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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio)– The pizza industry is cooling off. According to recent industry reports, the market for pizza is down and it is taking some chains along with it.
Pizza was once the second-most common restaurant type in the country, but now coffee shops and Mexican restaurants that are at the top.
“Pizza is wonderful, everybody loves pizza!” said Bridget while walking through the West End in Boston Tuesday morning.
The downturn is being blamed on high prices and delivery apps, which open a much larger world for low effort delivery.
"We should get rid of the apps and hire all delivery drivers again,” she said.
Also, people are watching what they are eating. High protein and smaller portions are a focus for many especially with the growing popularity of weight loss drugs.
“I think people are trying to get healthier and go for a more healthier option in their diet,” said Kelly, a fan of a pepperoni and onion pie.
Some major pizza retailers are rethinking their business plans, according to the Wall Street Journal. Big shops like Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Papa Murphy’s are considering sales. Other mid-size retailers are closing down shops.
“Things are getting expensive, maybe that’s part of it,” said one man on his way to work. He said that he recently made pizza at home for the first time because of how pricey ordering in can be.
Industry data says that Americans still eat a lot of pizza, on any given day 1 in 10 Americans will eat a slice.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.