The Pizza Franchise Market is Saturated. What Do Consumers Want Instead?

Pizza franchises are everywhere, and consumers are overwhelmed with choices. Explore other options for crowd-pleasing franchises that stand out from the crowd.

The Current Pizza Scene

Let’s be real—everyone loves pizza. But with countless pizzerias popping up on every street corner, the competition has gone from crusty to downright cheesy. In the realm of franchising, it’s crucial to identify market trends and consumer preferences to make informed business decisions. While the pizza franchise market has long been a popular choice, it’s important to recognize that it has become increasingly saturated in recent years. The U.S. pizza industry is among the most saturated in the world with one pizzeria for every 5.1k people.

With numerous players vying for customers’ attention, competition is fierce, making it challenging for new entrants to establish themselves. This saturation has resulted in stagnation for some pizza franchises and even a decline in growth for others.

Alternatives to Pizza Franchises

As a prospective franchise owner, it is essential to consider alternatives to pizza franchises that are gaining momentum and capturing consumer interest. Exploring these alternatives can offer you a chance to enter less saturated markets and tap into new customer preferences. Here are a few compelling options:

1. Gourmet Burgers: Burger franchises have witnessed a surge in popularity, thanks to their versatility and the ability to cater to diverse consumer tastes. Gourmet burger chains are offering premium quality ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and customizable options that attract discerning burger lovers.
2. Mexican Cuisine: The demand for Mexican cuisine has been on the rise, with consumers craving flavorsome tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Mexican franchises provide an opportunity to capitalize on this trend and offer a diverse menu of authentic Mexican dishes with regional twists.
3. Healthy Fast Casual: Consumers are increasingly conscious of their health and seek out nutritious, yet convenient, dining options. Fast casual franchises focusing on fresh ingredients, organic produce, and healthier alternatives are gaining traction and meeting this demand.

Sizzling Hot Alternatives

1. Salad and Bowl Concepts: Franchises specializing in customized salads and bowls have gained significant popularity. These concepts allow customers to build their own salads or bowls with a variety of fresh ingredients and dressings.
2. Artisanal Coffee Shops: Independent coffee shops with a focus on specialty coffee and unique brewing methods are thriving. Franchising opportunities in the artisanal coffee sector offer a chance to tap into the rising demand for quality coffee and cozy ambiance.
3. Asian Fusion: Asian restaurant franchises, serving dishes as sushi burritos, poke bowls, and ramen, have seen rapid growth. The fusion of diverse Asian flavors in a fast-casual setting appeals to customers seeking unique and adventurous dining experiences.

How Teriyaki Madness Has Cracked the Code

Teriyaki Madness (TMAD for short) has mastered the art of creating bold, Asian-inspired dishes that leave customers craving more. Here’s how they stand out:

1. Bold Flavors, Unlimited Options: The demand for Asian cuisine continues to soar, with consumers seeking more bold and exotic flavors. TMAD captures the hearts and taste buds of diners by offering an addictive array of customizable options. From mouthwatering teriyaki bowls to yakisoba noodles, the menu is packed with diverse choices that allow everyone to choose their own culinary masterpieces. And for health-conscious diners, the menu strikes the perfect balance with an array of fresh ingredients.
2. A Fusion of Speed and Quality: In the fast casual dining scene, we excel at providing both speed and quality. Hungry customers can satisfy their cravings without compromising on taste or convenience. Whether customers choose to dine in or take your food to go, their made-to-order dishes, friendly staff, and welcoming shops ensure a delicious experience every time.
3. A Recipe for Success: With a proven business model, comprehensive training and support, and a robust marketing system, TMAD provides franchise owners with the tools you need to thrive. Their emphasis on operational efficiency and profitability paves the way for you to succeed as a member of the Teriyaki Madness franchise family.

Teriyaki Madness provides an immersive culinary experience for diners. The aroma of house-made sizzling teriyaki sauce, the vibrant colors of fresh, stir-fried veggies, and the excitement of watching your meal be prepared are craveable and engaging. For their franchisees, they provide an opportunity that is not just dominating the fast casual dining market (sorry, pizza), but two other top segments—Asian and Chicken.

Pizza will forever be loved, but TMAD’s brand of customizable Seattle-style Japanese bowls is quickly sizzling up the charts as a new favorite among hungry customers and entrepreneurs everywhere.

Get Saucy with TMAD

When it comes to choosing the perfect restaurant franchise opportunity, it’s essential to consider the support and benefits provided by the franchisor. Let’s dive into what makes TMAD a standout choice:

1. Comprehensive Training and Support: As a franchisee, you can expect to receive comprehensive training that covers all aspects of operating just one TMAD shop, or many! From initial onboarding to ongoing support, their dedicated team is here to help you navigate everything from menu preparation to marketing strategies.
2. Proven Business Model: One of the key advantages of joining the TMAD family is their time-tested and proven business model. Since starting out in 2003, we have worked at fine-tuning our operations to ensure efficiency, profitability, and consistency across all locations. By leveraging this successful framework, franchisees can minimize risks and maximize your chances of achieving sustainable growth.
3. Marketing and Advertising Support: Building brand awareness and attracting customers are crucial for any franchise’s success. TMAD knows this and provides all franchisees with robust marketing and advertising support. From national campaigns to localized marketing initiatives, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive marketing toolbox, including digital marketing strategies, social media assets, and promotional materials.
4. Vendor Relationships and Supply Chain Management: Teriyaki Madness has established strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring consistent access to high-quality ingredients at competitive prices, allowing our franchisees to focus on operations without the hassle of sourcing ingredients independently.
5. Technology and Operational Support: Staying ahead in today’s digital landscape is vital for business success. TMAD provides franchisees with cutting-edge technology solutions to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience – for example, their partnership with Olo for online and app ordering, and Punchh for a robust loyalty program, just to name a few.
6. Continuous Research and Development: To stay at the forefront of the industry, TMAD invests in ongoing research and development. This includes exploring new menu items, ingredient enhancements, and customer-driven innovations. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from a franchisor that is dedicated to continuously evolving and staying relevant, ensuring your offerings align with ever-changing consumer trends.

In light of the over-saturated pizza market, hungry entrepreneurs are digging into opportunities with burgeoning fast casual restaurant franchises. Teriyaki Madness continues to grow across the U.S. with over 130 current locations and more in development. Don’t sleep on the opportunity to dig in with TMAD!

To learn more about this opportunity, download the Franchise Report.