15 American-Born Pizza Chains You Need To Try At Least Once
Pizza is America’s favorite comfort food, with each chain offering its own special twist on this beloved dish.
From coast to coast, homegrown pizza companies have been perfecting their recipes, creating unique flavor combinations and innovative dining experiences.
I’ve traveled across the country sampling slices from the most popular pizza spots, and these 15 American-born chains definitely deserve a spot on your culinary bucket list.
1. Pizza Hut’s Iconic Red Roofs And Pan Pizza
The unmistakable aroma of Pizza Hut’s buttery crust takes me straight back to childhood birthday parties. Founded in 1958 by two brothers in Wichita, Kansas, this chain revolutionized American pizza with its signature pan-style pies. Their Original Pan Pizza features that golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside crust that’s practically impossible to replicate at home.
The red roof restaurants might be disappearing, but the nostalgic taste remains unchanged. My personal favorite? The Meat Lover’s with its mountain of pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, beef, and cheese. Fun fact: Pizza Hut once delivered to the International Space Station in 2001, making them the first pizza company in space!
2. Domino’s Delivery Revolution
Thirty minutes or less! That promise changed pizza forever when Domino’s burst onto the scene in 1960. Started in Ypsilanti, Michigan, by brothers Tom and James Monaghan, this chain built its empire on speed and consistency. After their famous recipe overhaul in 2009, Domino’s transformed from just a convenient option to a genuinely delicious one.
Their hand-tossed crust strikes the perfect balance between crispy and chewy, while their robust tomato sauce has just the right kick. During college, their Brooklyn Style pizza fueled countless late-night study sessions. Their innovative tracker lets you follow your pizza from oven to door – oddly satisfying when you’re hungry and waiting impatiently!
3. Little Caesars’ Hot-N-Ready Convenience
“Pizza! Pizza!” Those two words instantly bring to mind Little Caesars and their game-changing Hot-N-Ready concept. Founded in 1959 in Garden City, Michigan, by Mike and Marian Ilitch, this chain revolutionized quick-serve pizza. Walking in and walking out with a hot pizza in under 30 seconds has saved many of my dinner emergencies.
Their crispy, square Detroit-style deep dish is an underrated treasure that deserves more attention than their $5 pepperoni gets. The Crazy Bread might be the real star though – those buttery, garlicky breadsticks have been my guilty pleasure since childhood. Little Caesars proves that affordable doesn’t have to mean low quality, making them the third-largest pizza chain in America despite their simpler business model.
4. Papa John’s Better Ingredients Promise
“Better ingredients, better pizza” isn’t just a catchy slogan – it’s the philosophy that launched Papa John’s to pizza stardom. Founded in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, by John Schnatter, this chain prides itself on quality. Their dough is made fresh daily, never frozen, giving it that distinctive texture that’s not too thick or thin.
The garlic sauce dipping cups that come with every pizza are practically legendary – I’ve been known to order extra just for my breadsticks. What sets them apart is their commitment to premium toppings like real cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes. My go-to order is their Spicy Italian with the garlic parmesan crust – the perfect combination of kick and comfort in every bite.
5. Papa Murphy’s Take-And-Bake Innovation
Fresh pizza without delivery compromises? That’s the brilliant concept behind Papa Murphy’s. Created in 1995 when Papa Aldo’s and Murphy’s Pizza merged, this chain flipped the script on traditional pizza service. I was skeptical until I tried it – there’s something magical about pulling a perfectly baked pizza from your own oven.
The aromas fill your home while the cheese bubbles to golden perfection exactly how you like it. Their specialty Gourmet Vegetarian changed my mind about veggie pizzas forever with its artichoke hearts, spinach, and zucchini atop creamy garlic sauce. With over 1,300 locations across the US, they’ve proven that sometimes the best pizza experience is the one you finish cooking yourself – no delivery drivers or reheating required.
