Hungry Howie's

Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc is known for its pizza and subs, obviously, but mostly its pizza crust. In fact, it promotes itself as the “Home of the Flavored Crust Pizza." That innovation was first introduced to Hungry Howie’s owners by one franchisee who had been putting sesame seeds and butter into its crust. By 1985, eight flavors were rolled out nationwide to Hungry Howie’s locations and today, the flavor options are butter, butter cheese, asiago cheese, ranch, onion, cajun, sesame, everything, and garlic herb. Multiple crust flavors may be combined.

The chain was founded in Taylor, Michigan in 1973 by James Hearn with Steve Jackson as his pizza delivery boy. Once the restaurant began becoming popular with local high school students, Hearn brought Jackson onto the leadership team, and they co-ran the concept.

In 1982, Hearn and Jackson began franchising. As of 2021, co-owner Steve Jackson is the company’s CEO.

Key Data: Hungry Howie’s

Headquarters: Madison Heights, Mich.

Segment: Quick Service

Restaurant Segment: LSR Pizza

Number of US Locations: 534

2020 Sales: $328.3 million

Annual Growth

Source: Datassential Firefly 500

CEO: Steven Jackson