TOP 10 PIZZA CHAINS AND FRANCHISES

Units : 815 Franchised : Yes 2014 Gross Sales : $ 600 million

Sbarro has been in the New Yorkstyle pizza game since 1956 , making it the oldest brand on this list , and remains a mainstay at mall food courts and airports to this day . It ’ s been a tough couple of years for the chain — last year it closed over 100 US locations , and in March , the chain for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection ( its second time within the span of three years ). But Sbarro exited bankruptcy just three months later , emerging in June revitalized by paid-down debt and new investors ( including Apollo Global Management , who also bought out Hostess Brands during its bankruptcy ), and ready to reorganize and build .

With less than 300 locations , California Pizza Kitchen is by far the smallest pizza chain on this list . So how did this regional chain make its way to the Top Ten ? What it lacks in locations , it makes up for with quality casual dining fare — often at a higher price point than your average delivery pizza . While consumers might turn to takeout for stacks of pepperoni and mushroom , they go to CPK for a night out and unique artisan creations like a fennel sausage and poblano pepper flatbread , or a pulled pork habanero carnitas pizza with housemade cilantro pesto , reflecting fresher fusion-inspired California cuisine . www . cpk . com

Units : 288 Franchised : No 2014 Gross Sales : $ 739 million www . sbarro . com

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