Daily Pizza Sales in Small Towns and the Impact of the Pandemic

How many pizzas does a store in a decent location like a small town sell a day? Is it 30, 50, or even 100? This article aims to provide a clear picture of the daily sales of pizza in small towns, while also discussing the impact of the pandemic on local pizza businesses.

General Trends in Small Town Pizza Stores

In a small town, a pizza store located in a decent area might sell anywhere from 30 to 100 pizzas per day. The exact number can vary based on several factors such as local demand, competition, and the day of the week. Weekends typically see higher sales, with a rough average of around 50 to 70 pizzas daily for a well-performing shop.

Industry Insights from Personal Experience

Back in the day, I worked at a higher-end Home and Pop Italian restaurant with excellent delivery and carryout services. During the week, our daily sales were typically around 200, while Fridays and Saturdays saw sales doubling to over 400. Sundays were generally lower, often less than 150. This indicates that the demand for pizza can significantly vary based on the day of the week and overall market conditions.

Data-Driven Analysis

According to Statista, in 2020, there were 5.5 billion dollars worth of pizza delivery and carryout orders in the United States. This data underscores the popularity of pizza among Americans. To produce excellent pizza that meets customer expectations, it is crucial to balance quality and pricing to ensure a growing reputation and loyal customer base.

Market Size and Trends

Based on my experience and the data collected from a company that specializes in serving pizza restaurants with customized IP phone services and cellular backup Internet, the sales figures in pizza stores can vary widely:

A small "mom and pop" shop with a couple of employees may be happy selling 20-30 pizzas a day. A mid-size restaurant may sell between 80 and 150 pizzas daily. A large high-traffic location might see sales between 200 and 350 pizzas per day, with some places even selling 500 or more and employing 50 people.

These sales figures are generally higher on Fridays, which become even more pronounced with a 50% increase.

The Pandemic's Impact on Pizza Sales

The pandemic has had a significant impact on pizza businesses. Those primarily focused on carryout and delivery have thrived, experiencing substantial increases in business. In contrast, dine-in establishments faced more challenges but were able to adapt by switching to delivery and carryout services, maintaining their revenue levels.

Our company, with over 1000 customers, had only 13 businesses close down, compared to approximately 50 fine dining restaurants that had to shut down. This disparity underscores the resilience of the pizza industry in adapting to changing market conditions.

The Future of Pizza Restaurants

Looking to the future, it appears that pizza restaurants will continue to do well. One of the best ways to ensure success is to invest in a reputable pizza franchise. Starting a random pizza restaurant can be as risky as opening any other type of restaurant. Instead, launching a franchise is a safer and more reliable option. Franchises provide training, support, and a proven business model, significantly increasing your chances of success.

Moreover, unless you have extensive experience in the restaurant industry, starting a franchise is virtually guaranteed to net you a higher return on investment. The franchisor will train you and ensure that the location they choose is likely to succeed. Even as a franchisee, you will need to pay franchise fees, but the benefits of a guaranteed business model far outweigh these expenses.

Conclusion

In summary, pizza sales in small towns and larger cities can vary widely depending on several factors. With the right strategies and market adaptability, pizza businesses can thrive. For those looking to enter the pizza industry, a franchise is a reliable and safe option.