Hungry Howie's Pizza Business Overview

About Hungry Howie's Pizza

Founded in 1973, and franchising since 1983, Hungry Howie’s Pizza is a national pizza franchise that is loyal to its tradition of providing delicious, high-quality, and original Flavored Crust® pizzas.  And our product line-up doesn’t stop with pizza!  Our menu includes flatbread pizza, oven-baked subs, Howie Bread®, fresh salads, Howie Wings®, our No-Dough Bowl™, desserts, and beverages, not to mention a secret menu.  This creates a unique and irreplaceable position in the pizza market. Starting in Taylor, MI, Hungry Howie’s Pizza has grown to over 500 locations in 21 states across the U.S.

Business History

The Hungry Howie's story began in 1973 when James R. Hearn converted a 1,000-square-foot hamburger shop in Taylor, Michigan into a successful carry-out and delivery pizzeria. At the time, Steven E. Jackson delivered pizzas for Hearn. Over the years, their partnership would evolve into what Hungry Howie's is today. How does a single-store operation become a successful multi-unit competitor in the pizza industry? Steve Jackson says, It takes a fierce desire to succeed in one of the toughest food segments. Major elements in their strategy include excellent products, superior customer service, and the marketing savvy to compete against the national pizza chains. In 1982, Jackson and Hearn made a decision to franchise their operation. In January 1983, they awarded their first Hungry Howie's franchise. Within the next three years, 65 franchises were opened within the Hungry Howie’s system and is now an over 500 pizza chain in 21 states with room to grow.  In 1986, Hungry Howie’s Distributing, Inc., the Michigan-based commissary was established followed by the opening of the Florida-based commissary in 1987. These moves enabled Hungry Howie's, Inc. to control product consistency and pricing. Jackson strongly believes that meeting the highest quality standards is vital to the success Hungry Howie's enjoys today.