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New global pizza brand arrives in Hungary: Dodo Pizza to open its first restaurant in Budapest
Dodo Pizza has announced its entry into the Hungarian market through a strategic master franchise agreement with Pizza Me, one of the country’s leading pizza slice bar operators. The first Dodo Pizza restaurant is set to open in Budapest, marking the brand’s official launch in Hungary as its 12th European country within a global network of 26 markets.
Dodo Pizza in Budapest, Hungary
Founded in 2013, Pizza Me has grown into one of Hungary’s most established pizza slice bar brands. Today, the company is owned and operated by Eran and Victor Friedman, who oversee its strategic development and expansion. Pizza Me operates more than 30 units nationwide. By becoming the master franchisee of Dodo Pizza, the company next to its current brand is entering the delivery-focused segment while leveraging its existing production, logistics, and operational infrastructure. Under the agreement, the master franchisee plans to open 10 Dodo Pizza restaurants within the first three years, with a long-term target of 30 locations over the next decade. The rollout will begin in Budapest, focusing on dense urban areas to ensure operational efficiency and delivery coverage.
Hungary borders several markets where Dodo Pizza already has operating more than 20 restaurants, including Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The market serves 9.7 million residents and approximately 15 million tourists annually and features a competitive QSR environment with a strong presence of international and local brands.
Under the master franchise model, the franchisee is responsible for building and developing business in Hungary, supported by Dodo Pizza’s technology platform, brand metrics and operating frameworks. The menu will be adapted to local tastes while maintaining consistent international standards of quality and efficiency. The first Budapest locations will serve as flagship stores, showcasing Dodo Pizza’s core offering, including handcrafted pizzas, appetisers, and desserts made with fresh ingredients. Future locations will combine dine-in service with a strong delivery focus and digital ordering.
“What attracted us to Dodo Pizza was the strength of the concept. It is a delivery-first brand designed to scale efficiently while maintaining product quality. Its technology, processes, and local adaptability make the model well suited to the Hungarian market,” said Eran Friedman, Dodo Pizza Master Franchisee in Hungary.
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“Strong local partners are essential for us when entering new European markets. In Hungary, the master franchisee brings proven operational expertise and infrastructure needed to strengthen our presence in the region and support sustainable long-term development,” said Ilya Kholodnov, Head of International Marketing and Sales at Dodo Brands.
FAQ – Dodo Pizza in Budapest, Hungary
When and where will the first Dodo Pizza open in Hungary?
The first Dodo Pizza restaurant in Hungary will open in Budapest, marking the brand’s official entry into the Hungarian market. Expansion will focus on densely populated urban areas with a strong delivery-first approach.
Who is bringing Dodo Pizza to Hungary?
Dodo Pizza is entering Hungary through a master franchise agreement with Pizza Me, one of the country’s leading pizza slice bar operators. The partner plans to open 10 restaurants within three years and up to 30 locations over the next decade.
How large is the company behind Dodo Pizza?
Dodo Pizza is part of Dodo Brands, a multinational franchise group operating more than 1,500 units across 26 countries. In 2025, the company reported revenues exceeding $1.8 billion, representing 23% year-on-year growth.
Why is Dodo Pizza considered one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains?
Dodo Pizza ranked 9th in the 2024 Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, and Bloomberg has named it among the world’s fastest-growing restaurant chains. Its expansion is driven by a scalable franchise model and strong technology backbone.
What makes Dodo Pizza’s technology platform unique?
Dodo Brands operates on its proprietary cloud-based platform, Dodo IS, which manages all key restaurant functions—from workforce management and quality control to sales analytics and personalized pricing and marketing. In line with its “radical transparency” principle, the company publicly shares sales data for all its locations.