6. Marco’s Pizza’s Authentic Italian Heritage
Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco brought his Italian heritage to Toledo, Ohio in 1978, creating Marco’s Pizza with recipes straight from the old country. Unlike many American chains, Marco’s embraces authentic Italian techniques, earning them a reputation for exceptional quality. Their three-cheese blend features both white and aged cheddar alongside traditional mozzarella, creating that perfect cheese pull that makes for Instagram-worthy slices.
The dough is made fresh daily in each store, and you can absolutely taste the difference. During a road trip through Ohio, I stumbled upon Marco’s and ordered their signature Pepperoni Magnifico – the old-world pepperoni that cups and crisps at the edges changed my pizza standards forever. They’re now America’s fastest-growing pizza chain, proving that authenticity and quality never go out of style.
7. Jet’s Pizza’s Detroit-Style Square Specialties
Square pizza perfection! Jet’s Pizza launched in Sterling Heights, Michigan in 1978, bringing Detroit-style pizza to the masses. Brothers Eugene and John Jetts created something special with their signature deep-dish square pizzas. The secret is in the distinctive dough, which is twice-proofed and pressed into well-oiled steel pans that create that caramelized cheese edge – the most fought-over part in my family gatherings. Their 8-corner pizza (essentially two squares) ensures everyone gets those coveted crispy corners.
Their Turbo Crust, brushed with garlic and Romano cheese, elevates even a simple cheese pizza to gourmet status. When I lived in Michigan, Tuesday’s Jet’s special was practically a weekly tradition. Their commitment to quality ingredients and that distinctive Detroit style makes them a standout in a crowded pizza market.
8. Hungry Howie’s Flavored Crust Innovation
Crust flavors were practically unheard of until Hungry Howie’s changed the pizza game forever. Starting as a single hamburger shop in Taylor, Michigan in 1973, founder Jim Hearn transformed it into a pizza powerhouse with a simple yet brilliant idea. Eight different flavored crusts – including butter cheese, cajun, and my personal favorite, garlic herb – turn the often-discarded pizza edge into the highlight of the meal. I’ve literally ordered different flavors on each half of a pizza just to compare!
Their pizzas strike that perfect balance between quality and value, making them my go-to for parties. While they might not have the national recognition of some bigger chains, their 550+ locations have earned a devoted following. Hungry Howie’s proves that sometimes the simplest innovations make the biggest impact.
9. Donatos’ Edge-To-Edge Toppings Approach
No naked crust here! Donatos pioneered the “every bite should be perfect” philosophy with their edge-to-edge toppings approach. Founded in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio, by Jim Grote, this chain refuses to leave any part of their thin crust uncovered. Their distinctive rectangular-cut pizzas ensure that even corner pieces are loaded with toppings.
The pepperoni pizza features over 100 pieces of pepperoni per large pizza – I counted once during a particularly boring dinner! Their commitment to quality ingredients shines through in their fresh vegetables and premium meats. McDonald’s actually owned them briefly in the late 1990s before the Grote family bought it back to preserve their quality standards. For thin crust lovers who hate wasted space, Donatos delivers a topping-to-crust ratio that’s simply unmatched in the pizza world.
10. Blaze Pizza’s Fast-Fire’d Customization
NBA superstar LeBron James didn’t just invest in Blaze Pizza – he believed in it so much he walked away from a McDonald’s deal! Founded in 2011 in Pasadena, California, this newcomer revolutionized pizza with their assembly-line, build-your-own concept. Their 11-inch personal pizzas cook in just 180 seconds in blazing hot open-flame ovens, creating that perfect char on the artisanal thin crust.
Last summer, I challenged myself to create a different combination every visit for a month – with unlimited toppings for one price, the possibilities felt endless! What impresses me most is how they’ve maintained quality while focusing on speed. Their dough is made from scratch daily and fermented for 24 hours, developing complex flavors you wouldn’t expect from a fast-casual spot. For customization lovers who don’t want to wait, Blaze is pizza nirvana.
