Eagle Boys has overtaken Pizza Hut and been named Australia’s second largest pizza maker, operating 281 stores across the country, compared to Pizza Hut’s 271.

“In a David versus Goliath battle, Eagle Boys has knocked American pizza multinational Pizza Hut off the podium and stolen the number two spot in Australia’s pizza hierarchy,” said Eagle Boys Pizza managing director, Todd Clayton.

During a massive 12 months to 30 June 2009, the pizza franchise opened 56 new stores, including converting Pizza Haven stores, after the company’s purchase of the brand last year. Sales grew 16.4 per cent during this time, bringing total sales growth over the past three years to 43.2 per cent.

Eagle Boys has also bolstered its network in Queensland, NSW and Western Australia and entered the new markets of Sydney, Adelaide and regional South Australia. The booming business also plans to open more than 100 new franchises by June 2011.

Clayton says that the greatest growth has come in the past two years, following NBC Capital and the current executive team’s purchase of the brand.

He also believes that the recent “market doom and gloom” has had little effect on Eagle Boys. “While many businesses are being conservative with growth forecasts in the current climate, the pizza industry remains robust. When times get tough, people often turn to pizza as an affordable family meal instead of more expensive fast food or restaurant meals.”

“Research told us there was strong demand for higher quality but affordable pizzas and our robust sales prove it. Pizza lovers have become more discerning and are increasingly dissatisfied with the small, under-topped and poor quality pizzas offered by our competitors,” Clayton said.