Underrated Pizza Chain Named Best in America
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings has been named the Best National Pizza Chain for the second consecutive year, earning the title in this year’s Reviewed’s Readers’ Choice Awards after a previous win noted by Newsweek. The Readers’ Choice Awards are driven by votes from the publication’s audience, reflecting broad consumer sentiment rather than industry panels, and the back‑to‑back wins show the chain’s consistent appeal.
The brand opened its first location in 2002 and has grown to roughly 50 locations. Despite that expansion, the restaurants are limited to six states—Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, making it a regional player with a national accolade. The chain’s footprint clusters along the Northeast corridor and the Southeast, allowing it to maintain tight operational oversight while still reaching diverse markets.
Patrons near the outlets often express strong loyalty. One Reddit user called it “probably the best chain restaurant. Definitely best chain pizza.” Another highlighted “great pizza and great wings,” while a third praised “surprisingly good pie and garlic knots.” Several reviewers noted that the wings are the standout item, with comments like “something about their wings just hits different.” Regular patrons also note the use of quality ingredients and a crisp crust that retains heat from the coal fire, creating a distinctive bite.
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Such enthusiasm mirrors earlier shifts when smaller, quality‑focused eateries began edging out larger franchises. The recognition suggests that diners are rewarding brands that combine a focused menu with consistent preparation, a pattern seen when artisanal pizza spots first broke into the mainstream. This trend mirrors how diners increasingly prioritize ingredient provenance and cooking technique, rewarding establishments that preserve a narrow but well‑executed menu over sprawling, generic selections.
To mark the award, every outlet will serve a limited‑time deal: a 12” cheese pie plus six garlic knots for $9.99 to dine‑in guests. The deal is limited to in‑house dining during weekday evenings, encouraging foot traffic during typically slower periods and giving newcomers a low‑risk opportunity to sample the brand’s signature flavors.
The promotion puts pressure on established competitors such as Pizza Hut and Domino’s, which have traditionally dominated the market. Both legacy chains have responded by highlighting their own specialty offerings, yet Anthony’s focused approach continues to attract a niche of consumers seeking coal‑fired authenticity at a modest price point.
