The Convenience Store Pizza Brand Dominating Domino’s

When you think of a Friday night pizza, your mind might not instantly flicker to Hunt Brothers, but this underdog has stealthily climbed to the top of the charts. Surpassing the big names like Domino’s and Pizza Hut, Hunt Brothers now boasts an impressive 9,703 locations across the U.S. Their secret? Affordable, customizable pizzas served up in the convenience of gas stations and convenience stores. Imagine pulling off the highway and being greeted by that familiar red and green logo, guaranteeing a delicious, budget-friendly meal without compromise. Hunt Brothers offer ten toppings at no extra cost, so whether you’re craving a sausage-banana-pepper combo or some classic pepperoni, your wallet stays happy. Add in a range of wings and even a breakfast pizza to cure those morning blues, and it’s easy to see why so many are making the switch on pizza night. Have you ever found yourself on a road trip, stomach grumbling, eyes scanning the horizon for something more appealing than a bag of chips? Perhaps you’ve passed a convenience store with an invitingly familiar red and green logo and thought, “Hunt Brothers Pizza, why not?” If you’ve never tried it or even heard of it, you’re not alone. But Hunt Brothers is quietly dominating the American pizza landscape in ways you might not have expected.

The Convenience Store Pizza Brand Dominating Dominos

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The Quiet Giant: Hunt Brothers Pizza

Today, when people think of a top pizza chain, brands like Domino’s or Pizza Hut commonly come to mind. But did you know there’s a convenience store pizza brand that’s giving these giants a run for their dough? As of February 1, 2024, Hunt Brothers Pizza boasts a staggering 9,703 locations across the U.S., more than Domino’s and Pizza Hut!

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More Locations than Domino’s

It might be surprising, but Hunt Brothers has more locations than Domino’s 6,902 and Pizza Hut’s 6,805. Thanks to data analytics company ScrapeHero, we know Hunt Brothers is the kingpin in this race. How has this brand come to dominate so effectively, especially without the glitz and glamour of standalone brick-and-mortar restaurants?

The Convenience Store Strategy

Hunt Brothers has ingeniously leveraged a model that places their pizza kitchens inside convenience stores and gas stations. Imagine you’re on a long drive, pulling over at a gas station not just to refuel your car, but also your stomach with some hot, fresh pizza. This strategy ensures that the pizza brand doesn’t have to shoulder the high operational costs that come with standalone restaurants. Instead, they thrive in high-traffic locales.

What Sets Hunt Brothers Apart?

The synergistic relationship Hunt Brothers fosters with convenience stores perpetuates foot traffic. Customers come in for gas and snacks but stay for the pizza. It’s the ultimate win-win setting, ensuring maximum exposure with minimal effort.

Brand Number of Locations (as of Feb 2024)
Hunt Brothers 9,703
Domino’s 6,902
Pizza Hut 6,805

The Convenience Store Pizza Brand Dominating Dominos

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Trust and Affordability

What keeps customers coming back to Hunt Brothers Pizza? Affordability and trust are the keys. Their pricing strategy is straightforward and user-friendly, making it an appealing choice especially during road trips.

No Extra Charge for Toppings

Unlike other pizza chains, Hunt Brothers lets you add as many toppings as you want without any additional cost. Whether you’re a pepperoni person or someone who likes to mix sausage, banana peppers, onions, and black olives, it’s all available for a flat rate ranging from $10 to $12, depending on the location.

More Than Just Pizza

Not in the mood for pizza? No problem! Hunt Brothers also offers wings and boneless WingBites in flavors like Home Style, Buffalo, Southern Style, and Hot ‘n Spicy. They even offer a breakfast pizza that’s perfect for those early morning cravings. Imagine waking up to a pie smothered in scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, breakfast sausage crumbles, and cheese. Tasty and practical!

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The Family Behind the Brand

The real driving force behind Hunt Brothers Pizza is its founders: Don, Charlie, Jim, and Lonnie Hunt. Starting the pizza chain in 1991, the brothers brought years of quick-service restaurant experience to the table, having originally cut their teeth at their father’s Austin’s Drive-In. Today, they helm a pizza empire that spans 32 states.

Keeping It in the Family

Hunt Brothers Pizza remains a family affair, staying true to the values that have driven its success from the beginning. This sense of community extends to their franchise partners, who are seen as part of the extended family.

Promotions That Resonate

Brand recognition is another part of Hunt Brothers’ strategy. NASCAR fans might recognize the brand thanks to their association with driver Joey Logano, who has driven a No. 22 Ford racecar adorned with the Hunt Brothers Pizza logo. These efforts in promotion resonate well, especially with sports enthusiasts who might already frequent convenience stores for fuel and snacks.

A Model of Success

People might not think of convenience stores when they consider dining options, but Hunt Brothers has flipped this idea on its head. By partnering with these establishments, they’ve secured a constant stream of customers without the need for flashy storefronts.

Tipping the Scale in Their Favor

While chains like Domino’s have tried various promotions (including controversial tipping promotions), Hunt Brothers keeps things simple. Their no-nonsense pricing and ease of accessibility create a seamless experience for hungry customers everywhere.

The Road Ahead

As Hunt Brothers continues to expand, it’s clear their unique business model is here to stay. By constantly being within arm’s reach for travelers, they’ve built a brand that blends convenience with quality.

Your Next Pizza Stop

Next time you’re on the road, keep an eye out for that red and green logo. Whether you’re in the mood for a loaded pizza or some crave-worthy wings, Hunt Brothers has something to offer. Affordable, convenient, and delicious—they might just become your go-to pizza stop on every road trip.

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Conclusion

So, what’s the takeaway? Don’t be fooled by its location within convenience stores or gas stations; Hunt Brothers Pizza is a force to be reckoned with. By marrying the convenience of quick-service with the comfort food appeal of pizza, Hunt Brothers has found a winning formula. Whether you’re a frequent road-tripper or someone looking for affordable, tasty pizza options, Hunt Brothers has got you covered.

Give it a try, and you might find yourself becoming a loyal fan, joining the thousands who already swear by it. Here’s to the unexpected kings of convenience store pizza, showing us all that great things can come from the most surprising places.

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