National Pizza Day

A joyful family gathering around a table, preparing and sharing different types of mouthwatering pizzas, in a cozy and vibrant kitchen setting.. — National pizza day illustration

Ready to step into a world slathered in sauce and smothered in cheese? That's right, hold onto your pepperonis, because we're slicing into the deliciously cheesy story of National Pizza Day!

When is Pizza Day?

It's national pizza day on the 9th February.

A Slice of History

National Pizza Day, a day celebrated by foodies around the globe, has truly left its doughy imprint in the vast cyber landscape. In the land of hashtags and trending topics, this delectable day has left a tantalizing trail of 235795 mentions online! The most substantial dough-toss of a celebration took place on, you’ve guessed it, the 9th of February in 2016. On this day, lovers of this Italian delicacy took to the Internet to pay homage to their preferred pie.

A Pie in the Sky

Pizza, a dish of Italian origin, has become a global sensation. Whether you're a fan of New York thin crust or Chicago deep dish, vegetarian or a meat frenzy, pizza is versatile. That’s the beauty of pizza, it’s much like the Internet, completely customizable to the user's experience and taste.

Cheesy Celebrations

How do you celebrate National Pizza Day, you ask? Simply by enjoying a slice (or several) of your favorite pizza. Many pizza places offer fun deals and discounts on this day. You can also share your 'za enthusiasm by posting your pizza-centric celebrations on social media platforms. Tag that drool-inducing shot of your double cheese extravaganza with the hashtag #NationalPizzaDay and join the global pizza party!

History behind the term 'Pizza'

997 AD

The Birth of Pizza

The term 'pizza' originates from the Italian word 'pittsa,' which first appeared in a Latin manuscript from the town of Gaeta in 997 AD. At this time, 'pizza' referred to a type of baked bread topped with various ingredients such as spices and olive oil.

Late 18th Century

Pizza in Naples

In the late 18th century, pizza gained popularity among the working-class people in Naples, Italy. It was sold as a street food by vendors and often topped with tomatoes, garlic, cheese, and other local ingredients. This simple yet delicious variation started to become a staple food in Naples.

1889

Queen Margherita's Favorite

In 1889, Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples and tried a pizza made by the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. The pizza consisted of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. Queen Margherita loved this pizza so much that it was named after her, solidifying its popularity and traditional ingredients.

Late 19th to Early 20th Century

Pizza Comes to America

With the migration of Italians to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pizza made its way across the Atlantic. The first pizzeria in the United States was Lombardi's, opened in 1905 in New York City. Pizza rapidly gained popularity among Italian immigrants and eventually became a beloved dish among Americans of all backgrounds.

1943

The Invention of the Pizza Delivery

The concept of pizza delivery was born in 1943 when the owner of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, located in New Haven, Connecticut, started delivering pizzas to nearby customers. It revolutionized the pizza industry, making it more convenient for people to enjoy this delicious dish without leaving their homes.

1984

Pizza Hut's First Delivery

Pizza Hut made a significant contribution to the evolution of pizza delivery when they introduced the first-ever pizza delivery guarantee in 1984. This guarantee promised customers that their pizza would arrive within 30 minutes or it would be free. This marketing campaign further popularized pizza delivery and made it a convenient option for busy individuals.