Pizza and Friday night are two peas in a pod, a beloved ritual that makes every night turn into a comfort food taste fiesta. It may be an in-house night in with your late-night television show, a rowdy family night that fills the stomach with guffaws, or a laid-back buddies’ game night, but pizza ties them all together with its unmatched marriage of cheesy, saucy heaven. The pizza market has exploded with creativity, much more than the traditional delivery chains we once had trust in. Chains now are delivering pies that are not only creative but also yummilicious, using fresh ingredients, new flavors, and unbeatable prices. We’ve looked high and low throughout the country to bring you 11 pizzerias transforming pizza night in 2025, ready to juice up your next buy and turn every Friday into a taste adventure.
Are those days gone when we endured the same old familiar names, making way for a fertile landscape of regional treasures and national contenders. These pizza spots are pushing boundaries with unique crusts, inventive toppings, and styles that cater to every palate, from classic to adventurous. Whether you’re craving a quick, budget-friendly pie or a gourmet experience that feels like a special occasion, there’s something out there for you. Every chain on this list has its own personality, making your pizza night anything but average. From do-it-yourself works of art to frozen pizzas rivaling, if not surpassing, takeout, these are products designed to amaze and awe.
To take you along for the ride of this action-packed pizza revolution, we’ve compiled the roll call of 11 chains transforming America. From the East Coast institutions to the West Coast phenomena, these destinations are making pizza night cool once again. Chain to chain, there is something special that each and every one of them has to bring, be it a promise to only use the finest-quality ingredients, advanced baking methods, or reasonable value never sacrificing taste. Put on your elastic pants, clear the tabletop real estate, and prepare to discover your new go-to pizza chain. Your Friday night is in store for a big boost with these tasty choices.
1. Vocelli: East Coast Best-Kept Secret
Vocelli is the East Coast best-kept pizza secret, a local favorite chain of pizzerias that has captured the hearts of Georgians to Pennsylvanians. With seven-state outlets, this hidden gem stands out in an over-saturated pizza market by paying close attention to quality and taste in each bite. It’s not just about grabbing a quick slice it’s about savoring a pizza that feels crafted with care, from the perfectly baked crust to the thoughtfully chosen toppings. Vocelli’s commitment to excellence has made it a go-to for those who want a step above the usual delivery fare. If you’re on the East Coast and haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on a true pizza experience.
What sets Vocelli apart is that it’s dedicated to improved ingredients and innovative options that take the pizza experience to the next level. Stuffed crust is a savior, with that little sprinkle of cheesy bliss that makes each bite heavenly. Their Vocelli pizza rolls are a delicious side to serve around the table, or simply devour all alone, and their BBQ chicken pizza is a hit, with its spicy, smoky flavor that just sticks. Each pie is a tribute to perfection, with a crust that is exactly the right combination of crunchy and chewy. It’s the kind of pizza that has you returning to ordering at your favorite again and again and creates loyalty bite by bite.
Why Vocelli Brings You Back:
- best-of-the-best ingredients elevate every and every pizza to new heights.
- rich, cheesy indulgence from stuffed crust.
- Vocelli rolls make a great, shareable side dish for any meal.
Vocelli is slightly more pricey than other value chains, but the quality absolutely does it justice. Every bite is a perfectly crafted experience with strong but harmonious flavors so you can be sure to get your money’s worth. The BBQ chicken pizza is absolutely something that you should try, and it’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavor that will hook you from the start. Vocelli is just the thing for a special-feeling pizza night that is hassle-free, so it makes a fine addition to your takeout lineup. Next time you’re in the mood for something different, visit Vocelli and see why it’s a favorite among locals.
2. Papa Murphy’s: Bake Your Way to Bliss
Papa Murphy’s is revolutionizing pizza night with their new “take and bake” system, placing the control in your hands to decide your pizza destiny. You purchase a just-assembled, freshly printed, out-of-the-oven pizza and take it home to bake yourself, with the comfort of knowing that it was put together fresh that day and tailored to your liking. A small added step that makes pizza night more of a do-it-yourself, hands-on affair, perfect for families or individuals looking for something new and exciting. Nothing tastes finer than the aroma of a home-baked pizza from your own kitchen, and each bite is divine. Papa Murphy’s is all about bringing the magic of freshly baked pizza to your very own home living room.
