Franchising

Hungry Howie’s opens 7 restaurants across 5 states

Photo: Hungry Howie's

October 20, 2026

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Hungry Howie's opened seven restaurants in the third quarter of 2026, expanding its footprint across South Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona and Texas, the company has announced in a news release. The openings include first-time franchisees, veteran multi-unit operators and a location inside Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

"These seven openings are proof of something we're seeing across the system – Hungry Howie's works for every kind of operator, whether you're signing your first franchise agreement or you're an experienced multi-unit owner," Steve Clough, vice president of franchise development for Hungry Howie's, said in a press release.

The brand continues to build on its Flavored Crust pizza platform with limited-time offerings, including Tajín, Spicy Sesame, Everything Bagel and Garlic Ranch crusts, alongside permanent menu additions such as Detroit-Style Pizza. Hungry Howie's also is investing in its digital guest experience through a partnership with DoorDash to rebuild its website and mobile app, introduce a redesigned loyalty program and consolidate its technology systems. The rollout is underway, with all locations expected to transition by the second quarter of 2027.

"We still have prime territory open across the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and beyond, and with a modernized digital platform on the way and a menu that never stops pushing flavor forward, there's real momentum behind our brand right now," Clough said.

The expansion reflects the brand's appeal to a range of franchise operators, from entrepreneurs entering the pizza business to experienced restaurant owners growing their portfolios. In Tucson, Arizona, a group of operators who own 13 Dairy Queen locations is entering the pizza segment with Hungry Howie's, while franchisee Muhammad Khan is expanding his presence in San Antonio with a second location.