35 Pizzerias to Watch in America in 2024
We asked independent pizzeria owners to submit their businesses for consideration in our Pizzerias to Watch list. We received hundreds of outstanding submissions and have painstakingly whittled them down to this list of 35.
While the Hot 100 Independent Pizzerias List we used to do ranked pizzerias by highest sales volume, our Pizzerias to Watch feature looks at the total operation, from sales and employee programs to community outreach and marketing.
We present to you 35 pizzerias to watch as they continue to thrive and grow. While we asked several questions, we’re sharing one or two of the pizzerias’ Q&A responses here in this issue — in their own words.
Abbiocco Pizzeria, Indianapolis, Indiana
AbbioccoPizzeria.com
facebook abbiocco Pizzeria
Year Opened: 2021
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 600,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 500,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 20%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Over the past 12 months, our company has experienced significant growth and achieved several milestones. First, our sales have seen a remarkable increase of 15 to 20%, which is a testament to our dedicated team, loyal customers, and the quality of our products. We’ve also been fortunate to receive increased recognition in the culinary community, with features in prominent publications such as YelpIndy and Indy Monthly’s ’25 Best Restaurants.’ Looking ahead, our future growth plans are both exciting and strategic. We aim to expand our presence and reach new audiences by venturing into the food truck industry. This move not only allows us to create word-of-mouth buzz but also serves as a valuable testbed for potential future brick-and-mortar locations. By taking our delicious pizza to different neighborhoods and events, we intend to gauge the reception and demand in various areas. This approach aligns with our commitment to thoughtful expansion and ensuring that we provide our exceptional pizza experience to as many people as possible. We’re thrilled about the possibilities this growth trajectory holds for our company in the coming years.
Billy Bricks, Lombard, IL
billybrickshq.com
IG @billybrickshq
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 8,709,906.45
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 9,440,112.57
Year-over-Year Sales: Down 7.75%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
In the past 12 months we shrunk in unit size to cut a few of the underperforming location and to really focus in on our core stores and areas to re-expand. We have 4 units that will open by 2024 as part of our re-expansion and we will add at least one more ice cream truck and pizza truck to our mobile catering fleet. We plan to open 2-4 units either stand alone pizza or pizza parlor and ice cream parlor per year over the next 6 years with a goal of 20 units by 2029 and an ever growing mobile fleet to support regions/territories. *sales numbers entered above reflect a few of the closures sales no longer being included, however, our per unit average greatly increased and our net profit as a company increased significantly by cutting the underperforming units*
Cheshire Pizza & Ale, Cheshire, CT
www.cheshirepizza.com
IG: @cheshire_pizza
Year Opened: 2017
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 4,114,930
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 3,789,750
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 8.58%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Our customer base has consistently grown since our inception in 2017. We have grown by focusing on what our customer base looks for. Quality product, consistent service all coming from staff that buys into our systems. We are looking into establishing a commissary kitchen and launching a DELCO concept within a 50 mile radius.
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
There are countless worthy Pizzerias to watch throughout the country. Although we are the red headed step child when it comes to the New Haven pizza scene (we serve pan pizza!) we believe that our continues growth and investing in our staff has separated us from our competition. With the ever-changing employee retention issues facing the hospitality industry, laying the foundation in place via health and retirement benefits has helped us change the stigma that restaurant employees cannot make a career out of their job.
Dedham House of Pizza, Dedham, MA
www.dedhamhouseofpizza.com
IG @dedhamhouseofpizza
Year Opened: 1986
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 2,034,036.44
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 1,831,865.63
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 11.03%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
In the past year, our pizzeria has experienced remarkable growth driven by our unwavering commitment to quality and the development of our exceptional team members. As a small pizzeria, we’ve made significant strides in enhancing our services. One notable initiative involves the creation of comprehensive guidebooks with vivid photographs translated into our team members’ native languages, ensuring crystal-clear communication and a deeper understanding of our processes. Moreover, we’ve reimagined our uniforms and hats, even crafting custom attire for our dedicated long-term employees, instilling a sense of pride and unity within our team…
DeFazio’s Pizzeria, Troy, NY
Www.defaziospizza.com
IG @defaziospizzeria
Year Opened: 1989
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,800,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 1,600,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 12.5%
What community outreach initiatives do you organize?