11. California Pizza Kitchen’s Gourmet Flavor Innovations
Who put BBQ chicken on a pizza? California Pizza Kitchen, that’s who! Founded in 1985 in Beverly Hills by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK transformed pizza from casual fare to culinary adventure. Their innovative combinations like Thai Chicken and Jamaican Jerk pizzas expanded America’s pizza horizons.
The first time I tried their signature BBQ Chicken pizza – with its sweet and tangy sauce, smoked gouda, and cilantro – I couldn’t believe I’d spent years eating just pepperoni. While they’ve expanded into a full-service restaurant with pastas and salads, their creative pizzas remain the star. Their commitment to unexpected flavor combinations influenced countless other chains. Even their frozen grocery store versions maintain that distinctive CPK flair that made them famous – perfect when I’m craving their unique flavors but can’t visit a location.
12. Godfather’s Pizza’s Hearty Midwest Portions
“A pizza you can’t refuse” isn’t just clever marketing – it’s an accurate description of Godfather’s substantial pies. Founded in 1973 in Omaha, Nebraska, this chain brings Midwest generosity to every slice. Their thick, golden crust supports mountains of toppings without collapsing – a structural engineering marvel in the pizza world.
During college, their Combo pizza (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, black olives, onions, and green peppers) could feed me for days, making it the best value for a student budget. What makes Godfather’s special is their commitment to that original hearty recipe while many competitors have downsized. Their hot chips – fresh-made potato chips seasoned with their signature spice blend – are worth the trip alone. For those who believe pizza should be a substantial meal rather than a light snack, Godfather’s delivers satisfaction in every hefty slice.
13. Mellow Mushroom’s Psychedelic Pizza Experience
Peace, love, and pizza! Mellow Mushroom began in 1974 when three college students in Atlanta, Georgia created a hippie-inspired pizza joint that’s anything but corporate. Each location features unique psychedelic art and quirky decor while maintaining consistently excellent pizza. Their stone-baked pies feature a distinctive crust made with Appalachian spring water and molasses – a sweet, chewy base that’s unlike any other chain. My first visit to Mellow Mushroom involved their Kosmic Karma pizza with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto – a flavor combination that blew my mind more than the trippy murals on the walls. Beyond great pizza, they’ve cultivated a genuine counterculture vibe that feels authentic rather than manufactured. Their craft beer selection rivals dedicated beer bars, making them a perfect spot for pizza enthusiasts who appreciate good brews and funky atmosphere alongside their slices.
14. CiCi’s Pizza’s All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Value
Pizza buffet heaven! CiCi’s revolutionized affordable family dining when it launched in Plano, Texas in 1985. Their unlimited pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert concept created a paradise for hungry kids and budget-conscious parents alike. Walking in, the aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls mingles with savory pizza scents, creating an irresistible combination.
As a teenager with an endless appetite, CiCi’s was my favorite restaurant – where else could I try macaroni and cheese pizza followed by dessert pizza without judgment? Beyond the standard offerings, they continuously innovate with specialty pizzas like Buffalo chicken and spinach alfredo. Their thin crust option provides a lighter alternative to their regular hand-tossed style. For families looking to satisfy different cravings without breaking the bank, CiCi’s continues to offer one of America’s best dining values.
15. Imo’s Pizza’s St. Louis-Style Thin Crust
“The square beyond compare” isn’t just clever marketing – it’s how locals describe the distinctive St. Louis-style pizza perfected by Imo’s. Founded in 1964 by Ed and Margie Imo, this regional powerhouse introduced the world to an entirely different pizza concept. Their ultra-thin, cracker-like crust comes topped with Provel cheese – a gooey, smoky blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that’s practically unknown outside St. Louis.
First time I tried it during a cross-country road trip, I was shocked by how different it was from every pizza I’d experienced before. Cut into squares rather than triangles (a style locals call “party cut”), Imo’s creates the perfect vehicle for their sweet tomato sauce and generous toppings. While some visitors find the unique cheese and crispy crust polarizing, St. Louis natives are fiercely loyal to their hometown pizza style.