Pizza chains are facing a sharp decline as delivery apps level the playing field. Papa Johns plans to close about 200 locations by December, Pizza Hut was sold to private equity last month, and Domino’s shares have slid roughly 30% over the past year.

Chain revenue fell in 2025 after years of slowing growth. Domino’s lowered its guidance, citing high inflation and petrol prices. CEO Russell Weiner said the delivery business should improve when the economy does, and that the company could still grow comparable sales this year.

Delivery apps like Uber Eats and Door Dash give independent pizzerias and other cuisines access to a market once dominated by corporate pizza’s drivers, eroding the competitive moat that chains once enjoyed. Delivery sales at quick‑service pizza chains have slipped about 15% since 2021, according to JPMorgan.

The apps rose during the pandemic and continue to shape urban dining. While the labour shortage eased in 2023, delivery business at pizza chains kept declining, falling from $19.8bn in 2021 to $16.5bn in 2023.