8 Regional Pizza Chains That Deserve National Fame

Pizza lovers across America know the big national chains, but some of the tastiest pies come from smaller regional operations.

These hometown heroes have perfected their craft through decades of serving loyal customers, developing unique styles and flavors you simply can’t find everywhere.

From stuffed Chicago behemoths to thin St. Louis specialties, these eight regional pizza chains deserve to expand their delicious reach across the country.

1. Lou Malnati’s: Deep-Dish Perfection from the Windy City

Lou Malnati's: Deep-Dish Perfection from the Windy City
© Lou Malnati’s

Lou Malnati’s buttery, flaky crust stands as the cornerstone of Chicago’s pizza legacy. Unlike competitors, their deep-dish creation sports a signature caramelized crust edge that adds a subtle sweetness to each bite.

Their fresh sausage blankets the entire pizza rather than arriving in chunks, ensuring meaty flavor in every mouthful. Lou Malnati’s has expanded to 61 locations across four states, but the family-owned business maintains strict quality control.

Their famous “Malnati Chicago Classic” with lean sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce represents the pinnacle of deep-dish craftsmanship.

2. Giordano’s: Chicago’s Stuffed Pizza Sensation

Giordano's: Chicago's Stuffed Pizza Sensation
© Navy Pier

The first bite of a Giordano’s stuffed deep-dish pizza reveals layers of magic that have made this Chicago institution legendary since 1974.

Their signature pies feature a sturdy bottom crust, generous cheese and toppings, and a thin top crust sealed with tangy tomato sauce.

With 60+ locations across nine states, they’ve started spreading their cheesy gospel, but millions of Americans still haven’t experienced the fork-and-knife affair that is Giordano’s.

The wait time for these hefty masterpieces runs about 45 minutes – trust me, it’s worth every second.

3. Buddy’s Pizza: Detroit’s Square Pan Pioneer

Buddy's Pizza: Detroit's Square Pan Pioneer
© NEPA Pizza Review

Square is hip in Detroit, where Buddy’s rectangular pies have reigned supreme since 1946. Their signature Detroit-style pizza features a thick, airy crust with caramelized cheese edges that crunch with each bite – a texture sensation unlike any other pizza style.

I still remember my first Buddy’s experience during a college road trip. The “Motor City Cheese” arrived with those crispy corners that had me fighting friends for edge pieces.

With just 23 locations all in Michigan, most Americans are missing out on this regional treasure that inspired countless imitators nationwide.

4. Imo’s Pizza: St. Louis’ Cracker-Thin Specialty

Imo's Pizza: St. Louis' Cracker-Thin Specialty
© Business Insider

Controversial yet beloved, Imo’s Pizza represents St. Louis style in its purest form. Their ultra-thin, cracker-like crust snaps rather than folds, providing the perfect canvas for their signature Provel cheese.

Cut into squares rather than triangles (locally called “party cut”), these pies divide pizza enthusiasts into passionate camps.

With around 99 locations concentrated in Missouri and neighboring states, Imo’s remains a Midwest secret despite operating since 1964.

5. Mellow Mushroom: Psychedelic Pies with Culinary Creativity

Mellow Mushroom: Psychedelic Pies with Culinary Creativity
© CultureMap Dallas

Born in 1974 from hippie culture, Mellow Mushroom combines stone-baked tradition with counterculture flair. Their springy, molasses-sweetened dough creates a distinctive crust that’s neither thick nor thin but perfectly chewy.

My family discovered them during a Florida vacation, where my daughter declared their “Kosmic Karma” pizza – topped with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pesto – the “most amazing thing ever.”

With 170 locations in 24 states, their funky, art-filled restaurants and creative specialty pies deserve nationwide recognition beyond their current footprint.

6. Mountain Mike’s: West Coast Wonder with Alpine Appeal

Mountain Mike's: West Coast Wonder with Alpine Appeal
© Restaurant News

Mountain Mike’s has perfected the art of the pepperoni curl since 1978. Their signature “crispy, curly pepperoni” creates miniature cups that fill with flavorful oil, making their pies instantly recognizable and impossibly addictive.

Their mountain-themed restaurants offer family-friendly dining with arcade games and big-screen TVs. Despite having over 400 locations, they remain primarily confined to California and other western states.

The “Everest” pizza – loaded with nine toppings and a mountain of cheese – exemplifies their hearty approach to pizza craftsmanship that deserves exploration beyond Western state borders.

7. Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom: Craft Beer’s Perfect Pizza Partner

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom: Craft Beer's Perfect Pizza Partner
© FSR magazine

Old Chicago mastered the beer-and-pizza pairing long before craft brewing went mainstream. Founded in 1976, their Chicago-inspired thick crust pies complement an impressive rotating beer selection that keeps enthusiasts coming back.

Their signature “Chicago 7” pizza layers pepperoni, Italian sausage, red onions, black olives, green peppers, and mushrooms into a hearty feast. While operating in over 20 states, vast regions of America remain untouched by their pizza-and-beer expertise.

The “World Beer Tour” program, which rewards customers for sampling different brews, creates a unique dining experience worth spreading nationwide.

8. Round Table Pizza: Medieval Feasts for Modern Knights

Round Table Pizza: Medieval Feasts for Modern Knights
© en.wikipedia.org

Round Table’s commitment to “the last honest pizza” means hand-rolled dough, real cheese, and toppings that extend to the edge. Since 1959, their medieval-themed restaurants have been serving West Coast families generous pies worthy of King Arthur’s court.

I grew up celebrating Little League victories at our local Round Table, where the “King Arthur’s Supreme” pizza felt like the feast champions deserved.

Their three-cheese blend and zesty red sauce create a distinctive flavor profile instantly recognizable to West Coast natives.

With 400+ locations across Western states, their eastward expansion would bring royal pizza satisfaction to new kingdoms.