Who doesn’t love pizza? Seriously. Show yourself and be shamed! We’re kidding, of course. But it’s really hard to find someone who thinks a zesty sauce topped by gooey cheese, mountains of meats and voluminous veggies (if that’s your bag) isn’t the best thing this side of heaven. In fact, a not-insignificant percentage of the world’s gourmands consider pizza — with its almost endless varieties of preparation — to be their favorite food of all! What’s more, pizza has a long and storied history that may surprise you. So preheat that oven, and dig into National Pizza Month this October!
National Pizza Month timeline
- October 1984
America celebrated the first National Pizza Month
Indiana pizza shop owner Gerry Durnell published a magazine called "Pizza Today" and declared October as National Pizza Month.
- 1905
Lombardi's opened in New York City
America got its first pizzeria when Lombardi's opened a joint on Spring Street in Manhattan. It's still there.
- 997 AD
Say the name, say the name
The word "pizza" first appears in a Latin text written by someone in what is now central Italy.
- 10th Century BC
It's all Greek (pizzas) to me
The ancient Greeks were known to bake bread, dunk it in oil, then top it with herbs and cheese.
- 10,000 BC
There's a proud pre-pizza history
Humans have been using toppings to flavor baked bread since the Neolithic Age, which spans many thousands of years, beginning about 10,000 BC.
5 Chewy Pizza Facts
Americans eat a whole lotta pizza
According to Pizza.com, 94 percent of Americans eat pizza at least once a month. That adds up to about 45 slices per person per year.
That sssoundsss like a ssstrange pizzsssa
In 2009, Mamma Mia! Pizza Kitchen in Levelland, Texas, created a Rattlesnake Pizza in honor of National Pizza Month.
Just one slice for me, please
The world's largest pizza was baked in 2012 in Rome, Italy. It measured 13,570 square feet.
None for me, please
Nino's Bellissima pizzeria in New York City is known for selling a caviar pizza that costs $1,000.
Eat pizza everyday
A survey released by California Pizza Kitchen found that 20 percent of Americans would choose pizza if they were forced to eat just one food for the rest of their lives.
National Pizza Month Activities
Make your own pizza pie
Pizza is fun to eat and to share. So why not share in the fun of making one together with family or friends? It will be fresh and tasty — and right out of the oven!
Tip your pizza delivery person
They work hard to get our pizzas to us fast, fresh and delicious. If you open the box and the cheese is still a-bubblin,' then be sure to give the delivery person a solid tip for the swift and stellar service.
Treat the team!
One of America's most cherished traditions is going out for pizza with the kids' sports team. Your local pizza place will appreciate it, and the kids will have a good ol' time!
Why We Love National Pizza Month
Pizza is ridiculously, deliciously yummy
Few foods offer the kind of delectable dining experience as pizza. Keep your fancy-schmancy restaurants with their hoity-toity menus. Give us a real treat — a melty slice of hot, cheesy pizza!
National Pizza Month is for all of us
One of the great things about pizza culture is that it inspires competition. Every town from Cheyenne to Cherbourg has a whole host of pizza joints. There's something for everybody!
Pizza dining is communal
Unlike other dining experiences in which people order different things form the menu, pizza dining requires cooperation. Pepperoni or pineapple? Extra mozzarella or a thin layer of Parmesan and Romano? Let's vote. Then let's eat!
Also on Tue Oct 1, 2024...
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