Determining the best pizza in the United States is very difficult because everyone has different preferences, ranging from fast-food versions to iconic pizzerias that have built a reputation over the decades. However, if we look at the four major national chains that appear most often at the top, Domino’s, Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s, according to Holiday Calendar, here are the states where each pizza chains reigns supreme!
Alabama – Pizza Hut
According to a study conducted by Holiday Calendar, Pizza Hut is the most popular pizza chain in Alabama. The company’s focus on the Southern and Great Plain region of the United States has paid off, allowing it to surpass Domino’s, which took second place. Meanwhile, a smaller company, Hungry Howie’s, ranked third in Alabama state.
Alaska – Papa John’s
Papa John’s outperformed Pizza Hut and Domino’s in the state of Alaska. It was one of ten states where the pizza chain came out on top. Meanwhile, smaller companies like ‘Papa Murphy’s’ and ‘Round Table’ rounded out the top five most popular chains, giving the list of most popular pizza chains a Western flavor. Papa John’s has a relatively small footprint in Alaska, with only nine restaurants listed in its 2025 U.S. location data.
Arizona – Little Caesars
Little Caesars is the most popular pizza chain in Arizona. The brand’s greatest strength in the state lies in its strong positioning within the carryout segment, outpacing Domino’s and Papa Murphy’s, followed by Hungry Howie’s and Blaze Pizza, in that order. Little Caesars holds the top spot in Arizona and in eleven other states.
Arkansas – Domino’s
Among the people in Arkansas interviewed by Holiday Calendar, Domino’s was the most popular pizza chain, with Papa Murphy’s coming in second and Marco’s third. Surprisingly, the list of the top five most consumed pizza chains does not include Pizza Hut or Papa John’s, instead, Marco’s, Blaze, and Cicis ranked among the leaders. Domino’s has one of the largest domestic footprints among pizza chains, with thousands of U.S. locations and a strong emphasis on delivery and digital ordering.
California – Pizza Hut
The state of California is packed with pizza options, ranging from national chains to regional players, and from fast-food outlets to independent pizzerias. Pizza Hut leads the state’s pizza chains, followed by Domino’s in second place and Little Caesars in third. This is a victory Pizza Hut can be proud of, given the vast array of dining alternatives available across the state.
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Colorado – Domino’s
Colorado is a market where major national pizza chains outperform newer, growing “built-your-own” pizza concepts. Domino’s most popular chain in Colorado, surpassing Pizza Hut; however, MOD Pizza, despite having a much shorter track record and more limited reach, ranks fifth among the most popular options. Domino’s had 50 Papa John’s locations in Colorado at the end of 2025.
Connecticut – Domino’s
Connecticut has a reputation as a state that favors independent-style pizzerias, yet a survey by Holiday Calendar revealed that Domino’s is the favorite. The distinction between these results and places like Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s is that the study focused on the four major fast-food chains, without delving into those New Haven institutions. Rounding out the top five are Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Papa John’s, and Sbarro.
Delaware – Domino’s
Grotto Pizza may well be the regional pizza most sought after by Delaware residents, but it did not appear among the top five choices in the Holiday Calendar survey. Domino’s received the most popularity acclaim among the pizza chains surveyed, surpassing major national chains like Pizza Hut and Papa Johns, which finished in second and third place, respectively.
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Florida – Domino’s
Although Domino’s ranked in the first place of popularity among pizza chains in Florida, it is worth noting that Blaze Pizza secured second place and Hungry Howie’s third, pushing Papa John’s and Little Caesars down to fourth and fifth place, respectively. The result in Florida, with Pizza Hut left out of the top five, is likely the most surprising on the list.
Georgia – Papa John’s
As was the case in Florida, two major national chains in Georgia failed to make the top five. Neither Domino’s nor Pizza Hut ranked among Georgia’s top pizza chains; instead, following Papa John’s, the list includes Marco’s, MOD, Blaze, and Cicis. Georgia is also a major Papa John’s market, with 204 restaurants listed in the company’s 2025 location data.
