October might be known for changing leaves, apple picking, and Halloween, but there is another reason pizza lovers have plenty to celebrate. October is National Pizza Month, a tradition that has been around for more than 40 years. The celebration began in 1984, when Gerry Durnell, founder and publisher of Pizza Today, created National Pizza Month to coincide with the magazine’s first issue. Congress later officially recognized October as National Pizza Month in 1987.
So how did an entire month become dedicated to one of America’s favorite foods?
It Started With a Pizza Magazine
National Pizza Month wasn’t created by accident. Durnell was a pizzeria owner and saw an opportunity to create a publication focused entirely on the pizza industry. When the first issue of Pizza Today debuted in October 1984, Durnell declared the month National Pizza Month. What started as a celebration connected to a trade publication eventually grew into a nationwide tradition that gives pizza shops and their customers another reason to celebrate.
Three years later, Congress officially designated October as National Pizza Month, helping cement the observance as part of the American food calendar.
Why Pizza Deserves a Whole Month
Of course, pizza probably doesn’t need much convincing. Few foods are as easy to customize. You can keep things simple with cheese and pepperoni, pile on vegetables, choose a specialty combination, or try something completely different. Pizza also works for almost any occasion, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, feeding a family, ordering for a group, or looking for a late-night meal.
That flexibility is a big part of why pizza has become such an important part of American restaurant culture. Every pizzeria has its own recipes, combinations, and approach to making a pie, which means celebrating pizza can also mean exploring the local places that make it.
October Is a Good Excuse to Try Something Different
National Pizza Month doesn’t have to mean ordering the exact same pizza you’ve had a hundred times.
It’s a great opportunity to try a specialty pie you normally overlook, add a topping you haven’t tried before, or order something that puts a different spin on your usual combination. Rizzo’s menu includes specialty pizzas with combinations ranging from eggplant to buffalo chicken, along with plenty of other choices for building a meal around your favorite flavors. And if pizza isn’t the only thing you’re craving, that’s part of the fun, too. Rizzo’s also serves roast beef, subs, calzones, seafood, and other menu favorites, so everyone can find something they want.
Celebrate Your Local Pizza Shop
There is something special about having a neighborhood pizza shop you can return to again and again. These restaurants become part of the routine, whether you’re picking up dinner after work, grabbing food with friends, or ordering a late-night meal.
National Pizza Month is a chance to appreciate that tradition while enjoying a food that has become a familiar part of communities across the country. And while October might be the official month for celebrating pizza, we think there’s a pretty good argument for celebrating it year-round.
Celebrate National Pizza Month at Rizzo’s | The Best Pizza Near Me
October is the perfect time to enjoy pizza in Lowell, whether you’re in the mood for one of our specialty pizzas or want to stick with a classic favorite.
Stop by Rizzo’s Roast Beef & Pizza to celebrate National Pizza Month with a fresh, made-to-order meal. And if you’re looking for something besides pizza, we’ve got plenty of other favorites waiting for you, too! Follow us on Facebook for specials, menu updates, and more from Rizzo’s!