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- Popular Pizza Chains That Are Disappearing (blog.cheapism.com)
Say Goodbye to These Once-Great Pizza Chains
Remember those birthday parties at the local pizza place, with arcade tokens, bottomless soda, and slices bigger than your head? Times change, and sadly, some of those beloved pizza havens are disappearing.
While some chains adapted, others fell by the wayside. Here’s a look at some once-popular pizza joints that are rapidly shrinking across the US.
Cicis Pizza: Cicis built its empire on the promise of all-you-can-eat pizza for under $6. At its peak, over 650 locations nationwide offered endless slices, pasta, and even dessert pizza.
But the low-price strategy eventually faltered. A 2021 bankruptcy filing resulted in significant closures, wiping out entire states like New York, Michigan, and Missouri.
As of March 2024, only 277 stores remain, concentrated mainly in Texas and Florida.
Pizza Hut: This might seem surprising, but Pizza Hut’s future is uncertain. While still among the top five largest pizza chains in the US with 6,739 locations as of August 2024, the chain has been quietly downsizing.
A 2019 announcement outlined plans to close up to 500 underperforming restaurants. The closure of dine-in locations has also accelerated, including 15 abrupt closures in the Midwest, with over 120 more potentially at risk due to franchisee disputes.
Pizza Inn: Founded in Dallas in 1958, Pizza Inn became a Southern staple, reaching 500 locations at its height. Focusing on buffets and takeout in smaller towns, the chain struggled to adapt to the rise of delivery and the decline of buffet popularity. As of April 2025, only 96 Pizza Inn locations remain, primarily in Texas and Arkansas.
Shakey’s Pizza: Established in 1954 as America’s first pizza franchise, Shakey’s boasted over 500 locations by the 1970s. Known for pizza, fried chicken, and mojo potatoes, it was a post-Little League game tradition.
Today, a mere 44 US locations remain, mostly in California. Ironically, the chain has found unexpected popularity in the Philippines.
Rocky Rococo: A Midwest favorite in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Rocky Rococo was known for its thick, square-cut pan pizza. While it peaked at 120 locations, it never achieved national recognition. Today, only 31 locations remain, almost exclusively in Wisconsin, a testament to regional loyalty and a touch of nostalgia.
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