Born in the suburbs of Detroit in 1973, Hungry Howie’s has grown from a single pizza shop in Taylor, Michigan, into one of the nation’s largest pizza franchises, known for its signature Flavored Crust Pizza and innovative menu offerings. With more than 50 years in business, Hungry Howie’s is deepening its hometown roots with the launch of eight new stores across the Detroit DMA – including two openings this October – and the recent nationwide rollout of its authentic Detroit-Style Pizza.
To discuss the brand’s growth, hometown pride and franchise development momentum, Franchise Chatter spoke with Jennifer Jackson, vice president of public relations at Hungry Howie’s.
Franchise Chatter (FC): Jennifer, Hungry Howie’s was born and raised in the Detroit area. How does it feel to see the brand expanding so significantly in its hometown market right now?
"If I were considering buying a franchise today, checking territory availability would be one of my first steps — yet most buyers leave it until last." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible — saving you months of wasted research.Jennifer Jackson (JJ): It’s an exciting time at Hungry Howie’s with our expansion into the city of Detroit and our growth in Michigan.
FC: What can you tell us about the eight new stores launching across the Metro Detroit area? What’s driving this surge in development locally?
JJ: These areas were closed markets for many years until we buttoned up our trade areas and realized customers were not getting serviced.
FC: Hungry Howie’s recently became the first national chain to launch true Detroit-Style Pizza nationwide. What inspired that move, and how has it been received so far?
JJ: When we decided to launch a Detroit-Style Pizza, we knew we had to pay homage to our hometown and do it right. We wanted to be authentic and researched how Detroit-Style came to be. Hungry Howie’s is the only national pizza chain to offer an authentically true Detroit-Style Pizza.
FC: How has the addition of Detroit-Style Pizza impacted franchisees – both in terms of sales and excitement around the brand?
JJ: Launching the Detroit-Style Pizza was exciting for our franchisees because of how well-known it’s become across the country. We strategically rolled it out throughout the operational system before we announced it was available nationwide. It helped us realize that not everyone loves the true-to-style sauce on top, so we kept our Deep-Dish Pizza option, and the sales of both have exceeded our expectations.
"If I were considering buying a franchise today, checking territory availability would be one of my first steps — yet most buyers leave it until last." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible — saving you months of wasted research.FC: Hungry Howie’s has long been known as a strong franchise opportunity. How would you describe the brand’s current growth strategy?
JJ: Hungry Howie’s is the best-kept secret in the franchise world. We have been around for more than 50 years and are a proven franchise model. We continue to seek passionate restaurant owners and franchisees from other brands to join our family.
FC: What are you seeing in terms of interest from prospective franchisees? Are there particular regions or types of operators you’re attracting right now?
JJ: We are targeting specific states with our marketing to align with our growth strategy, so most of our leads are being driven from there. Exclusive single- and multi-unit opportunities are now available in select markets nationwide. Some of our targets include states like Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. We have seen a mix of both owners and operators, as well as multi-unit and multi-brand owners, showing interest in the brand.
FC: How does Hungry Howie’s support its franchisees, especially those expanding into new or competitive markets?
JJ: As a new Hungry Howie’s franchisee, you’ll receive training on all things Hungry Howie’s. Our training program covers need-to-know subjects, such as the overarching Hungry Howie’s brand culture, administration and business management, finances, marketing, business development, systems and technology, and operational procedures. Franchise training features three weeks of hands-on operational training at one of the Hungry Howie’s training stores in southeast Michigan, as well as one week of online business management training.
"No time to attend live? Register now and we'll send you the full recording the next day." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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JJ: Hungry Howie’s offers Flavored Crust Pizza, which has been our niche in the industry for over 40 years. The brand is all about bold flavors in our products.
FC: Hungry Howie’s has built a reputation for innovation – from flavored crusts to online ordering to Detroit-Style Pizza. How does the brand balance innovation with tradition?
JJ: Hungry Howie’s has built its reputation by innovating within the framework of its Detroit-style heritage. The brand stays rooted in tradition through its signature Flavored Crust, neighborhood-based ownership and decades of community trust – while continuously evolving through new menu items, digital ordering and bold creative campaigns. Every innovation serves a single purpose: to enhance the flavor, convenience and fun that defines Hungry Howie’s. By modernizing without losing its Detroit soul, the brand honors its past while staying ahead of the competition.
FC: As VP of Public Relations, how do you approach communicating the Hungry Howie’s story – both to customers and to potential franchisees?
JJ: The communication landscape is changing rapidly, and Hungry Howie’s is constantly adapting to get our story told. We still utilize traditional earned media processes, such as distributing press releases via newswires and organically pitching to local markets and trades, but we now also include channels like social media, influencers and collaborative partnerships.
FC: What’s next for Hungry Howie’s as you look toward 2026 and beyond? Are there new markets or initiatives on the horizon?
JJ: Hungry Howie’s will continue to defend flavor and will be doing some exciting collaborations in 2026 to invite consumers of other brands into our fold.
FC: Finally, what message would you share with entrepreneurs considering joining the Hungry Howie’s franchise family?
JJ: Hungry Howie’s is looking for entrepreneurs with our core values: Treat everyone like family; Have integrity; Do what you say; Be hungry for growth; and Have positive energy.
Hungry Howie’s is committed to keeping pizza franchise costs accessible and giving franchisees the resources needed to scale the business easily. Our low-cost pizza franchise opportunity includes third-party financing, a 50% franchise-fee discount for qualified veterans, a delivery and carryout business model, a simple menu, a small operational footprint and strong sales-to-investment ratio.
"Multi-unit ownership is where the real wealth in franchising is built — and it starts with one key decision: choosing a brand with enough territory runway to grow into." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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