketing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco's Pizza | $281,385 - $801,835 | $1,203,814 (Top 50% in 2023) | 5.5% | Up to 7% |
| Hungry Howie's (Reference) | (See How Much Does a Hungry Howie's Franchise Cost?) | $913,353 (System-wide in 2023) | (Varies) | (Varies) |
Jet's Pizza
When exploring hungry Howie's franchise alternatives, Jet's Pizza stands out as a compelling option within the pizza franchise sector.
Is Jet's Pizza a profitable franchise?
Jet's Pizza is widely recognized as a highly profitable franchise opportunity. This is largely due to its impressive Average Unit Volume (AUV) and a dedicated customer base drawn to its distinctive Detroit-style pizza. It's a prime example of a strong pizza franchise option for those looking beyond their current considerations.
According to its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average gross sales for a traditional Jet's Pizza location in 2023 reached $1,050,457. This substantial performance is a significant indicator of profitability for entrepreneurs contemplating a pizza franchise investment.
While the royalty fee of 8% is higher than that of a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit (5.5%), the superior AUV at Jet's Pizza suggests a strong potential for higher net operating income. This is a critical factor when evaluating any pizza business investment.
What are the startup costs for Jet's Pizza?
The estimated initial investment to open a Jet's Pizza franchise, as of early 2025, falls between $477,000 and $670,500. This positions Jet's Pizza as a mid-to-high-level investment within the fast casual restaurant franchises category.
The franchise fee is $25,000, which aligns with many competitors in the market. The total cost encompasses essential expenses such as kitchen equipment, store build-out, and initial marketing efforts.
When comparing franchise costs to Hungry Howie's, Jet's Pizza presents a higher entry point ($477k versus Hungry Howie's $431,873 - $629,908 range) but also boasts a higher average sales volume. This represents a different risk-reward profile for potential investors looking for franchise opportunities similar to Hungry Howie's.
| Key Metrics | Jet's Pizza (2024 FDD/2025 Estimates) | Hungry Howie's (2023 FDD) |
| Average Gross Sales (AUV) | $1,050,457 | $837,770 |
| Initial Investment Range | $477,000 - $670,500 | $431,873 - $629,908 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 8% | 5.5% |
Evaluating Pizza Franchise Options
- When considering alternatives to owning a Hungry Howie's, thoroughly review the FDD for each franchise.
- Analyze the Average Unit Volume (AUV) to understand revenue potential, a key factor in assessing profitability for pizza business investment.
- Compare royalty fees and marketing contributions to gauge the ongoing costs associated with operating the franchise.
- Seek out franchise opportunities in the pizza industry that align with your financial capacity and business goals.
- Investigate the brand's reputation and customer loyalty as indicators of long-term success for pizza delivery franchise alternatives.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the specifics of this particular brand, you can read about the Pros and Cons of Owning a Hungry Howie's Franchise.
Blaze Pizza
When exploring pizza franchise opportunities beyond Hungry Howie's, Blaze Pizza presents a distinct fast-casual model that appeals to a different segment of the market.
How much does a Blaze Pizza franchise cost?
Investing in a Blaze Pizza franchise requires a significantly higher capital outlay compared to a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit. As of early 2025, the estimated initial investment ranges from $419,800 to $1,154,500. The initial franchise fee for Blaze Pizza is $30,000, which is $5,000 more than the fee for a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit. This higher overall cost is largely driven by the modern, fast-casual build-out and the specialized oven technology. Ongoing costs include a 5% royalty fee and a 2% marketing fund fee. This lower royalty rate compared to some competitors is a key financial detail for prospective franchisees evaluating this pizza franchise alternative.
What makes Blaze Pizza a good franchise alternative?
Blaze Pizza's 'build-your-own' assembly-line format distinguishes it from traditional pizza delivery franchise alternatives like the Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit. This model appeals to a demographic that values customization and speed. The brand has strong name recognition and celebrity backing, which has fueled its rapid growth and positioned it as a leader in the fast-casual pizza segment. Its Average Unit Volume (AUV) for mature locations often exceeds $1 million, showcasing strong unit-level economics.
For an investor seeking a modern, on-trend concept within the pizza industry, Blaze Pizza offers a compelling alternative. It presents a different operational model and customer experience compared to more traditional pizza franchise brands for sale. If you're considering alternatives to owning a Hungry Howie's, understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision about your pizza business investment.
| Franchise Concept | Initial Investment Range | Initial Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee | Marketing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blaze Pizza | $419,800 - $1,154,500 | $30,000 | 5% | 2% |
| Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit (Benchmark) | $431,873 - $629,908 | $25,000 | 5.5% | 7% |
Key Considerations When Evaluating Pizza Franchise Options
- Market Demand: Research the local demand for fast-casual pizza concepts versus traditional delivery models.
- Operational Complexity: Understand the staffing and operational differences between assembly-line service and traditional order-taking.
- Brand Alignment: Ensure the franchise brand's values and target audience align with your personal business goals.
