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Pizza is truly a cornerstone of America’s food culture. Pizza slices tend to bring people together. Pizza is big business. According to Pizza Today, in 2024 pizza was a $50.1 billion business.

Pizza Today and Statista Research web sites, reveal there are nearly 81,000 independent and franchise pizzerias across America’s states and territories. They employ thousands of personnel who provide ordering, and serving, as well as delivery staff.

Behind these establishments are numerous suppliers which provide the preparation and baking machinery, ingredients and toppings, other food items such as beverages, salads, and chicken wings, delivery boxes, and related materials.

Within Michigan’s pizza history are five regional, national, and international pizza companies who have their “roots” and corporate offices within the state. The list includes Domino’s, Little Caesars, Cottage Inn, Jet’s, and Hungary Howie’s.

In addition to these storefronts, pizza has a significant presence in the nation’s grocery deli and frozen food aisles.

According to Pizza Today, “The top five pizza styles in America are New York, Traditional American, Sicilian, Deep Dish, and Neapolitan. Each tells a story of immigration, innovation, and regional pride.”

Pizza Today added, “Detroit-style pizza is currently the biggest trending style. This shows how pizza continues to evolve and capture new audiences.”

The majority of historians reveal pizza’s origins are traced back to Naples Italy. However, some historians state pizza origins are in other Italian regions.

In America, pizza became as popular as it did in part because of the sheer number of Italian immigrants. They made up four million of the 20 million immigrants who came to the U.S. between 1880 and 1920….they brought their taste buds and pizza-making skills.”

Pizza Today noted the modern day pizza began In 1889 with Italian Don Raffaele Esposito creating the Margherita Pizza. It was topped with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all in honor of Italian Queen Margherita Teresa Giovanni. This classic combination remains one of the most beloved pizza varieties today. This past January The New York Post offered a feature story which surveyed 5,000 pizza lovers in every state.

The paper’s research showed:

· The last time the average person strayed from their usual order was slightly over two years ago.

· The study also found that 57 percent of respondents are open to trying new pizza combinations but don’t know where to start.

· For some, spice may be the solution, as half (49 percent) agree that spice makes pizza taste better.

· Michigan and South Carolina were jointly the least likely states to spice up their pizza with just 31 percent of people from either state saying they do this.

· Michigan pizza consumers were unlikely to spice up their pizza, but they were also the state with the most respondents who said they’d never tried a new pizza at all (11 percent).

· Respondents from Louisiana average eating the most pizza in one sitting at 3.3 slices.

· Friday night was unanimously voted the most popular night to order pizza in every state.

· Gluten free pizza is undergoing significant sales growth.

The last time the average person strayed from their usual order was slightly over two years ago. The study also found that 57 percent of respondents are open to trying new pizza combinations but don’t know where to start.