As more consumers forgo crusty, delicious pizza made from fresh dough and baked in special ovens, pizza chains are having a hard time surviving.
However, consumers are not to be blamed, as they also face heavy economic pressures. In fact, industry data show that many consumers are forced to trade down their typical dining-out options for more modest meals at home. A quarter of consumers say they eat more frozen pizza than restaurant pizza due to price increases, according to Baking Business.
More than two-thirds (68%) of U.S. consumers are cutting back on restaurant dining generally in 2026, prioritizing affordability and convenience, reveals Popmenu’s 2026 report Restaurant Trends To Watch…