Hawaiian pizza is both a controversial and beloved combination of Canadian bacon and pineapple on a pizza. It’s a unique dish that has sparked debate and divided pizza enthusiasts for decades, yet it remains a favorite choice worldwide. As one of Tommy’s Pizza and Subs’ most popular offerings, we thought it would be fun to take a look at this beloved, yet polarizing, pizza delight.
The Birth of Hawaiian Pizza
Despite its name, Hawaiian pizza did not originate in the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Instead, the story of Hawaiian pizza begins in 1962 in Chatham, Ontario. There, Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant and restaurateur, created this iconic dish.
Panopoulos and his brothers owned the “Satellite Restaurant,” where they served traditional American fare such as burgers, fries, and pizza. Inspired by the trend of combining sweet and savory flavors, Panopoulos decided to experiment with his pizza toppings.
One day, Panopoulos added canned pineapple and slices of Canadian bacon (often referred to as “back bacon”) to a traditional cheese and tomato pizza. The result was a unique balance of sweet pineapple with the salty, savory taste of bacon. Panopoulos named his creation “Hawaiian pizza” after the brand of canned pineapple he used, and thus, a new pizza variety was born.
The Cultural Context
The early 1960s was a time of culinary exploration in North America. Post-World War II prosperity had led to increased cultural exchange and exposure to international cuisines. People were more open to trying new and exotic foods, and the idea of combining different flavors and ingredients was trendy.
Panopoulos’s Hawaiian pizza emerged during this period of culinary experimentation and quickly gained a following beyond Chatham, Ontario, as Panopoulos and his brothers introduced it to other restaurants and diners. It wasn’t long before Hawaiian pizza became a staple on pizza menus across Canada and eventually the United States.
Love It or Hate It
Hawaiian pizza has always sparked passionate debates among pizza lovers. Some people adore the contrasting flavors of sweet pineapple and savory bacon and the refreshing taste of pineapple on a hot pizza. Others consider it a culinary abomination, arguing that fruit has no place on a pizza.
Despite the controversy, Hawaiian pizza has maintained a loyal fan base and continues to be a popular choice for pizza enthusiasts worldwide, including here at Tommy’s Pizza and Subs. (We think its unique blend of flavors is a great way to enjoy pizza. The more variations the merrier!)
The Influence of Hawaiian Culture
Although Hawaiian pizza was created in Canada, it has a connection to Hawaiian culture due to the use of pineapple, a fruit closely associated with the islands. Pineapple has been cultivated in Hawaii since the early 19th century and became a significant part of the state’s economy. The fruit’s association with Hawaii made it a natural choice for the name of the pizza despite its Canadian origins.
Interestingly, Hawaiian pizza has also found a place in Hawaii’s culinary scene. While not as popular as traditional Hawaiian dishes, it is available there in many pizzerias and enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
The Legacy of Sam Panopoulos
Sam Panopoulos passed away in 2017, but his pizza legacy lives on. His willingness to think outside the box resulted in a dish that has stood the test of time. Despite the ongoing debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza, there is no denying that Hawaiian pizza is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected ideas can become timeless classics. As such, Hawaiian pizza has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of classic pizza varieties.
We invite you to try out this iconic pizza the next time you dine-in or take out from Tommy’s.
SPECIALS AND PROMOTIONS
Everyday Special
- Two slices Pizza + Soda $9.95 + tax
Slice Special (Tues & Wed only)
- Slice of Cheese or Pepperoni (only)
- $3.50 + tax
$5 off Any Purchase of $30 or More
FREE 14-inch Medium Cheese Pizza with Purchase of Any Large Pizza
Cheese Steak Sub & Drink
- $14.95 + tax
- Includes mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, & provolone cheese
Italian Torpedo Special
- $9.50 + tax
- Valid Monday to Wednesday only
Family Special
- $39.99 + tax
- 1 large, 2-topping pizza, 1 torpedo, 1 antipasto salad
Monday Special
- 50-cent Wings
- BBQ, Mild, Hot, or Garlic Parmesan