The secret of Papa Murphy’s is that it accomplishes all the hard work of delivering outstanding freshness and quality with virtually no work at all. Its crust-filled flavors, like the Papa’s All Meat pizza, are packed full of rich toppings and have a crust that is not only filled with flavor but chewy so. The method is simple: your pizza is delivered on a platter with step-by-step instructions so even beginners can achieve professional-grade results. It’s an added advantage for busy nights when you’re hungry for good food without hassle-creating. And with convenience baking at your fingertips, farewell soggy delivery pizzas.
Take-and-Bake Tips:
- Preheat 425°F for extra crispy crust.
- Bake in the convenience of our provided tray for mess-free, easy baking.
- Store unbaked pizzas for convenience for up to 24 hours.
Papa Murphy’s is not convenience, but quality equal to sit-down pizzerias. The topping is never frozen, cheese melted, and crust crisp, yet soft enough that every bite is excellent. Whether you’re feeding a family of four on a tight budget or just treating yourself to one pie, the take-and-bake option has your pizza piping hot from the oven and just as you’d make it at home. It’s a fun, interactive solution to pizza night that turns an ordinary dinner into an occasion.
3. Domino’s: The Redone Classic That Never Boring
Domino’s has evolved a great deal, from being a convenient default choice to being a pizza giant bringing quality, flavor, and convenience. With over 14,000 stores globally, you can find a Domino’s somewhere almost anywhere, and it’s the family favorite of hectic families, late-night eateries, or impromptu get-togethers. Their commitment to excellence, begun with a recipe makeover some 15 years back, has turned them into a customers’ delight always serving up lip-smacking pies. Forget talk of speed now a pizza experience that checks all the right boxes. Domino’s is testimony to the fact that an old tradition can be reworked and stay supreme.
Domino’s recipe breakthroughs come shining through in every bite. Its sauce is balanced, seasoned with silky tang, the cheese stretches on to stringy heaven, and pepperoni is stacked high with excellent crunch that adds texture. Their crust, brushed lightly with an unobtrusive herb mix, is the star of this show, transforming the edges into a flavored bonus breadstick that is nearly as wonderful as the pizza itself. Their no-fuss process of ordering, from a Pizza Tracker, is as easy as pie, pre-booking delivery or tracking your pie all the way to the door. Convenience and quality in perfect harmony.
Domino’s Features:
- Simple pre-book for delivery planning.
- Track your order second-by-second using the Pizza Tracker.
- Enjoy the hand-tossed crust for complete taste and texture.
Domino’s is a low-cost, family-style option that will never skimp on taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo slice, their pies are consistently fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The herb-brushed crust and generous toppings make every order feel like a treat, while the ease of online ordering adds a layer of convenience that busy households love. Domino’s has earned its place as a go-to for pizza night, delivering a perfect balance of quality, speed, and value that keeps customers coming back for more.
4. Cici’s Pizza: The All-You-Can-Eat Adventure
Cici’s Pizza is a paradise for pizza lovers who crave variety and unbeatable value, offering an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s as fun as it is delicious. With over 200 locations across 22 states, primarily in the South, Cici’s is a go-to for families, groups, and anyone with a hearty appetite. The buffet format turns pizza night into an adventure, with a rotating selection of pies that keeps things exciting. It’s not about gourmet perfection but about delivering a fun, affordable experience that everyone can enjoy. Cici’s is where quantity meets quality in the best way possible.
The buffet is the heart of the Cici’s experience, featuring an array of pizzas from classic pepperoni to creative options like mac & cheese or alfredo-topped pies. These unique offerings add a playful twist, making every visit a chance to try something new. The real star, though, is their cinnamon dessert pizza a warm, sweet treat that’s like a hug in dessert form, perfect for rounding out your meal. The constant rotation of fresh pizzas ensures there’s always something to tempt your taste buds, making it ideal for picky eaters or adventurous diners alike.
