Battered by Sales Slump, Major Pizza Chain Cuts 150 Stores
This year, anyone hoping to grab a slice at their usual pizza spot might be out of luck. A leading pizza chain (the kind that has shops across the globe and neon-lit signs in just about every city) is pulling the plug on more than 150 of its locations. That’s not just a few underperformers—it’s a massive shake-up that signals deep trouble behind the scenes.
The cuts aren’t a one-off “trim the fat” move. They come after months of steady sales decline across international markets. When diners start tightening their wallets and thinking twice before ordering out, big restaurant names start to sweat. Lately, people are opting to cook at home, hunt for deals, or order from low-cost rivals—especially with grocery prices still gobbling up a fat chunk of paychecks.
And then there’s the competition. Takeout and delivery apps have changed the way people think about eating in. These platforms put dozens of options in your pocket, letting you skip familiar chains and try something new with a swipe. Who needs the local pizza joint when you can order Korean wings, Middle Eastern shawarma, or spicy ramen just as easily? This surge in delivery competition has squeezed profits and left old-guard pizza chains scrambling to stand out.
- Over 150 store closures announced for 2024
- Sales have continued falling in multiple countries, not just the chain’s home turf
- The company’s leadership is staying quiet on exactly which locations are getting the axe
- The closures follow a wider trend of falling restaurant sales and tighter consumer spending
The chain hasn’t said exactly which cities or regions will be hit hardest, or what this means for workers in the closed shops. What’s clear is that this is more than a belt-tightening. It’s a game of survival in an industry where every pizza sold (or not sold) matters.
Crowded Field Leaves Hunger for Reinvention
The pizza world isn’t the same as it was five years ago. Social media buzz shapes food trends overnight, and a hit TikTok recipe can sweep the country faster than you can say “pineapple on pizza.” Independent pizzerias, ghost kitchens, and global food chains have all jumped into the delivery arms race. With so many players, even household names aren’t safe.
Industry insiders say these closures could mark just the beginning. Higher costs for ingredients, labor woes, and the rise of cash-strapped customers looking for value have everyone from burger spots to salad bars feeling the squeeze. The big chains that dominated the pre-pandemic era can’t coast on name recognition anymore. They need new ways to win people over—whether that means bold menu makeovers, sharper app experiences, or actually bringing down prices.
For fans of the brand, there’s still hope they’ll find their favorite slice, but they’ll probably have to drive a little farther to get it. Meanwhile, employees and franchise owners are facing months of uncertainty as the company charts its next course in a hungry, unforgiving food market.