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Pizza Marketplace’s Top 10 most clicked news in 2023
Here’s all the news Pizza Marketplace’s readers clicked on the most in 2023.
December 18, 2023 by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
The restaurant industry is slowly recovering post pandemic. Pizza is still king amongst a sea of choices, and mom-and-pops, mid-sized regional chains and the big, heavy hitters are all doing well as diners return to restaurants. We took a look at the most-clicked news stories in 2023 and here's what we found:
1.Little Caesars launches 4-Quarter Calzony
In September, Little Caesars launched a cross-shaped calzone product featuring pepperoni, bacon, ham, Italian sausage and mozzarella. The brand's famous Crazy Sauce was served on the side for dipping.
"The 4-Quarter Calzony ensures everyone at the pregame or watch party has something to eat," Greg Hamilton, CMO at Little Caesars, said in a press release. "You can satisfy cravings with just one product instead of getting four different pizzas. Combined with the calzone crust, this innovative menu item is a victory for any get-together."
2. Pizza Hut launches $7 Deal Lover's Menu
Pizza Hut launched a menu with 17 items, which helped the brand compete with Domino's Pizza's similar Mix & Match Deal. Customers choose two items for $7 each, and Pizza Hut jumped on the social media "Girl Math" trend to advertise it.
"Girl Math has been taking over social feeds with a comical twist on what we find to be a 'good deal' and how we justify some treats we want for ourselves, which is so fitting for our new $7 Deal Lover's Menu, so it felt like the right time to get in on the joke for the menu launch," Lindsay Morgan, CMO at Pizza Hut, said in a company press release. "Girl Math trend aside, Pizza Hut believes that you shouldn't have to choose between a great taste and a good value, and our new $7 Deal Lovers is exactly that."
3.Mr Gatti's inks deals for 16 restaurants in first half of 2023
In July, Mr Gatti's signed 16 franchise agreements in less than six months, the biggest spring break sales surge in company history. The brand targeted Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Texas.
"Mr Gatti's has been at the top of its game in every aspect lately. We awarded more new franchise agreements in the last three years alone than in at least an entire decade prior, while our sales across our network have been consistently rising… All despite a pandemic and economic downturn," Jim Phillips, CEO at Mr Gatti's Pizza, said in a press release. "We're certainly on track to continue at this pace and have our sights set on opening at least 60 more new locations between now and the end of 2026. In the meantime, we look forward to supporting our powerhouse franchisees as even our oldest locations continue setting new sales records."
4. Imo's Pizza launches Sweet Heat Pizza, deal
In May, Imo's Pizza introduced a pizza with chicken, red onion, bacon, Provel cheese and a signature sweet and tangy sauce.
"We're excited to expand our menu with limited-time offerings to bring new flavors and styles for our customers to try," Nichole Carpenter, Imo's director of marketing, said in a press release. "Featuring the perfect balance of a little fire and a lot of flavor, our Sweet Heat pizza won't be around for long, so we urge customers to get one soon!"
5.MOD Pizza's latest offerings all about the 'shroom
Mushrooms remain a popular pizza topping, and MOD Pizza went all out for its Super Shroom Pizza released in May, which had both a mushroom pesto base and mushrooms on it.
"With their earthy flavor and meaty texture, the ever-popular mushroom brings great flavor and depth to our new winter Super Shroom Pizza and Salad. Our MOD customers are already big mushroom fans, so we're excited to share the addition of our mushroom pesto and tasty balsamic mushrooms with these latest menu offerings", Scott Uehlein, vice president of culinary excellence and innovation at MOD, said in a company press release.
6. Mazzio's offers street pizzas for limited time only
In August, Mazzio's Pizza launched a single-serve pizza product based on those found on food trucks. Attractively priced at $7.99-$9.99. With several options available, the pizzas ran through Nov. 5.
"Food trucks have become a staple at community gatherings and events, introducing people to bold, new and authentic flavors," Stuart Myers, vice president of marketing and sales, said in a press release. "Mazzio's Street Pizzas recreate the food truck experience by combining flavor-forward pizzas with a budget-friendly and convenient experience."
Pizza Marketplace readers got to know Mazzio's Pizza better in a feature story in September.
7.Cicis releases 64-slice Piezilla pizza
There are a lot of big pies out there, and the Piezilla by Cicis Pizza is no different. The 28-inch pie was made with four pounds of dough that could feed around 15 people.
"Piezilla truly lives up to its name. This colossal pizza will destroy your appetite without breaking the bank" Jeff Hetsel, president and COO of Cicis, said in a company press release. "It was a great idea that was born in one of our restaurants, and we're excited to elevate it into a menu item to provide all our fans with an affordable, convenient, one-stop option to order while hosting bigger parties or events."
8.LAPD busts drug lab hidden in North Hollywood pizzeria
In a what-were-they-thinking moment, the Los Angeles Police Department busted a drug lab disguised as a pizza shop right there in Hollywood. The lab apparently cooked up THC honey oil.
"We've heard of secret ingredients, but this takes the pie! It seems like criminals are getting more creative by the day," the LAPD said in a social media post.
9.Mr Gatti's Pizza announces retirements of longtime franchisees, new owners
Mr Gattis had several units in Kentucky and Indiana with retiring owners, and fresh new owners took them over.
"We're thankful for the strong foundation laid by our outgoing owners and excited for our new franchisees to build on that legacy," Jim Phillips, CEO at Mr Gatti's Pizza, said in a press release. "As we welcome (the new owners), we are not only passing the torch but also are reinforcing our commitment to quality and service as we enter a new chapter for Mr Gatti's Pizza."
10.Frank Pepe's launches fall FTO pizza
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, known as Frank Pepe's, is one of the most well-known of the New Haven pizzerias. But the brand isn't stodgy — it offers LTOs, a move that brings in new diners and appeals to frequent customers as well.
It's fall offering, the Patata Rustica, was a potato-based pie with bacon and asiago.
"The presentation of the pizza is just gorgeous," Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly, granddaughter of Frank Pepe, said in a press release about the LTO pizza. "When I take that first bite, it just fills me with comfort and makes me feel like I'm back in my Nonni's kitchen."
About Mandy Wolf Detwiler
Mandy Wolf Detwiler is the managing editor at Networld Media Group and the site editor for PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com. She has more than 20 years’ experience covering food, people and places.
An award-winning print journalist, Mandy brings more than 20 years’ experience to Networld Media Group. She has spent nearly two decades covering the pizza industry, from independent pizzerias to multi-unit chains and every size business in between. Mandy has been featured on the Food Network and has won numerous awards for her coverage of the restaurant industry. She has an insatiable appetite for learning, and can tell you where to find the best slices in the country after spending 15 years traveling and eating pizza for a living.
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