Newspaper reports from the US say pizza sales at the big franchises are sliding. Apparently Americans are cheating on pizza with Chipotle burritos and coffee shops that sell drinks costing more than a whole meal used to. Even Yum! Brands, the company behind Pizza Hut, is reportedly considering selling the chain to beef up its menu elsewhere.
When last did you eat a pizza? I honestly can’t remember. It might have been last year. I may have a faulty memory, but I also have a fridge, a stove and far too many food choices. These days, pizza isn’t a special occasion — it’s just one option fighting for attention in a crowded takeaway world.
That said, pizza has always been a winner with children. It’s the reward meal. Eat your meat, rice and vegetables all week, and suddenly Friday arrives with melted cheese and permission to eat with your hands. No cutlery, no complaints.
But lately, even in Johannesburg, where pizza outlets once multiplied like olives on a supreme, many franchises have quietly disappeared. You don’t see them everywhere anymore. If you want a proper pizza now, you’re more likely to find it in an Italian restaurant with a fire oven and a chef who looks offended if you ask for extra pineapple.
And yet — here’s the twist — pizza is still doing just fine in South Africa. The rising middle class is keeping the dough rolling in, with fast food sales, including pizza, continuing to grow. People may eat out less often, but when they do, pizza is still invited.
The real problem, though, is price. It was all perfectly reasonable when a medium pizza cost R25 or maybe R30. Today, R100 is more realistic — and that’s before you add anything fancy. And don’t even start with the margarita. Too often it’s a dry base with a polite smear of tomato paste, like someone waved a tomato over it and said, “Good luck.” At that point, a fresh bread roll with whatever you want on it makes more sense.
Sure, pizza can still be fun. Home-made pizzas are often the best. I tried a few last year — black mussels, shrimps, capers, olives. Not bad at all. You won’t find that at your local pizza outlet, though. Community or otherwise.
Still, if you’re in a pub, a sports club or one of those sports bars where the TVs never rest, pizza remains the safe choice. When you don’t feel like a burger or the usual spare ribs and chips, pizza is there for you — reliable, filling and easy to share.
So while pizza sales may be wobbling in the US, here in South Africa, pizza still brings in the dough. The chips aren’t down for pizza — even if pizza has been around since the Romans and Egyptians, or so we’re told (though theirs probably didn’t come with extra cheese).
In the end, enjoy your pizza the right way: with friends, a decent beer or a glass of red wine — and no arguments about toppings.
https://theweek.com/business/pizza-decline-sales-takeout-prices
https://denirospizza.com/36-amazing-facts-you-didnt-know-about-pizza/
South Africa’s pizza market remains robust and growing, unlike the US decline. Valued at around ZAR 1.47 billion in recent years, it has shown steady expansion with a historical CAGR of over 10% (2018-2023), driven by urbanization, rising middle-class demand, delivery apps, and quick-service preferences. Prices rose modestly (~6% in 2023-2024), but overall value growth continues, with projections for further increases through 2030 amid economic recovery and convenience trends.
The landscape favors local dominance: Debonairs Pizza (Famous Brands) leads strongly, adding 27 new outlets in the 2025 financial year (one every two weeks), reaching 868 stores across 16 markets, mostly in South Africa. International chains like Domino’s exited, but Pizza Hut is actively expanding in the region, with ongoing growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (over 100 stores in South Africa and nearby), emphasizing localized menus (e.g., boerewors, peri-peri) and delivery. Smaller, independent community spots thrive on affordability and customization.
