National Pizza Day, February 9, celebrates one of America’s all-time favorite foods. Whether it’s thin crust, Chicago-style, deep dish, or anything in between, pizza is an American favorite.

Pizza has a rich history tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, who enjoyed flatbreads with various toppings.

The modern pizza we know and love, with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, originated in Naples, Italy. Pizza gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks in part to Italian immigrants.

In 1905 a pizzeria in New York City called Lombardi’s was granted the first mercantile license in the US to make pizza. 

TOP 5 INSIGHTS ABOUT PIZZA
57% of Americans say they love pizza.
53% of Americans prefer restaurant over frozen pizza.
30% of Americans eat pizza at least once a week.
22% of Americans say they can each an entire pizza by themselves.
19% of Americans like to have beer with their pizza.

FUN FACTS

• Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the United States.
• The world’s largest pizza, according to Guinness World Records, measured over 13,000 square feet and was made in Rome, Italy, in 2012.
• Pizza delivery was pioneered in the United States by a pizzeria in New York City in the early 20th century.
• The Margherita pizza, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, was named after Queen Margherita of Italy.
• Pizza is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a universal comfort food.

A lot of us don’t go many days without having pizza. Celebrate National Pizza Day by heading over to your favorite pizzeria. Or get creative and host a pizza party at work or for friends. Or simply buy a frozen pizza and enjoy it at home.

Source: nationaltoday.com; awarenessdays.com