DP Poland Reported Q3 Growth Despite Order Declines
Franchise-focused operators should track how higher ticket values can offset lower order volume in retail models.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Retail
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DP Poland achieved like-for-like sales growth in September as total system sales climbed 10.4% in the third quarter. The pizza operator saw revenue gains driven by higher average ticket values, even as like-for-like order volume fell 7.2% during the same period.
Why it matters
The shift toward higher average tickets suggests that premium pricing or upsell strategies can sustain top-line growth during periods of declining customer frequency. This model relies heavily on scaling the franchise network, which currently makes up 42% of the total 140-store fleet.
Total system sales in Poland rose 10.4% in the third quarter compared to a 14.4% rise year-to-date, while Croatia saw sales grow 35.3% in the quarter. The company now operates 140 stores, with 58 franchised locations representing 42% of the network.
The players
DP Poland
An international pizza operator that manages a network of 140 locations and is currently transitioning to a franchise-heavy business model.
The details
DP Poland is actively converting corporate-owned units to franchised operations as part of a strategy to reach 50% franchise ownership by the end of 2026. The firm is also integrating the Pizzeria 105 estate into the Domino's brand to streamline operations and brand identity. Growth remains supported by a dual-market approach spanning Poland and Croatia, with a new customer app scheduled for release in the fourth quarter to support digital sales.
Timeline
Q3 2026: Poland total system sales rose 10.4%.
September 2026: Like-for-like sales returned to growth.
Q4 2026: New customer app is expected to launch.
End of 2026: Management targets over 50% franchise ownership.
Market Landscape
The company's ongoing conversion of corporate stores to franchised outlets follows a pattern set by the Domino's Pizza franchise business model of refranchising to improve capital efficiency. This structural shift highlights a broader industry trend of prioritizing franchise-led expansion over direct corporate ownership.
Operators should monitor whether their own higher ticket values are successfully offsetting volume dips or merely masking underlying demand erosion. Assessing the shift toward franchise-based scaling can provide a template for managing capital intensity in multi-unit retail networks.
The takeaway
Maintaining top-line growth despite lower order volume requires a clear strategy to increase average transaction values. Review your current unit-level metrics to determine if pricing or product mix can protect margins when customer traffic softens.
Further reading
For broader trends in franchise operations, visit our Retail section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Market Reporter.
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