Every year we organize “Stick It to Hunger.” This stickball tournament brings local companies together to play stickball and donate to a shelter two blocks from our location that supports 35 local families. We typically raise over $15,000 worth of good. We donate over $3,000 in gift certificates to local charities.
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Our 2nd location in Albany has doubled business from their first year. We are attached to a distillery with a great outdoor space. We have hosted 4 weddings and many private events. Our Troy location continues to be a staple for locals and people traveling upstate New York. We are building a 100 seat restaurant that we will open in 2024.
Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria, Crystal Lake, Illinois
www.georgiospizza.com
facebook.com/GeorgiosPizzaCrystalLake
Year Opened: 2002
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 6,200,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 5,600,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 10.71%
What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?
We’re a Chicago-style pizzeria serving authentic deep dish and thin crust pizza, the way they were first served in Chicago back in the 1940’s. We do very little marketing. Most of our marketing is through community sponsorships, donations, and word of mouth. We also have a loyalty program that keeps our best customers engaged.
Go 4 Pizza, Rancho Cordova, Ca
Go4pizza.com
IG @go4pizza2.0
Year Opened: 2009
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 2,000,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 1,700,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 17.64%
What community outreach initiatives do you organize?
We support all local schools and sport teams and do fund raisers throughout the year. We also offer our party room and party patios for season ending sports parties at no cost to the teams!
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
We are more than a pizzeria, we are the center of our communities! We do tap take overs, live music, trivia every week, paint night, corn hole tournaments and comedy nights and other special events! Our concept, food and restaurant layout and family atmosphere I have not seen in all the years reading Pizza Today!
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company, Dallas, Texas
www.gapc.co
facebook.com/GreenvilleAvenuePizzaCompany
Year Opened: 2007
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 6,131,882
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 6,125,823
Year-over-Year Sales: Up .09%
What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?
*We are a badass neighborhood pizzeria in Dallas, TX. Come for the show and meet your PIZZA SLAYERS. Our restaurants are open kitchen concepts so that our customers can watch our process and see how much care, love and passion is put into each pizza. Our Slayers wear chef coats and holsters that hold their tools which adds extra edge to the look of our team. *Our Unique Limited Time Offerings, (seasonal pizza & one day specials). Some of our favorite LTO’s include The Pretty Pickle, The Doobie (our 4/20 special) and The Hatche Chile and Chorizo. *We are here for our neighbors and provide a fun Neighborhood Experience- Each location is hyper local and we encourage everyone to come as they are to feel welcome and comfortable. We use the highest quality ingredients, like Grande cheese and Stanislaus tomatoes. We pride ourselves on being a from scratch kitchen, we make our own sauce, cook and prep our toppings, put our soul into the food.
Itri Wood Fired Pizza Bar, Bristol, PA
www.itriwoodfired.com/
IG @ itri_wood_fired
Year Opened: 2017
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,900,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 1,200,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 58.33%
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
Six years ago we took a very big risk on a main street that had yet to begin it’s revitalization. Many had written off our great little town as a place that didn’t understand a restaurant driven by a community oriented mission that also included a cool and rustic ambiance. We zeroed in on an eclectic playlist, a great sound system, interesting art on our walls, and most importantly, fantastic pizza and food. The question six year ago from many was “why?” Why are you opening there? In our first year we did$550,000 in sales. Since then many other restaurants, cafes, distilleries, and breweries have opened. They are all great in their own right and doing a great job in moving the street forward. However, we are proud to have been one of the first and we continue to grow, change, and adapt. We are on pace to do $2,000,000 in sales in 2023. Finally, our pizza remains the most central aspect to our business, and in our humble opinion, it’s fantastic. We have a unique offering of 12 wood fired Detroit (ish) style pizza daily and a variety of NEOpolitan pizzas that are out of this world. We try to get local ingredients and sustainable products whenever possible.
