Yelp names America's 25 favorite pizza chains
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Chicago-based deep-dish pizza chain Lou Malnati's has earned recognition by Yelp as America's favorite pizza chain.
Yelp ranked 25 national pizza chains with 60 or more locations, and Lou Malnati's took the top spot based on customer reviews.
"Being named America's favorite pizza chain by Yelp users is an incredible honor," Marc Malnati, Lou Malnati's owner, said in a press release. "For over 50 years, we've stayed true to the original Chicago-style deep dish recipe, handmade from scratch using the finest and freshest ingredients. We're passionate about pizza and people, and the communities we serve. This recognition shows that commitment to quality and consistency matters."
Lou Malnati's was founded in 1971 and has expanded to more than 70 locations in several states.
The pizzeria boasts a "buttery crust, edge-to-edge cheese, and distinctive chunky tomato sauce layered on top," and Wisconsin mozzarella cheese in its "secret family recipe."
Second place went to Pizza Guys, a chain that started with a single restaurant in Sacramento, California that opened in 1986. The company's headquarters and training facility are close to the first location, in nearby Rancho Cordova, California.
Yelp says the chain's popularity is in part due to its uniquely-named specialty combos, like the Spicy Luau, Artichoke Fiesta and Spicy Curry.
In third place is Blaze Pizza, which was co-founded by NBA great LeBron James.
The pizza chain has locations in at least 40 states and Canada, and promises maximum customization as customers can choose from nearly three dozen toppings as their pizza works its way down the assembly line.
Rounding out the Top 10 were:
4. California Pizza Kitchen
5. MOD Pizza
6. Mountain Mike's Pizza
7. Pizza Factory
8. Jet's Pizza
9. Rosati's Pizza
10. Round Table Pizza
The crowd-sourced review site also analyzed its internal search data to see which cities rely most on delivery when it comes to ordering a pie, and found that Milwaukee, Wisconsin leads all U.S. cities.
Rounding out the Top 10, in order, were Pittsburgh, Providence, Hartford, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Denver, Cleveland, Columbus and Tampa, according to Yelp.
Yelp, which recently announced a partnership with DoorDash, now allows people to make orders directly from the Yelp restaurant page.
See the Yelp study for the full list of favorite pizza chains.