Cici’s Must-Tries:
- Sample unique pies like mac & cheese or alfredo for a fun twist.
- Reserve room for the cinnamon dessert pizza it’s a winner.
- Go off-peak for best slices of pizza.
Cici’s delivers unmatched value, making it a favorite for feeding hungry teens, hosting casual gatherings, or satisfying a pizza craving without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for creating memories with friends or family. While it may not aim for artisanal flair, Cici’s excels in offering a fun, affordable pizza experience that’s hard to beat, especially when you’re in the mood for variety and indulgence.
5. Mellow Mushroom: Where the King is Crust and Innovation Reigns
Mellow Mushroom is a pizza heaven with gourmet taste and hippie, relaxed vibe, with 16 states represented including its Atlanta HQ. It’s a chain that does well at robust, innovative flavor beyond the world of plain-old pizza, and it’s a place where people go to find something new. The moment you see the name, you realize that you’re in for something good, and Mellow Mushroom doesn’t disappoint when it comes to pies that are as delicious as they are unforgettable. It’s pizza attitude, just the right kind to shatter that Friday night slumber. Quality and originality being its driving forces, every experience is a sweet one.
The crust is Mellow Mushroom’s star and shines with its perfect texture and flavor, and topping it with garlic butter and parmesan only serves to enhance its perfection and bring a kick to every bite. Specialty pizzas like the Holy Shiitake’s mushroom treasure chest of umami flavor or the Kosmic Karma’s rainbow of toppings in vegetables demonstrate just how much fun they get to have in the kitchen. These pies aren’t meals certainly not for the masses they’re flavor epics designed for traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. Pair your pizza with a craft beer for the full Mellow experience, and you’ll see why this chain has such a devoted following.
Mellow Mushroom Favorites:
- Try the Holy Shiitake for a savory, mushroom-packed pie.
- Pair your pizza with a craft beer for a complete experience.
- Opt for a smaller size to sample multiple specialty pies.
Mellow Mushroom is a place that pizza enthusiasts go to sample something different from mere pepperoni and cheese. With the funky atmosphere, honesty in ingredients, and creative combinations of flavors, every visit is a unique one. Be a crust snob or a taste bud buddy, Mellow Mushroom is a pizza experience as distinct as it is delightful, making your pizza night anything but mundane.
6. Costco: The Warehouse Wonder Pizza
Costco’s food court is similarly a pizza paradise with gargantuan 18-inch pizzas that were affordable for about $10, a bargain sanctuary for bulk eating. Plain cheese and pepperoni are the flavors available and are designed to satisfy throngs, whether it’s a family reunion party, gathering, or fellowship. The joy of buying a hot, fresh pie on the way home from shopping makes drudgery a pleasure and Costco a Friday pizza night night spot without spending one’s wages. It is not frou-frou toppings but solid, tasting good value where Costco shines. Costco pizza is the demonstration that less is more.
Costco’s crust is chewy and thick, robust enough to handle a heavy layering of toppings but never soggy. The sauce is full and rich with a nice tomato zip, and the cheese melts to a sticky, satisfying crust that tops each bite. There may be only pepperoni or cheese as the option for toppings, but simplicity is what maintains the price low and quality high. Not haute cuisine, but a winner that packs flavor for less than the bucks, ideal for wild nights and impromptu parties.
Costco Pizza Perks:
- Great to share with crowds of budget-conscious people.
- Serve with a Costco hot dog for the food court slam dunk combination.
- Call head for busy shopping periods availability.
Costco pizza is great for its price and that it feeds a ravenous mob with little hassle. Even if delivery is not available, the ease of grabbing a pie as part of your shopping outing makes it a great choice for groups or families. It’s a confirmation of the premise that you don’t need a gosh-a-long list of menu items or bother to pay attention to in order to serve up a pizza that’ll please the crowd just quality ingredients and value focus.