Mattenga’s Pizzeria, Schertz, Texas
https://mattengas.com/
facebook.com/mattengaspizzeria
Year Opened: 2014
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 5,124,154.16
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 3,109,144.88
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 64.8%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Our restaurant has grown significantly over the past 12 months, both in terms of customer base and revenue. We have implemented a number of strategies to increase our visibility and attract new customers, such as upgrading our website, increasing our social media presence, and offering discounts and promotions. We have also invested in new equipment and staff training to improve the quality of our food and service. For the future, we plan to continue to focus on increasing our customer base and expanding our reach through online marketing and partnerships with local businesses. Additionally, we will continue to invest in our staff and equipment to ensure that our customers receive the best possible experience. We plan to continue this growth trajectory by expanding our locations, increasing our marketing efforts, and exploring new markets through food truck. We also continue to develop menus to ensure that our products remain competitive and up to date.
Old Town Pizza, Auburn, California
www.otpizza.net
facebook.com/OldTownPizza
Year Opened: Pizza Restaurant opened in 1999 and my family purchased it in 2002
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 12,862,804
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 10,777,273
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 19.35%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Our growth the last 12 months have been entirely organic. Our newest location opened in May of 2022. Our future plans include a new “owned” location in the Roseville, Ca. area and we are planning on getting into the mobile kitchen business in the near future. Lastly, we are thinking about getting into the “event center” business and using our Pizza and Beer success to anchor an event center.
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
Our brand turns 25 years old in July of 2024 and we are still growing with a great reputation. We love being our communities “hometown” pizza place. Our guests celebrate their life milestones with OTP. Our relationship with our community is truly a win-win partnership.
PARLOUR, New Albany, Indiana
eatparlour.com
linkedin.com/company/parlourpeoplepizzapints
Year Opened: 2019
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 7,797,029.27
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 6,273,465.66
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 24.28%
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
PARLOUR is a standout candidate for the Pizzerias to Watch list, led by the resilient and transparent leadership of Don Robinson. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Don’s unwavering resilience and commitment to open communication have been pivotal in steering the company to exceptional success. Under his guidance, PARLOUR has experienced an impressive 195.36% sales growth from 2020 to 2022. This growth is not only a testament to Don’s strategic vision but also reflects the dedication of the entire team. The company’s expansion into new locations, strategic partnerships, and franchise agreements showcase its commitment to broadening its reach and impact. With a vibrant company culture, a focus on employee well-being, and a mission to take the PARLOUR brand nationwide, it’s clear that PARLOUR is not just a pizzeria but a dynamic force in the industry, worthy of close attention and recognition.
Pietrini Pizza Napoletana, Los Alamitos, Ca
Www.pietrinipizza.com
IG @pietrinipizza
Year Opened: 2021
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 963,814.3
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 393,927.39
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 144%
Why is your pizzeria a great place to work? (What employee incentives/benefits do you offer?
We have worked hard to cultivate a healthy/ positive atmosphere, and work hard to keep it. We have a genuine love for people and care for the well being of our employees and they know it. We have an open door policy where employees can ask questions, voice concerns etc. Employees are recognized for their hard work and achievements during team meetings and gatherings, earning swag, personalized chef coats, etc. Birthdays and work anniversaries are recognized and celebrated with gift cards, desserts on the house etc. We have team meetings / dinners with raffle prizes, contests etc and make it fun.
Perrotta’s Pizza, Canton, Georgia
Perrottaspizza.com
facebook.com/perrottaspizza
Year Opened: 2018
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,200,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 940,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 27.65%
Why should you be among the Pizzerias to Watch List?
That depends on your view should we be considered because we are still the old school family owned and operated pizzeria but using technology input from the younger family members to grow sales and possibly expand to other locations. Or maybe because we are heavily involved in the community and charitable organizations even though we work countless hours a week but we still find time to give back. Or you could say winning best pizza in Canton Georgia four years in a row should be why. It not up to me if we deserve to be on the watchlist either way we’ll be happy because we love what we do it’s our family bond and passion.
