With systemwide sales up 2.5% to $8.2 billion and unit counts up 0.5% to 2,562, the Italian/pizza menu category is just doing OK. Headwinds include consumers’ increasing demand for authenticity and competition from fast-casual build-you-own concepts. Emerging chains like Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Oregano’s Pizza Bistro are looking to breeze through.
2016 Rank | Chain Name | 2015 U.S. Sales ($000) | 2015 U.S. Units |
| 16 | Olive Garden | 3,743,000 | 841 |
| 57 | California Pizza Kitchen | 742,500* | 228 |
| 58 | Carrabba's Italian Grill | 729,000 | 247 |
| 94 | Maggiano's Little Italy | 401,100 | 51 |
| 123 | Romano's Macaroni Grill | 298,400* | 145 |
| 134 | Brio Tuscan Grille | 261,700 | 63 |
| 152 | Buca di Beppo | 233,800* | 103 |
| 178 | Bertucci's | 191,800* | 86 |
| 198 | Johnny Carino's | 164,000 | 78 |
| 199 | Mellow Mushroom | 162,900* | 164 |
| 201 | Bravo! Cucina Italiana | 160,500 | 52 |
| 216 | LaRosa's Pizzeria | 145,505 | 66 |
*Technomic estimate
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