Pizza restaurants have taken the biggest hits in the restaurant industry so far this year, one report shows.
The 2026 Mid-Year Market Report issued by Consumer Edge, a national consumer research firm, tabbed quick-serve pizza outlets as the biggest loser with year-over-year consumer spending down about 6%.
The Lafayette area has followed that trend. At least seven pizza places have closed since last year, including the Pizza Amore location in Carencro just last month.
The report blamed the prevalence of customers taking GLP-1 drugs — it cited 1 out of every 8 American consumers — and a growing awareness around calorie intake and portion control.
“Increasingly health-conscious diners are trading down to smaller pies or trading out to lighter, higher-perceived-healthy alternatives,” the report read.
Pizza Amore’s closure followed others, including two Pizza Hut locations in Lafayette, the Pizza Artista in Broussard and the Blaze Pizza in Lafayette near Costco.
Pizza Hut, which was just sold to a private equity firm earlier this month for $2.6 billion, announced in February it would close 250 locations after same-store sales in 2025 dropped 5%.
Papa John’s said it will close 200 locations due to slumping sales companywide.
Consumer Edge tabbed quick-serve snack and beverage outlets as the biggest winner this year with a 6% growth. Consumers have shunned full meals out of the home in favor of morning coffees or afternoon snacks often at places like Starbucks, Dunkin, Dutch Bros or 7Brew.
Quick-serve chicken locations had about a 2% increase in sales, the report indicated. Sales at Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s locations have slowed, but newer brands such as Dave’s Hot Chicken and Jollibee have posted double-digit sales growth.
Dining and Cooking