The History of National Pizza Month; October is the Time to Show Your Love for Frozen Pizza!

Many restaurant owners know the history of pizza and how, although it dates back to ancient times, it was in 1905 that the first pizzeria opened and started offering New York style pizza dough. But when did October become National Pizza Month? Who designated it so, and why did they choose October as the month to show your love for frozen pizza? 

 

That we can thank Gerry Durnell for, who was the creator of National Pizza Month. It was in 1984 when he did it, while he was establishing a magazine recognizing our love for self-rising pizza, thin crust pizza, whole wheat pizza dough, gluten free pizza dough, and pretty much all things pizza. That magazine was called Pizza Today, and its first issue was published in October of that year. So it only seemed appropriate for Durnell to name that month as National Pizza Month. But he had another motive too for creating an entire month dedicated to pizza. 

 

At the time, he was also the owner and founder of a pizzeria in Santa Claus, Indiana, and he realized that there were no publications or materials that really promoted pizza or his business. Publishing the magazine while declaring October National Pizza Month at the same time seemed like the perfect solution for him. And as it turns out, it was a great solution for all of us, as October now gives us even more reason to show off our love of pizza pie!