Hungry Howie's

Did you know the 1st Hungry Howie’s pizzeria opened in 1973 on Telegraph Road in Taylor?

The Hungry Howie’s story began in 1973 when James R. Hearn converted a 1,000 square foot hamburger shop in Taylor, Michigan into a successful carry-out and delivery pizzeria. At the time, Steven E Jackson delivered pizzas for Hearn. Over the years, their partnership would evolve into what Hungry Howie’s is today.

How does a single-store operation become a successful multi-unit competitor in the pizza industry? Steve Jackson says, "It takes a fierce desire to succeed in one of the toughest food segments. Major elements in our strategy include excellent products, superior customer service, and the marketing savvy to compete against the national pizza chains."

In 1982, Jackson and Hearn made a decision to franchise their operation. In January 1983, they awarded their first Hungry Howie’s franchise.

Within the next three years, 65 franchises were opened within the Hungry Howie’s system. The company ended the 1980s with over 160 units. Hungry Howie’s opened its 300th location in 1995, and 400th in 1999. In 2004, Hungry Howie’s was awarded "Chain of the Year" by Pizza Today magazine and opened its 500th location in 2005.

A natural step in the course to success was the establishment of Hungry Howie’s Distributing, Inc. The Michigan commissary was opened in 1986. The Florida commissary was opened in 1987. These moves enabled Hungry Howie’s, Inc. to control product consistency and pricing. Jackson strongly believes that meeting the highest quality standards is vital to the success of Hungry Howie’s enjoys today.

Through Jackson and Hearn’s leadership, Hungry Howie’s has emerged as a major competitor in the pizza marketplace and consistently ranks in the top 10 of the nation’s largest pizza franchises. Currently, Hungry Howie’s operates over 525 locations in 18 states.