When we think of pizza, most of us—including the folks here at Tommy’s Pizza and Subs—think of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tasty toppings. It’s enough to get the mouth watering just thinking about it. Beyond being one of the world’s favorite comfort foods, though, pizza presents us with a treasure trove of fascinating facts. Let’s take a look at some of these deliciously surprising tidbits that might just change the way you look at that slice of pizza on your plate.

1. Ancient Beginnings—While pizza might feel like a modern marvel, its roots stretch back further than you might imagine. The concept of a flatbread topped with ingredients dates back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all enjoyed flatbreads adorned with various toppings, which could include olive oil and local spices.
2. Margherita’s Legacy—One of the most iconic pizza styles, the Margherita, holds a special place in pizza history. It was created in Naples, Italy, in honor of Queen Margherita in the late 19th century. The colors of the pizza—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil—were chosen to reflect the colors of the Italian flag.
3. Space Love for Pizza—In 2001, the Russian space agency collaborated with Pizza Hut to create a pizza that could be enjoyed by cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The challenges of creating a pizza that would remain palatable in a weightless environment were immense, but the project successfully resulted in a space-friendly pizza.
4. Pizza’s Global Dominance—Pizza’s popularity has truly transcended borders and cultures. It’s estimated that there are around 5 billion pizzas sold worldwide each year. In the United States alone, about 3 billion pizzas are sold annually.
5. Creative Toppings—While classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms are beloved staples, pizza enthusiasts have come up with some truly creative combinations. From fruit-topped pizzas to dessert pizzas adorned with chocolate and marshmallows, the possibilities are endless.
6. World’s Most Expensive Pizza—If you’re feeling extravagant, you might want to try the world’s most expensive pizza. The 8-inch pizza, known as the Louis XIII, originated in Salerno, Italy. It’s prepared by special order only, costing around $9,250. Toppings include rare caviar, fresh lobster, prawns, and buffalo mozzarella.
7. The Guinness World Record Slice—The world’s largest pizza, recognized by the Guinness World Records, spanned an astonishing 14,000 square feet. Created by Pizza Hut in Los Angeles in January 2023, the colossal creation used 13,653 pounds of dough, 4,948 pounds of sweet marinara sauce, more than 8,800 pounds of cheese, and nearly 630,496 pepperoni slices.
8. A Slice for Everyone—Pizza has even accommodated dietary restrictions and preferences. With the rise of plant-based diets, vegan pizzas have become increasingly popular, featuring non-dairy cheese and a variety of vegetable toppings.
9. Pizzaiolo Olympics—Yes, you read that right. There’s a competition known as the World Pizza Championship. Held annually in Italy, this event draws pizza makers from around the globe to compete in categories such as “Classica” (Classic Pizza), “Pizza in Teglia” (Pizza in a Pan), and “Gluten-Free Pizza.”
10. The Perfect Slice—Mathematicians have even delved into the world of pizza. The “Pizza Theorem” explores the optimal way to divide a pizza into equal slices using only straight cuts. It’s a testament to pizza’s universal appeal, reaching even the realms of mathematical curiosity.

Football and Pizza: The Perfect Match

On Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays during the upcoming NFL season, get any large, two topping pizza from Tommy’s for just $20.99 plus tax. Or, you can buy any two medium Tommy’s pizzas at their regular prices and get a third of equal or lesser value for free.

Tommy’s #ReadyForSomeFootball Contest

Simply follow the steps below to enter for a chance to win a FREE 2-topping 16” Pizza (50 participants are required, so tell a friend!):

1. Like Tommy’s Facebook Page.
2. Visit Tommy’s Website.
3. Follow Tommy’s Instagram Account.
4. Tag two friends and use #ReadyForSomeFootball and #TommysPizza.

The winner will be randomly drawn on October 1, 2023. Applicants limited to the Santee, El Cajon, and Lakeside CA areas.