Sponsored by Pizza Tomorrow Summit.
What does it take to compete as a pizzeria today? With increased margin pressure, operators are being forced to reconsider how they operate so they can compete with new concepts and larger chains. Inflation, rising labor costs, and higher ingredient prices are squeezing profitability, while operators are also being asked to invest in technology, loyalty programs, and digital marketing.
The challenge is not demand—people still love pizza. It is the pace of change. Independent operators are being pushed to adapt quickly while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that distinguish their brands. The operators finding success are balancing quality, convenience, and cost control without compromising what makes their pizzerias unique.
The good news is that some reports show progress for independents as they invest in technology and advancements, while chains struggle. Sixty-one percent of chains reported a decline in sales in 2024, according to the Technomic Top 500 Report. In contrast, more independent pizzerias opened than closed in 2024, according to Slice.
For independents, diversification is becoming an important part of that strategy. “We’re seeing everything from expanded catering and private events to adding non-pizza menu items, retail products, and even partnerships with schools or non-traditional venues,” says Andrea Tencza, vice president of marketing for Restaurant Events and the Pizza Tomorrow Summit. “Diversification helps stabilize revenue, especially during slower dayparts or seasonal dips. It also allows independents to compete more effectively without relying solely on volume.”
Customer expectations are also influencing how operators grow. Consumers continue to look for high-quality, artisanal products and care more than ever about ingredients and craftsmanship. At the same time, adventurous flavors and creative combinations—from hot honey and Calabrian chiles to figs and burrata—can make pizza more shareable and memorable. Plant-based options remain an opportunity, while online ordering and third-party delivery are now core to the business.
Technology can help operators address those shifting expectations and protect margins, but it can also feel overwhelming. Integrated POS systems, inventory management, scheduling tools, AI-driven analytics, and back-of-house automation can simplify operations when they solve a specific problem. The key is finding tools that make life easier, rather than adding another layer of complexity.
However, uncovering the right revenue streams and investments for a certain market or consumer base is challenging for indie operators already pressed for time and labor. Tencza suggests collecting information from peers who have successfully tried different strategies and investments.
“One of the most effective ways is by getting out of the shop and into the industry—and that’s attending events like the Pizza Tomorrow Summit or connecting with peers,” Tencza says. “There’s no substitute for face-to-face conversations with other operators—hearing what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently.”
The information gathered from peers is invaluable, and the pizza community shows up like no other. Whether an operator is trying to understand the possible effects of AI on marketing and consumer searches, compare equipment and technology solutions, or find the next trend with staying power, there is a pizzaiolo willing to advise—especially at venues like the Pizza Tomorrow Summit.
For operators making those connections, preparation can make a difference. Reviewing exhibitor lists and education sessions ahead of time, identifying a few people or companies to meet and following up after the event can turn a short conversation into a long-term relationship. Education and peer-to-peer learning can also help dispel the misconception that a business must start big or have a fully built-out team to grow. Many successful operators scale gradually through smart, incremental decisions.
Tencza sees the success and passion of the pizza community each year. She has seen how this passion leads to success for operators. “Operator success is about finding solutions that immediately impact their business,” Tencza says. “That could be labor-saving equipment like dough sheeters, tools that improve consistency like portion cutters, or new ingredients and menu ideas that drive revenue. They come looking for answers—and leave with things they can actually implement.”
Find out how you can attend the 2026 Pizza Tomorrow Summit by visiting pizzatomorrow.com.