Hawaii – Pizza Hut
According to Holiday Calendar, Pizza Hut tops Hawaii’s pizza chains, followed by Round Table Pizza and Domino’s. Papa John’s and Little Caesars round out the state’s top five choices. Round Table’s appearance in second place is surprising, given that the chain typically has a strong presence concentrated in the Western United States. Hawaii offers an opportunity for the company to make a move and overtake some of the “Big Four” national pizza chains.
Idaho – Domino’s
Blaze and MOD rank among the top 5 pizza chains in Idaho, though they still trail well behind Domino’s, which took first place, and Pizza Hut, which came in second. However, it is unusual for these two “build-your-own” pizza concepts to rank so highly. Their strong rankings suffuse there may be factors worth examining in the Idaho market.
Illinois – Little Caesars
The affordability, speed, and convenience offered by Little Caesars set it apart from the other pizza chains the state of Illinois. Its “Hot-N-Ready” concept offers freshly baked pizzas that are ready to grab instantly, with no need to place advance orders or wait at the store. Rounding out the podium are Domino’s and Papa Murphy’s, which ranked above of Sbarro, and Blaze.
Indiana – Papa John’s
Papa John’s has the advantage of having originated in Indiana, giving it a strong culture rooted in the state and making it the top choice there. This fast-food chain was founded in Jeffersonville in 1984 by John Schnatter. The pizza chain that follow it in popularity are Hungry Howie’s and Blaze. What stands out about Indiana is that Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars all missed the top five.
Iowa – Domino’s
Domino’s has managed to maintain its position among Iowa’s leading pizza chains through a strategy of affordable prices, speed, and a strong digital presence, even as Casey’s, a locally rooted convenience store and gas station chain, wins many customers. Other chains that stand out there include Papa Murphy’s, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, and Sbarro, in that order, according to a Holiday Calendar survey.
Kansas – Pizza Hut
Just as Papa John’s linked to Indiana, Pizza Hut has put down deep roots in Kansas pizza chains. The fast-food chain was founded in Wichita in 1958, fostering a sense of connection with local residents. Following close behind Pizza Hut appears Cicis, Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Blaze, with Little Caesars falling outside the top five in Kansas.
Kentucky – Little Caesars
As previously noted, Little Caesars ranks among the most popular pizza chains in the United States and was the most popular pizza chain in Kentucky. Its low price point appeals to budget-conscious families, while streamlined operations ensure product consistency. Papa John’s and Domino’s round out the top three competitors in the state. Little Caesars emphasis on affordable carryout has long been one of the defining characteristics that distinguishes the chain from delivery-focused competitors.
Louisiana – Pizza Hut
In Louisiana, Pizza Hut ranked first in popularity, followed by Domino’s in second place and Cicis in third. Notably, Little Caesars and Papa Johns did not make the top five list according to the Holiday Calendar survey. In 2011, 44 Pizza Hut locations in southeastern Louisiana were closed due to an agreement with Lundy Enterprises, which had run into financial difficulties.
Maine – Little Caesars
The pickup model Little Caesars employs in Maine is a key feature that adds significant value in the state. At the same time, its affordability and streamlined model ensure speed and attract more customers than other pizza companies. Several locations in the state operate exclusively as pickup points, without dine-in facilities, which also reduces operational costs.
Maryland – Papa John’s
Although Papa John’s is scaling back its presence in Maryland due to economic challenges, it remains the top choice in the state. The chain operates over 80 locations in the state, despite announcing the closure of around 300 stores nationwide by the end of 2027 due to unsustainable costs. MOD Pizza and Marco’s round out the top three chains in Maryland.
Conclusion
When considering all U.S. states, Domino’s takes the lead, ranking first in 19 of the nation’s 51 jurisdictions included in the study. It is followed by Little Caesars with 12, and Pizza Hut and Papa John’s with 10 each, according to a study by Holiday Calendar. Interestingly, when consumers are surveyed about other pizza options, they tend to choose independent pizzerias over these national chains, a preference held by 59% of respondents, according to CouponFollow.
