I'm not sure how it is in other parts of the US, but there are lots of independent non-chain pizzerias here that (IMO) are much better than the chain pizzas (well the 2 that we've tried, Dominos and papa johns')... what are some of the other chains available in your area?
Unless you have a wood burning oven or restaurant quality high heat oven homemade pizzas are not the same. Just like you cannot get tandoori naan from your oven.
I am not a pizza fan but if I had to pick a ff chain it would be round table. California pizza kitchen and Bjs also deliver fresh pizzas.
Sara try 2 things which I happen to like, not sure you will:
1) Go to your local favorite pizza place and just buy FRESH dough from them, and come home and your own sauce/cheese/toppings etc n bake and enjoy. I get the dough for $2(1 circle enough to make a pie). I usually even get marinara sauce from a local Vinnie's :)
Why? Because I love their dough, but i can add all the halal toppings i like and bake to a super crisp perfection....and eat it piping hot :)
2) Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza dough from grocery store. Give it a try, I really liked it and it's super easy. You just have to unroll it out, pre-bake and then add toppings n its pretty good :)
^ I tried pizza hut in pak, seems like the quality has gone down over the years..
This time I tried Pizza Pizza, a Canadian brand, and omgsh the best thing ever. far surpassed Pizza hut, and much better prices too.