National Pizza By The Slice Day

A person holding a triangular slice of pizza, wearing a colorful apron, in a bustling pizzeria surrounded by mouth-watering pizza slices.. — National pizza by the slice day illustration

Ah, National Pizza by the Slice Day, a deliciously important day on the culinary calendar! Grab your napkins and get ready to sink your teeth into this cheesy celebration!

When is Pizza By The Slice Day?

It's national pizza by the slice day on the 16th August.

The Internet History of National Pizza by the Slice Day

As I dug through the fascinating online archives, I discovered that National Pizza by the Slice Day has been generating quite a buzz in the virtual world. With a whopping 41 mentions online, this day has certainly made its cheesy mark!

The internet exploded with enthusiasm for National Pizza by the Slice Day on August 16, 2019. Pizza lovers from far and wide took to social media to declare their allegiance to the mighty slice. It was a day filled with mouthwatering photos, hilarious pizza-themed memes, and debates over the best toppings. Pepperoni vs. pineapple? The battle raged on, and the internet was consumed with pizza fever!

Why Celebrate National Pizza by the Slice Day?

Now, you might be wondering why we devote an entire day to pizza by the slice. Well, my friend, the answer is simple: convenience and variety! Pizza by the slice offers the opportunity to savor different flavors without committing to a whole pie. Plus, it's perfect for those times when you're on-the-go or need a quick bite. It's the ultimate street food, loved by millions.

Whether you're a devoted cheese-lover or a fan of loaded toppings, pizza by the slice has something for everyone. From classic Margherita to adventurous BBQ chicken, the world of sliced pizza is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered.

A Fun Fact Just for You!

Did you know that the largest pizza by the slice ever made weighed a staggering 26,883 pounds and stretched 122 feet in diameter? That's one gigantic slice of cheesy goodness! It was created in Rome, Italy in 2012, and I can only imagine the number of hungry people that could have fed.

History behind the term 'Pizza By The Slice'

1960

The birth of the slice.

In the year 1960, the term 'pizza by the slice' first entered the American lexicon. As the popularity of pizza grew in the United States, pizzerias began to experiment with new ways to serve their customers. Instead of ordering a whole pie, people could now simply purchase a single slice. This innovation allowed for greater convenience and catered to the on-the-go lifestyle of many Americans.

1960

The Rise of Pizzerias

In the year 1960, pizzerias were gaining popularity all across the United States. The demand for pizza was steadily increasing, and more and more pizza parlors were opening up. However, most pizzerias at this time only sold whole pizzas, requiring customers to purchase an entire pie.

1933

Birth of the Pizzeria

In 1933, a Pizzeria named 'Patsy's' opened in New York City. This establishment introduced a new concept to the United States: pizza by the whole pie. Patsy's became immensely popular, attracting locals and tourists alike who relished the unique taste of authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.

1970

The rise of New York-style pizza.

During the 1970s, New York-style pizza became synonymous with 'pizza by the slice'. The unique characteristics of this style, such as its thin crust and large slices, made it perfectly suited for individual servings. It quickly became a staple in the bustling streets of New York City, where busy commuters and students could grab a quick and affordable meal on the go.

1942

First Pizzeria to Offer Slices

In 1942, a pizzeria named 'Joe's Tomato Pies' in Trenton, New Jersey, became the first pizzeria to offer pizza by the slice. The owner, Joe Morello, came up with the idea to sell single slices to factory workers during their lunch breaks. This innovation allowed for a quicker and more convenient way to enjoy pizza.

1962

A Slice of Convenience

Two years later, in 1962, a pizzeria called Patsy's Pizzeria in New York City made a brilliant move that would revolutionize the pizza industry. Patsy's started offering pizza by the slice, allowing customers to buy a single slice instead of a whole pizza. This innovation provided a more convenient and affordable option for pizza lovers.

1980

Expanding across America.

Throughout the 1980s, the concept of 'pizza by the slice' expanded beyond New York City and gained popularity throughout the country. Pizzerias in various cities adopted the practice, offering a range of toppings and flavors to cater to different preferences. This expansion helped establish 'pizza by the slice' as a national institution, solidifying its place in American culinary culture.

1950s

Rise in Popularity

During the 1950s, pizza by the slice gained widespread popularity in New York City. As the city saw an influx of Italian immigrants, pizzerias became more prevalent, and the demand for quick and affordable food options grew. Pizza by the slice became the go-to meal for busy New Yorkers, leading to the opening of numerous pizzerias specializing in this convenient serving style.

1970

Grab-and-Go Trend

By the 1970s, the concept of pizza by the slice had become a trend. Pizzerias across the United States began adopting this approach, recognizing the convenience and appeal it offered. Pizza by the slice became especially popular in urban areas, where people were looking for quick and easy meals on the go.

1990

Late-night bites.

By the 1990s, 'pizza by the slice' had become synonymous with late-night dining. Its affordability and convenience made it a popular choice for those seeking a quick bite after a night out. This cultural association led to the proliferation of pizzerias staying open late to cater to the demand. 'Pizza by the slice' became ingrained in the nightlife scene, fueling late-night adventures and providing sustenance to hungry party-goers.

1960s

Pizza by the Slice Goes Global

In the 1960s, pizza by the slice went global as American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II developed a fondness for this fast, portable meal. Back in the United States, soldiers brought their love for pizza by the slice with them, introducing it to a wider audience and sparking an international fascination with this Americanized Italian dish.

1980

The Emergence of the 'Famous Ray's' Phenomenon

In the 1980s, the 'Famous Ray's' phenomenon started to take shape. Various pizzerias with the name 'Ray's' claimed to be the original or famous Ray's, leading to a pizza naming controversy. Many of these Ray's pizzerias became well-known for serving delicious pizza by the slice, further popularizing the concept.

1990

Gourmet Slices and Diverse Toppings

As the popularity of pizza by the slice continued to grow, new innovations emerged. In the 1990s, gourmet pizzerias started offering a wide variety of toppings on their single slices, allowing customers to experience different flavors with every visit. This trend expanded the options for pizza lovers and added a touch of experimentation to the traditional concept.

1984

First Slice-Only Pizzeria Chain

In 1984, 'Sabarro' became the first national chain of pizzerias solely focused on pizza by the slice. With their slogan 'Fresh food, Fresh taste, Fresh choices,' Sabarro expanded rapidly, offering a variety of pizza flavors to cater to different preferences. This marked a significant milestone in the history of pizza by the slice, solidifying its place in American fast-food culture.

2000

Pizza by the Slice in pop culture.

In the 2000s, 'pizza by the slice' continued to make appearances in popular culture. It became a staple in movies, TV shows, and songs that depicted the urban lifestyle, further solidifying its status as an iconic food choice. The familiar sight of a triangular slice topped generously with gooey cheese and savory toppings became instantly recognizable and evoked feelings of nostalgia and comfort.

Present

Continued Popularity and Diversification

Today, pizza by the slice remains a beloved culinary option worldwide. Its popularity has led to a wide array of regional variations and styles, reflecting the diverse tastes and preferences of different cultures. Whether you prefer a classic New York-style slice or a gourmet slice topped with unconventional ingredients, pizza by the slice continues to be a symbol of convenience, deliciousness, and cultural fusion.

Present

Global and Diverse Appeal

Today, pizza by the slice has become a beloved and iconic dish enjoyed worldwide. From New York-style thin crust to Chicago deep-dish slices, and from Margherita to barbecue chicken toppings, the possibilities are endless. Pizza by the slice continues to evolve as a versatile and convenient way to enjoy this universally adored culinary delight.