One Texas pizzeria is proving that quality still wins, even as the pizza industry faces its biggest challenges in decades.
Cane Rosso earned a spot on Pizza Today’s top 20 pizzerias in America, ranking No. 17 as the only Texas restaurant to make the prestigious list. The recognition comes at a time when The Wall Street Journal reports that America’s pizza industry is struggling with declining sales, bankruptcy filings, and fierce competition from other fast-food options.
Pizza Today praised Cane Rosso for serving “authentic Neapolitan pizza from wood-fired ovens” with “chewy crusts, classic Italian toppings, and a fun menu featuring pies with clever names.”
The local success story started in Deep Ellum in 2011 after owner Jay Jerrier operated a mobile catering oven since 2009. The pizzeria’s popularity allowed Jerrier to expand across the Metroplex, now operating nine locations in Deep Ellum, White Rock, Fort Worth, Carrollton, Frisco, Arlington, North Dallas, Lake Highlands, and Sachse.
Cane Rosso has also gained national attention through features on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and recognition from Eater and The Daily Meal.
While Cane Rosso thrives, the broader pizza industry faces serious headwinds. Pizza chains generated around $31 billion in sales in 2024, but growth has stagnated. Once the second-most common restaurant type in America, pizzerias now rank behind coffee shops and Mexican eateries.
Several major chains are fighting to survive. The parent company of Pieology Pizzeria filed for bankruptcy in December. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings and Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta filed earlier. California Pizza Kitchen sold for under $300 million in Decemberโfar less than the $470 million it fetched in 2011.
Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, and Papa Murphy’s are all considering sales or strategic changes. Midsize chains like Blaze Pizza and Mod Pizza have closed locations over the past two years.
“Pizza is disrupted right now,” said Ravi Thanawala, Papa John’s chief financial officer and North America president. “That’s what the consumer tells us.”
Experts point to several factors hurting pizza sales. Food-delivery apps now offer more cuisine choices. Fast-food chains run aggressive price wars. Customers see $20 pies as expensive compared to $5 fast-food deals or frozen pizzas.
Yet Americans still eat plenty of pizza. About one in 10 Americans eat a slice on any given day, with young people driving much of the consumption.
Cane Rosso’s success shows that restaurants focused on quality and authentic ingredients can still win customers, even in a troubled market.
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