7. MOD Pizza: Your Pizza Playground
MOD Pizza is a playground for customization, where you have the chance to build your fantasy pie with a variety of fresh toppings and sauces, all included. With 28 states’ worth of stores, specifically booming on the West Coast, MOD is all about giving you the skill to craft a pizza that’s your own. It’s quick, it’s tasty, and perfect for those who want the made-to-order pizza experience without the wait. The environment is relaxed and friendly, perfect for dining alone or dining with a few. MOD turns pizza night into an artful experience.
MOD sports a fantastic thin crust with fantastic chew and a touch of charring that gives fantastic depth of flavor to each bite. Old-fashioned cheese and pepperoni lover or adrenaline junkie piling on roasted garlic, prosciutto, and gourmet cheese, MOD’s build-your-own promise ensures your pizza your way. Gourmet options like the spicy sausage-stuffed Jasper or the Caspian with its BBQ flavor can be consumed for a pre-conceived flavor explosion.
MOD Magic:
- Mix toppings freely with no extra charge.
- Enjoy the Caspian for a spicy, BBQ-flavored taste sensation.
- Employ online ordering for quick pick-up on busy nights.
MOD’s personal-sized pizzas are ideal for individual meals or small groups, often with enough for leftovers if you’re not starving. The easy online ordering and efficient pickup process make it a dream for satisfying impromptu cravings. Whether you’re crafting your own masterpiece or trying one of their signature pies, MOD delivers a fun, flavorful experience that’s sure to become a pizza night favorite.
8. Little Caesar’s: The Hot-N-Ready Hero That Left Expectations in the Dust
Little Caesar’s has put the budget-friendly expectation of cheap pizza in the dust, demonstrating that low can indeed be high. With over 4,000 stores in all 50 states, the chain is a convenient default that’s raised its bar with surprisingly excellent pies. Hot-N-Ready gives you the indulgence of picking up a pizza and then leaving, ideal for busy nights when you want a fast, satisfying meal. Low prices are no longer the only game in town Little Caesar’s is on the field. Their transformation demonstrates that value and quality can coexist.
EXTRAMOSTBESTEST pepperoni pizza is a champion with crunchy pepperoni that provides a satisfying zing with each bite. Meat sauce packs a bit of a punch, really bringing the experience to a whole new level, and the crust is perfectly crispy outside/fluffy inside. Adding to the essentials, their slices-n-stix a genius move pairing pizza with cheesy breadsticks and Crazy Puffs, nugget-sized mini pizzas, add fun, shareable fare to the menu to add some excitement.
Little Caesar’s Wins:
- Treat yourself to a Hot-N-Ready pizza for instant satisfaction.
- Indulge in Crazy Puffs as a delicious, dippable pizza snack.
- Order through their portal for quick pickup or delivery.
Little Caesar’s adds up with unmatched value, speed, and taste in a great value option for students, families, or anyone who needs a quick, high-quality pie. The innovations they’ve made in their menu and meals show commitment to doing things for people, and the reward is a recommendation. For a value night of pizza that won’t sacrifice any taste, Little Caesar’s is a hero that is well worth choosing.
9. Marco’s Pizza: Artfully Creating Delicious Masterpieces with Love
Marco’s Pizza is among the quickly emerging pizza phenomenons, boasting 34 states’ worth of its store locations and a culture of creating pizzas filled with love and careful attention to detail. Marco’s is the Midwest and Southern states sweetheart that fills the cravings for delicious, full-tasting pizzas in an oversaturated market. Every slice shows dedication to ensuring the finest ingredients and right-amount flavor ratio, and it’s something pizza enthusiasts won’t want to live without. It’s the kind of chain that turns plain pizza nights into showstoppers. Marco’s is dedicated to delivering an experience with every purchase.