When comparing franchise opportunities similar to Hungry Howie's, looking at brands like Blaze Pizza highlights the diverse landscape of the pizza industry. For those interested in fast casual restaurant franchises, this offers a different avenue for a pizza franchise investment. It's important to compare Hungry Howie's to other pizza franchises to find the best fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
Papa Murphy's
When exploring pizza franchise options, considering alternatives to a Hungry Howie's franchise is a smart move. One such compelling alternative is Papa Murphy's, which offers a distinct business model within the pizza industry.
What is the Papa Murphy's business model?
Papa Murphy's operates on a unique 'take 'n' bake' model. This means customers purchase fresh, unbaked pizzas designed to be cooked in their own ovens at home. This approach is a significant departure from the fully-cooked, delivery-focused model common in many pizza franchises, including Hungry Howie's.
This 'take 'n' bake' strategy inherently reduces operational complexity and associated costs for franchisees. Unlike traditional pizza restaurants that require extensive kitchen equipment such as commercial ovens and ventilation systems, Papa Murphy's units have simpler kitchen setups. This often translates to lower startup capital requirements, making it an attractive option for those looking at pizza business investment with potentially lower initial outlays.
Furthermore, the model contributes to lower labor costs and minimized food waste, as there's no in-store cooking process. This operational efficiency is a key component of its appeal for potential franchisees exploring various food franchise opportunities.
What is the financial investment for Papa Murphy's?
As of early 2025, the estimated initial investment for a Papa Murphy's franchise typically ranges between $368,469 and $659,131. This investment range is quite comparable to the figures for a Hungry Howie's franchise unit, as detailed in their disclosure documents. For a comparative look at Hungry Howie's costs, you can explore How Much Does a Hungry Howie's Franchise Cost?
The franchise fee for Papa Murphy's is $25,000. Ongoing financial commitments include a 5% royalty fee on net sales and a 2% advertising fee. These fees are competitive within the broader pizza franchise market. While the Average Unit Volume (AUV) for Papa Murphy's, which was approximately $735,000 in 2023, might appear lower than some competitors, the potential for reduced operating expenses due to the 'take 'n' bake' model can lead to favorable profit margins, positioning it as a strong alternative for those evaluating best pizza franchises to own.
| Metric | Papa Murphy's (Approx. 2025) | Hungry Howie's (2023 FDD Data) |
| Initial Investment Range | $368,469 - $659,131 | $431,873 - $629,908 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 5.5% |
| Advertising Fee | 2% | 7% |
| Approx. AUV (2023) | $735,000 | $837,770 |
Key Considerations When Evaluating Pizza Franchises
- Model Differentiation: Understand how the franchisor's operational model (e.g., dine-in, delivery, take-and-bake) aligns with your investment goals and local market demand.
- Financial Benchmarks: Compare initial investment, royalty fees, marketing contributions, and average unit volumes across different brands to assess potential ROI.
- Operational Efficiency: Analyze the franchisor's systems for supply chain, technology, and staffing, as these impact day-to-day management and profitability.
Little Caesars
When exploring pizza franchise options, it's essential to look at established brands that offer a strong value proposition and efficient operations. Little Caesars stands out as a significant alternative to a Hungry Howie's franchise, leveraging a globally recognized brand built on convenience and affordability.
Why consider a Little Caesars franchise?
- Little Caesars is a globally recognized brand with a powerful value proposition centered on its 'Hot-N-Ready' model, offering extreme convenience and affordability. This makes it a formidable competitor and a strong alternative to a Hungry Howie's Franchise Unit.
- The brand's simple, high-volume operational model is designed for efficiency and profitability, making it one of the most sought-after pizza franchise options for both new and experienced operators.
- As of 2024, Little Caesars boasts over 4,100 locations in the US alone, providing immense brand recognition and marketing power that directly benefits every franchisee.
What are the Little Caesars franchise fees?
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for any prospective franchisee. Little Caesars offers a competitive fee structure.
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 (Standard Carry-Out) |
| Total Estimated Investment | $394,000 - $1,718,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Advertising Fee | Up to 7% of Gross Sales |
These figures compare favorably to a Hungry Howie's franchise, which has an initial franchise fee of $25,000 and a total estimated investment ranging from $431,873 to $629,908. The lower initial franchise fee for Little Caesars can be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs looking to minimize upfront costs when considering other pizza franchise brands for sale.
Key Considerations for Little Caesars
- Strong Brand Recognition: The 'Hot-N-Ready' concept is widely understood and appeals to a broad customer base.
- Operational Simplicity: The model is designed for high volume with less complex preparation, which can lead to greater operational efficiency.
- Veteran Discounts: Little Caesars offers significant incentives for US military veterans, making it an attractive option for this demographic.
For those evaluating pizza franchise opportunities, Little Caesars presents a compelling case due to its established market presence and straightforward business model. This makes it a notable contender when looking for franchise opportunities similar to Hungry Howie's.