Pizzoco Pizza Parlor, Winchester, VA
www.pizzoco.com
IG @pizzoco
Year Opened: 2019
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,000,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 850,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 17.64%
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
We are a small independent pizzeria in a historic building in a true neighborhood that has developed a large following since we opened in 2019. We have been on Yelp’s Top 100 pizzerias in the USA for the past two years in a row (2022 #53, 2023 #32). People routinely make the drive from Washington DC (1.5 hours) just to eat our pizza. We are veteran owned and have become a pillar of the community. We are the highest rated pizzeria in the state of Virginia.
Rochettos Pizzeria, Scott, LA
www.rochettos.com
facebook.com/rochettospizzeria
Year Opened: 2009
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 2,700,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 1,850,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 45.94%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Opened a second location Dec 21, 2022 in Crowley, Louisiana, located 15 miles form original location, Just expanded a catering/ banquet room to accommodate local business activity
Why should you be among the Pizzerias to Watch List?
Rochettos Pizzeria standard has been a staple in South Louisiana for 13 years now and growing. In a community that relies on tourism and the restaurant industry Rochettos has remained strong through economic hardships and the pandemic. The concept developed by the owner is one that can fit in any city in America and is designed to be a pillar of the community.
Slice Pizza & Brew, Birmingham, AL
https://www.slicebirmingham.com/
IG @slicepizzabrew
Year Opened: 2011
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 5,760,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 4,500,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 28%
Why should you be among the Pizzerias to Watch List?
Since opening in 2011, our pizzeria has stayed true to our original mission of being a family-owned and operated business that combines a welcoming, friendly atmosphere with fresh, mouthwatering food and local brews. Over the past year, we have experienced significant growth with the opening of our fourth location, the expansion to a full-service commissary, and the upcoming launch of our fifth location in Birmingham, Alabama. As the home of the first stone pizza oven in the city of Birmingham, we have remained loyal to our roots, pairing specialty pizzas with local brews that keep our customers coming back for more. We are also committed to giving back to the community through outreach initiatives such as our Dough Raiser fundraisers, SliceFest and other unique events that have allowed us to donate more than $100,000 back to the Birmingham community. We would be honored to be included on this year’s Pizzerias To Watch List because of our commitment to always finding new ways to honor our core values that make us Slice Pizza & Brew while working alongside other local businesses to support and engage with the communities we call home.
The Onion Tree, Sea Cliff, New York
www.TheOnionTree.com
IG @ theoniontreeseacliff
Year Opened: 2020
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,164,862
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 857,399
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 35.85%
Why is your pizzeria a great place to work? (What employee incentives/benefits do you offer?
Our employees are family rather than just folks who work with us. We pay above NYS average pay – we offer 2 weeks paid vacation, 10 sick days and bonuses on achievement of revenue targets. 2 annual company parties – offer us an opportunity to express our gratitude to our team members. As a result, our team takes an ownership approach and works with heart and hospitality.
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
We are a Pizzeria/Gastropub where Pizza Napoletana meets Indian Cuisine + Rock n Roll! We opened our business on March 6, 2020. Lost almost everything in the first couple of months. We however zigged and zagged to survive. Our concept – while quirky and maybe even eccentric, is a product of the pandemic – a result of our burning 🔥 desire to survive the hardest times we’d ever seen, not only to survive but to thrive….🙏🏽
Tre Amici, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
www.treamicipr.com
IG @treamicipr
Year Opened: 15-Oct-21
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 628,438.46
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 288,667.06
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 117%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
The growth Tre Amici has been experience is astounding. When the business started the goal was to sell 40 pizza pies daily to survive and pay the bills considering our production is handmade and fresh. Twenty-four months later we are selling at least 200 pies daily, still by hand. The sales keep growing. People come back every week and we go sold out every weekend. The future growth plan for Tre Amici is getting another place where we can attract more customers and store more inventory. We cannot make more than 200 pies daily because we don’t have enough place to store them. The new place has two floors, two firewood ovens and one dumbwaiter. At the new location the goal is to sell 500 pies daily and make the best cocktails in town. The team hopes to be open at the end of this year. The future has never been brighter.
Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Madison, AL
valentinaspizzeria.com
IG @valentinaspizzeria
Year Opened: 2020
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,000000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 750,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 33%
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
Valentina’s has grown more than I ever thought since opening. I opened in 2020 with 7 tables and little staff. In three years we have outgrown our 1000 square foot location and are about to move to a new brick and mortar that is 4000 square feet. I could not have done this without my incredible community and staff.
