Pizza Chains Struggle Amid Rising Costs and Fierce Competition
The American pizza industry has become one of the most competitive segments in fast food, with major players like Domino’s and Pizza Hut ranking among the top eight largest restaurant chains in the United States in 2025. According to QSR Magazine’s 2025 QSR 50 report, Subway led with 19,502 locations, followed by Starbucks (16,935), McDonald’s (13,559), Dunkin’ (9,768), Taco Bell (7,604), Domino’s (7,014), Burger King (6,701), and Pizza Hut (6,557).
Despite a challenging market, Domino’s continues to expand. The company plans to open 175 new franchise units this year, fueled by what CFO Sandeep Reddy described as “very strong appetite from franchisees.”
Bankruptcy Filings Across the Pizza Industry
Many pizza chains—both large and small—have been hit hard by inflation, higher labor costs, and expensive leases. Several have been forced to close locations, restructure debt, or seek bankruptcy protection.
In 2025, Domino’s franchisee People First Pizza Inc. and Little Caesars operator Red Door Pizza LLC both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Smaller regional chains also suffered: Zeppe’s Tavern (13 locations) filed on March 31, while Bertucci’s Restaurants (15 locations) filed on April 24.
Fired Pie Shrinks Dramatically After Bankruptcy
Phoenix-based Fired Pie, once a promising fast-casual pizza brand with 20 locations in 2019, struggled after the COVID-19 pandemic. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 when it had only 14 stores left. As of October 2025, Fired Pie has just nine Arizona locations remaining, spread across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa.
Streets of New York Joins the Growing List
Now, another Arizona pizza institution has fallen on hard times. Streets of New York Inc., the official pizza of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 16, 2025. The Phoenix-based chain reported assets and liabilities between $100,000 and $1 million, according to Bankruptcy Observer.
Although the company did not specify a reason for its filing, court records show that a deficiency notice was issued the following day due to missing documents. Chief Judge Eddward P. Ballinger later dismissed the case on October 24, citing incomplete filings. If Streets of New York wishes to continue with the bankruptcy process, it will need to refile its petition.
A 49-Year Legacy in Pizza
Founded in 1976, Streets of New York remains a family-owned business operating 16 locations—15 in Arizona and one in Las Vegas. Known for its authentic New York-style pizza and Italian comfort food, the chain has built a loyal following over nearly five decades.
Its menu features a wide range of dishes including calzones, lasagna, baked ziti, cheese ravioli, chicken parmigiana, and spaghetti with meatballs. Customers can also enjoy hearty subs, soups, salads, appetizers, and desserts that reflect its signature New York-inspired flavor.
A Difficult Year for Independent Pizza Brands
2025 has proven to be a tough year for regional pizza restaurants, as economic pressures push even established brands to the brink. While industry leaders like Domino’s continue to grow, smaller and family-owned chains like Streets of New York face a tougher road ahead in an increasingly crowded and costly marketplace.