The Pepperoni Magnifico is the favorite among enthusiasts, and rightfully so: that combination of salty pepperoni, melty cheese, and thick sauce on a perfectly cooked crust can’t be beat. The adventurers will love their pizza bowls, loaded with all the flavor of a standard pie but without the crust perfect for low-carb eaters. Old World Pepperoni adds gourmet sophistication with a mild, mildly spicy flavor and is a must for the pepperoni lover who desires a little pizzazz.
Marco’s Musts:
- Begin with the Pepperoni Magnifico as a party favorite.
- Get a pizza bowl for a carb-free, delicious meal.
- Serve with cheesy bread for a rich satisfying meal.
Marco’s commitment to quality and innovation makes it a standout in the pizza landscape. Whether you’re after a traditional pie or a creative twist, their menu delivers consistently delicious results that inspire loyalty. For a pizza night that feels crafted with care, Marco’s is a chain you’ll want to add to your rotation immediately.
10. Tombstone: The Frozen Pizza That Will Absolutely Redefine Your Expectations
Tombstone is redefining the frozen pizza guide, teaching you that flavor need not be sacrificed to convenience. In the supermarket shelves nationwide, it’s the answer to those evenings when you need a quick, delicious pizza but have no inclination toward the effort of takeout. Tombstone makes an unbelievably excellent pie that can be as good as takeout much of the time, and that is a gift for busy families or surprise cravings. It’s fast, affordable, and it’s packed with flavor, redefining the frozen pizza recipe guide. Don’t be missing in action on the freezer shelf a true contender.
The charm of Tombstone’s success is the ultimate balance of flavor: rich, seasoned sauce, stringy cheese, and crunchy pepperoni that comes together in every bite. The crust crisps up without getting too hard, yielding a nice texture which stands up to the variety of toppings. Since you’re making it yourself, you have complete control over doneness, so your pizza is just what you want golden and light or super crunchy. It’s a do-it-yourself meal that provides pro-level for low effort.
Tombstone Tips:
- Slam it in at 425°F for a golden, crunchier crust.
- Throw some extra ingredients from your fridge into it for added flavor.
- Keep an eye on the oven for best, puffy doneness.
Tombstone’s taste and ease of use make it the perfect solution for busy nights when you require a sure, delicious dinner in an instant. It’s proof that frozen pizza is better than delivery, providing a hot-off-the-grill dinner meal that is easy and instant. Pick up a Tombstone the next time you’re at the supermarket and see for yourself how excellent frozen pizza can be.
11. Old Chicago: Decadent Deep Dish Flavors and Irresistible International Taste Travel
Old Chicago brings the rich, homestyle taste of Chicago-style deep dish to 22 Midwestern, Southwestern, and Western states. Old Chicago is favored by pizza lovers for a dense, rich pie packed with character and flavor. To complement their signature deep dish, Old Chicago boldly engages internationally inspired pizzas that deliver every bite as an adventure. It’s the perfect spot for that one who wants a unique pizza experience with a twist. Old Chicago features a pizza night that is not only delicious but memorable as well.
Their “Meat Me” pizza is a meat lover’s dream, loaded with all manner of meats, including the rich and flavorful andouille sausage that adds a smoky, spicy kick. Brave diners will appreciate the Thai pie on the basis of a sweet chili sauce powder, mix of cheeses, chicken, vegetables, sesame seeds, and teriyaki glaze that adds up to a balanced mixture of sweet, savory, and spicy. The crust of the deep dish is a rich, savory foundation that accommodates these bold toppings admirably, and every slice of pie is a filling pleasure.
Old Chicago Standouts
- Enjoy the “Meat Me” as a meaty, satisfying dinner.
- Enjoy the Thai pie as an overtly international, world-flavored flavor.
- Pair with a craft beer to enjoy the complete Old Chicago experience.
Old Chicago’s combination of classic deep dish and gourmet pies is a winner for pizza lovers who crave variety and excellence. From the classic, thick pie to a taste adventure experience, this chain offers an upscale experience worth discovering. It’s the ideal way to elevate your pizza night to the next level with a flavor of Chicago and beyond.