Why should you be among the Pizzerias to Watch List?
I have been in the pizza community for over 25 years. This community is like no other. I have failed more times than I can count. After years and years, I finally got it right. Valentina’s is named after my daughter. She comes in a works in the store right alongside me. I am incredibly blessed and thankful that after 3 years of opening Valentina’s, I have already outgrown this space by 3 times the amount.
Via Farina, Omaha, Nebraska
Goviafarina.com
IG @goviafarina
Year Opened: 2016
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 1,200,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 875,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 117%
What community outreach initiatives do you organize?
I have organized a cold weather clothing drive for 6 years running. We average anywhere from 1000-1500 pounds to clothing donated every winter. This will be our first year doing pizza across America. We work from time to time with the native American and American Eskimo rehabilitation society to get job placement in a safe space for those that are slowly reintroducing themselves back into the work force.
How has your company grown during the past 12 months and what are your future growth plans?
We have grown in the last year with the presence of our mobile pizza oven. We are in plans currently for a second location and hope to be open by early summer 2024.
Wild Ace Pizza & Pub, Greer, SC
https://thewildace.com/
facebook.com/wildacegreer
Year Opened: 2009
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 3,640,924.26
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 3,468,985.4
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 4.95%
What is your pizzeria’s brand and how do you market your pizzeria?
Wild Ace Pizza & Pub is an aviation themed restaurant featuring a full menu with aviation named menu items, cocktails, and advertising of military Flying Aces. Hanging airplanes occupy the ceiling and entertain both children and adults. The large, dog friendly, outdoor patio is a big draw during most of the year.
What community outreach initiatives do you organize?
We sponsor an Oktoberfest each fall and also host a non-profit benefit semi-annually called The Good Time Benefit that raised money for children with life threatening conditions. We also heavily support Greer Relief and Resources Agency – our community agency that exists to transform neighbors in need to neighbors who thrive by providing services to eliminate poverty and help neighbors overcome barriers for success.
Zio’s Pizzeria, Omaha, Nebraska
Ziospizzeria.com
facebook.com/ZiosOmaha
Year Opened: 1985
Gross Annual Sales July 2022-June 2023: 4,100,000
Gross Annual Sales July 2021-June 2022: 3,900,000
Year-over-Year Sales: Up 5.1%
Why should you be among the Pizzerias To Watch List?
Our establishments have been around since 1985 in the Omaha market. We are long term trusted pizzeria (we have 4 of them in Omaha). We try to focus on community with marketing that includes schools, churches and other local events. Plenty of donations go out monthly to many of the local charity groups in Omaha. We take pride in our daily food we prep with nearly 45 freshly prepped items along with fresh dough daily. We will continue with our table service standards during the evenings as long as we can continue to hire service oriented people that love working with customers and food. That has been a major challenge since the end of Covid. Our restaurants are all recently (within the last 5 years) been remodeled. With patios at 2 of them and a drive thru at 1. With our loyal guests (many of whom we see at least once per week), we hope to bring another set of younger customers with the help of some of the current trends in social media.
New Pizzerias on our Radar
Blue Square Pizza
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
www.bluesquarepizza.com
Coniglio’s Old Fashioned
Morristown, NJ
https://www.coniglios.com/
Double Zero Pie & Pub
LAS VEGAS, NV
https://www.doublezeropie.com/
Hearth & Table
Lincoln City, OR
www.hearthandtablelc.com
Mangia Mangia Pizzeria
Estes Park, CO
www.mangiamangiapizzeria.com
Prohibition Pizza
High Springs, Fl
www.prohibitionpizza.com
Stellenzo’s Pizza
Santa Clarita, California
www.stellenzos.com
Truly Pizza
Dana point, California
Trulypizza.com
Regional and National Pizza Companies and Chains to Watch
Farrelli’s Pizza
Dupont, WA
Piesanos
5200 Nw 43rd st, Gainesville
Piesanos.com
Sal’s Pizza
Lawrence, Massachusetts
sals.com
Via 313 Pizza
Lehi, Utah
Via313.com
