Hungry Howie’s Accelerates National Growth with Seven New Openings

By Matt Ritter

Hungry Howie’s opened seven locations across five US states in Q3 2026, attracting new and experienced franchisees while investing in digital upgrades.

Hungry Howie’s, the pioneer of Flavored Crust® pizza, has significantly expanded its national footprint with the opening of seven new locations across five states in Q3 2026. This latest development wave spans key markets in South Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Texas, including a high-profile debut inside the iconic Michigan Stadium.

Strategic Multi-State Expansion

The brand's growth strategy highlights a diverse mix of franchise partners, ranging from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned multi-unit operators. In the Southeast, Hardik and Sejal Pandya launched a new location in Goose Creek, South Carolina, leveraging their extensive background in multi-unit retail operations.

The Midwest remains a stronghold for the brand, with new restaurants in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and multiple Michigan territories. Notably, the Traverse City opening features a multi-generational team led by Kory Hershock, which includes 24-year-old Kylee Bird, the market's youngest franchisee.

Diverse Franchisee Portfolios

Hungry Howie’s is increasingly attracting operators from other major QSR and retail brands. In Tucson, Arizona, a three-unit agreement was signed by a group including Gregg Gilfillan, Pete Simms, and Bill Sladek, who collectively own 13 Dairy Queen locations.

In San Antonio, franchisee Muhammad Khan added a second pizza location to his portfolio, which also includes 7-Eleven assets. This trend underscores the brand's appeal as a scalable addition to diversified franchise investments.

"These seven openings are proof of something we’re seeing across the system – Hungry Howie’s works for every kind of operator, whether you’re signing your first franchise agreement or you’re an experienced multi-unit owner."

Innovation and Digital Transformation

Beyond physical expansion, the brand is investing heavily in menu innovation and guest experience. Recent additions like Detroit-Style Pizza and limited-time Tajín® and Everything Bagel crusts continue to differentiate the brand in a crowded delivery and carryout market.

To support this growth, Hungry Howie’s has partnered with DoorDash to overhaul its digital infrastructure. This initiative includes a rebuilt website, a mobile app, and a reimagined loyalty program, with a full system-wide transition expected by Q2 2027.

"We still have prime territory open across the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and beyond. The opportunity in front of the right operators has never been bigger."

As the brand moves toward 2027, its focus on combining 50 years of pizza expertise with modernized technology positions it as a formidable competitor for market share in the evolving QSR landscape.