When it comes to pizza franchises, most aspiring entrepreneurs start by researching the “big names.” And it’s no surprise that Hungry Howie’s Pizza, with its famous flavored crusts and large national footprint, shows up early in the search. But Hungry Howie’s isn’t the only path to pizza franchise ownership.

For those looking for a brand with authentic roots, flexible formats, and higher upside potential, Antioch Pizza Shop offers an alternative that’s worth serious consideration.

In this article, we’ll compare the two franchises side by side so you can decide which opportunity better matches your goals.

Brand Identity: National Chain vs. Neighborhood Favorite

• Hungry Howie’s Pizza was founded in 1973 and quickly made a name for itself by introducing flavored pizza crusts, garlic herb, ranch, Cajun, and more. Today, the brand has grown to more than 500 locations across the United States, focusing heavily on delivery and carryout service. For customers, Hungry Howie’s is fast, convenient, and consistent.
• Antioch Pizza Shop, on the other hand, has its roots in a single small-town pizza shop that opened in 1977. The brand grew up on community values, supporting local schools, youth sports teams, and town events. That spirit continues today. Every Antioch Pizza Shop franchise is designed to be a neighborhood gathering place, where families and friends can enjoy hearty pizzas, Italian beef sandwiches, wings, and salads in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The difference: Hungry Howie’s is about scale and speed; Antioch is about authenticity and community.

Startup Costs & Financial Requirements

One of the first things prospective franchisees want to know: What will it cost me to get started?

Hungry Howie’s [REVISED NUMBERS ARE FROM THEIR CURRENT FDD]

• Franchise Fee: Around $25,000 ($12,500 for qualified veterans)
• Franchise Grand Opening Fee: $15,000
• Real Estate: $2,000-$5,100 per month
• Leasehold Improvements: $253,000 – 327,000
• Equipment & Fixtures: $106,124 – 172,837
• Total Investment: $431,873 – $629,908

Antioch Pizza Shop

• Franchise Fee: $40,000 (full-service), $35,000 (express), $20,000 (food truck).
• Equipment and Fixture  $16,500 to $210,000
• Total Investment: $106,050-$729,325 (dependent upon franchise model)

The difference: Antioch Pizza Shop offers more accessible entry points with lower financial requirements, lower ongoing fees, and on average, higher average unit gross sales. For entrepreneurs weighing long-term profitability, Antioch often provides a better return on investment.

Franchise Formats: One Size vs. Flexible Options

• Hungry Howie’s Pizza primarily offers one format: a carryout/delivery store. Some locations have limited seating, but the model is designed for smaller footprints and efficiency. That can be appealing for urban markets or franchisees who want a streamlined operation.
• Antioch Pizza Shop offers four distinct franchise formats, designed to meet the needs of different markets and ownership styles:

1. Full-Service Restaurant (Dine-In, Takeout & Delivery) – The traditional Antioch experience, with seating for families, strong takeout and delivery operations, and full menu offerings.
2. Full-Service with Takeout & Delivery Only – Same menu and operational setup, but without dine-in seating, reducing square footage and overhead.
3. Express Restaurant – A smaller-footprint shop (up to 2,000 sq. ft.) built for grab-and-go and streamlined operations.
4. Food Truck – A mobile model perfect for breweries, events, festivals, and college campuses, with the lowest cost of entry.

The difference: Hungry Howie’s limits you to one format. Antioch gives you flexibility, allowing you to choose the model that best matches your community, your budget, and your personal goals.

Support & Training

No matter which brand you choose, you’ll receive training and ongoing support, but the style is very different.

• Hungry Howie’s has the advantage of decades of franchise experience and large-scale infrastructure. The training is standardized and comprehensive, with corporate teams in place to guide new owners through opening and operations.
• Antioch Pizza Shop also offers comprehensive training, but with a more personalized touch. New owners learn every aspect of the business, from operations to marketing, with dedicated guidance from the Antioch leadership team. Antioch is a smaller franchise network, which means franchisees don’t feel like “just another number.” You’ll have direct access to the people who built and continue to grow the brand.

The difference: Hungry Howie’s offers scale and structure; Antioch Pizza Shop delivers hands-on, customized support and the chance to grow with the brand.

Marketing & Brand Positioning

• Hungry Howie’s invests heavily in national advertising and promotions. Their large marketing fund ensures widespread visibility, but local franchisees have less control over messaging.
• Antioch Pizza Shop uses a more localized approach. Franchisees contribute to both national and local marketing funds, but the emphasis is on building authentic community relationships. From sponsoring youth leagues to hosting fundraising nights, Antioch Pizza Shops are deeply tied to their neighborhoods, creating organic word-of-mouth marketing that lasts.

The difference: If you want to be part of a national chain’s corporate campaigns, Hungry Howie’s fits. If you want to be known as the local pizza place people love and trust, Antioch Pizza Shop fits better.

Market Growth & Territory

• Hungry Howie’s already has over 500 locations across the U.S. While there may be opportunities in certain markets, many areas are already spoken for. Expansion often means competing with nearby locations or entering already-saturated territories.
• Antioch Pizza Shop is in growth mode. With fewer locations, there’s much more territory available, especially in promising states like North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. Early franchisees benefit from being pioneers in their markets, often locking down prime locations and long-term growth potential.

The difference: Hungry Howie’s offers brand recognition, but Antioch Pizza Shop offers ground-floor opportunity in untapped markets.

Culture & Community Connection

One of the biggest differences between Antioch and Hungry Howie’s lies in brand culture.

• Hungry Howie’s is a corporate-driven chain built on consistency and efficiency.
• Antioch Pizza Shop is a community-first brand built on relationships, local involvement, and authentic hospitality.

For many franchisees, culture is just as important as profitability. At Antioch, franchisees are encouraged to bring their own personality to the business while upholding the brand’s core values. Customers don’t just see Antioch Pizza Shop as another pizza place—they see it as their pizza place.

Final Thoughts: Hungry Howie’s Pizza Franchise or Antioch Pizza Shop?

Hungry Howie’s Pizza has longevity, national recognition, and a system that works for those who want to join a large, established chain. But it comes with higher barriers to entry, heavier fees, and less flexibility in how you operate.

Antioch Pizza Shop, on the other hand, combines authentic recipes, strong community culture, multiple ownership formats, and a more accessible financial model. With higher average revenues and growing market opportunities, Antioch provides a compelling alternative for entrepreneurs who want to own a pizza shop that truly feels like part of the neighborhood.

If you’re researching Hungry Howie’s but want a franchise opportunity with more upside, stronger culture, and flexibility, Antioch Pizza Shop is the alternative worth exploring.