Domino’s Pizza Inc., the world’s largest pizza chain by revenue, has announced plans to expand its footprint in China, targeting the opening of more than 600 new stores by 2026. This move aims to capitalize on the country’s growing demand for pizza, as Domino’s seeks to strengthen its position in one of its key international markets.
In 2024, the company expects to open between 300 and 350 stores, with another 300-350 planned for 2025. This expansion comes as Domino’s continues to focus on the potential of the Chinese market, which ranks as its third-largest globally, following India and the United Kingdom.
While Domino’s has recently closed 205 underperforming stores worldwide, including 172 locations in Japan, it remains committed to growth in China. The company’s exclusive master franchisee in the region, DPC Dash Ltd., reported a nearly tenfold increase in the number of stores since 2017, from just over 100 locations to more than 1,000 in 2024. By the end of 2023, the company had 1,008 stores in China.
During the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year period, Domino’s opened 14 new stores across 13 cities, with a focus on second- and third-tier locations. New stores were launched in cities such as Shenyang, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, Shijiazhuang, Yantai, and Quanzhou. The new locations have seen strong customer demand, with queues outside the stores becoming a common sight.
The expansion strategy has been driven by local consumer preferences and market potential, with a particular emphasis on high-demand dine-in locations. Unlike many other Domino’s stores that operate with a delivery-centric model, these new locations have opted not to offer delivery services in response to customer demand for in-store dining experiences.
“We are focused on a consumer-centric approach and will continue to optimize our products and services,” said Aileen Wang, CEO of DPC Dash. “Entering into these 13 cities is another significant milestone in our development.”
Domino’s Pizza has experienced strong business growth in China. In the first half of 2024, the company reported revenues of 2.04 billion yuan ($281 million), reflecting a year-on-year increase of 48.3%.
According to food and beverage industry analyst Zhu Danpeng, Domino’s expansion in China is expected to continue at a rapid pace. “China offers better growth prospects than Japan, a more mature market. The company’s store adjustments in Japan are part of a regular business process,” he said.
Domino’s entered the Chinese market in 1997, following rival Pizza Hut’s first outlet in Beijing in 1990. Today, Domino’s ranks third in market share in China, behind Pizza Hut and domestic brand Champion Pizza. As of December 2023, Pizza Hut operated 3,724 stores in the country, according to its parent company, Yum China. Champion Pizza, a Chinese chain, had more than 2,900 locations as of January 2024, according to Canyan Data.
Other international brands, including Pizza Marzano and Papa John’s, also have a presence in China, alongside local pizza chains such as Big Pizza and La Cesar. La Cesar, which was founded in Shenzhen in 2009, has become known for introducing innovative flavors such as durian pizza.
Despite its relatively low penetration rate compared to markets like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea, China’s pizza market is growing rapidly. According to the LeadLeo Research Institute, the sector is being driven by an expanding delivery service and the evolving tastes and lifestyles of young consumers.
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