Crain's Detroit Business: Even pizza business slowed down during recession

From 2008-2009 many people in the U.S. felt the impact of the recession, but few industries were hit as hard as the automotive industry. Hungry Howie's Pizza & Subs Inc. was one of the many small businesses that suffered because of their dependence on the success of these automotive suppliers. "I think America was paralyzed because of all the categories in the industry that were affected, and we didn't experience that increase in sales," Steve Jackson, president and CEO of Hungry Howie's, said. "Business was challenged."

A recent Crain's Detroit Business article detailed how Hungry Howie's was able to come out on top after experiencing flat sales throughout the entire recession. The brand was able to find success due to Jackson's decision to enhance the in-store experience, invest in technology and focus on driving customers in-store by hiring a new advertising agency.

After refocusing and deciding to invest internally, even in such trying times, Hungry Howie's slowly started to reap the benefits. Hungry Howie's is now signing more franchisees than ever before and has increased sales by 60 percent since 2010.