Smaller pizza shops suffer in a mobile world

The Internet was supposed to be the Great Equalizer…but it sure hasn’t played out that way for mom and pop pizza shops.

For decades, independent pizza places and small chains were growing and taking market share from big buys like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Little Caesar. But smartphones have stopped the growth of smaller places and actually reversed it, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper report smaller chains and pizza indies are seeing sales drop 20% or even 30% over the last few years. Big chains, meanwhile, are booming.

Why? What’s going on? Well, while everybody eats pizza, pizza is primarily consumed by young people. And young people order pizza online via smartphone apps. For the young audience, the convenience of ordering from the big chains that have put a lot of money into app development trumps taste. So the big chains are skyrocketing right now.

I see a real business opportunity for app servicing bureaus that write apps for specific industry and then pitch them. You can write a pizza ordering app that’s white label, sell it to the mom and pop shops across the country, and then the indie pizza shop’s name goes on the app.

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? This is an opportunity to make money and make a difference.

Meanwhile, visit clark.com/app if you’re interested in downloading my new free app. You’ll get access my advice, guides, and free podcasts anytime, at your fingertips. It’s available for Apple and Android devices.

For further reading:

• Domino’s using drones to deliver pizza
• Pizza delivery ploy targets travelers in hotels and motels