National Pizza Day 2026: Deals, History, and Best Ways to Celebrate
National Pizza Day 2026 is on Monday, February 9. This beloved food holiday is celebrated across the United States every year on February 9, honoring one of America’s most popular meals. Whether you’re hunting for the best pizza day deals, exploring the history behind the holiday, or planning how to celebrate, this guide covers everything you need to know.
2026 Pizza Day Deals & Specials
The biggest reason people search for “national pizza day deals” and “pizza day specials” is to save money while celebrating. Major chains and local pizzerias typically announce their February 9 promotions in late January or early February. Based on previous years, here’s what to expect from top pizza brands:
| Pizza Chain | Expected 2026 Deal | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | 50% off menu-price pizzas (offered in 2025) | Check app or website on Feb 9 |
| Pizza Hut | Buy one get one free on medium pizzas | Rewards members only |
| Papa John’s | 25-30% off regular price orders | Promo code via email/app |
| Little Caesars | $5 Hot-N-Ready special pricing | In-store, no coupon needed |
| Blaze Pizza | Free pizza with rewards signup | Download app before Feb 9 |
| Papa Murphy’s | $3 off any large take-n-bake pizza | In-store and online |
Pro tips for finding pizza day deals near me:
- Check pizza chain apps and websites starting February 8—many deals go live at midnight
- Search “National Pizza Day deals 2026 [your city]” for local pizzeria specials
- Follow your favorite pizza spots on social media for flash deals and promo codes
- Sign up for email lists before February 9 to get early access to member-only offers
- Call independent pizzerias directly—smaller shops often run unadvertised in-store specials
What is National Pizza Day?
National Pizza Day (also searched as “pizza day national” and “pizza national day”) is an unofficial food holiday celebrated every February 9 in the United States. The holiday has no official founder or registration, but it’s widely recognized by restaurants, food brands, delivery apps, and millions of pizza lovers nationwide.
The purpose is simple: celebrate pizza in all its forms—thin crust, deep dish, frozen pizza, takeout, delivery, or homemade—and appreciate how this versatile food brings people together.
History of Pizza in America
Pizza’s arrival in the US
Pizza arrived in the United States with Italian immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s, first taking root in cities with large Italian communities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Lombardi’s in New York City, which opened in 1905, is widely recognized as America’s first pizzeria and helped transform pizza from an ethnic specialty into a mainstream food.
Post-war pizza boom
After World War II, pizza consumption exploded across the country. American soldiers returning from Italy brought home a craving for pizza, and the post-war suburban boom created demand for fast, affordable, shareable meals. Pizza delivery services emerged in the 1960s, making it even easier for families to enjoy pizza at home.
The frozen pizza revolution
Frozen pizza became commercially available in the 1950s and grew into a massive industry segment. Today, Americans consume millions of frozen pizzas annually, making it a popular choice for quick weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Regional American Pizza Styles
American pizza culture is remarkably diverse, with each region developing signature styles based on local tastes and immigrant influences:
- New York-style: Large, thin, foldable slices with a crispy-yet-pliable crust, traditionally sold by the slice. Accounts for approximately 48% of American thin-crust preferences.
- Chicago deep-dish: Thick, pie-like crust with inverted layering (cheese first, then toppings, then chunky tomato sauce on top). Preferred by roughly 14% of pizza lovers.
- Detroit-style: Rectangular pizza with a thick, airy crust and cheese that extends to the edges, creating caramelized, crispy corners.
- California-style: Thin crust with unconventional, fresh toppings like arugula, goat cheese, BBQ chicken, or pineapple (yes, the pineapple-on-pizza debate is alive and well).
- Neapolitan-inspired: Thin, soft, slightly charred crust with simple toppings, staying close to Italian tradition.
- St. Louis-style: Ultra-thin, cracker-like crust cut into squares and topped with Provel cheese.
How to Celebrate National Pizza Day 2026
National Pizza Day offers endless ways to enjoy pizza, whether you prefer delivery, takeout, dining in, or making your own at home.
Top 5 ways Americans celebrate:
- Order delivery or takeout from a favorite chain or local pizzeria (consumption peaks on this day, with some chains reporting 30-40% higher order volume than a typical Monday)
- Host a pizza party with multiple topping options to accommodate different dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan pizza options
- Make homemade pizza and experiment with dough recipes, sauce variations, or creative toppings
- Try a new pizzeria you’ve been wanting to visit
- Share pizza photos on social media using hashtags like #NationalPizzaDay and #PizzaDayDeals
America’s top 5 pizza toppings (by popularity):
- Pepperoni (the undisputed champion, ordered on 36% of all pizzas)
- Sausage (classic Italian or spicy variants)
- Mushrooms (the top vegetable choice)
- Extra cheese (because more cheese is always better)
- Onions (adds flavor depth and texture)
The Great Pineapple Debate: Is pineapple a valid pizza topping? Hawaiian pizza (ham and pineapple) remains divisive, with passionate defenders and critics. What’s your stance? The sweet-savory combination has a loyal following, especially on the West Coast.
Best Pizzerias in Major US Cities
If you want to celebrate National Pizza Day 2026 at a legendary spot, here are top pizzerias in America’s major pizza cities:
New York City: Di Fara Pizza (Brooklyn) and Joe’s Pizza (Manhattan) represent the gold standard of New York-style pizza, with thin, foldable slices and perfectly balanced sauce-to-cheese ratios.
Chicago: Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s are deep-dish institutions, offering the classic Chicago experience with buttery crust and layers of cheese and toppings.
Detroit: Buddy’s Pizza pioneered Detroit-style pizza in 1946 and remains the benchmark for the rectangular, crispy-edged style.
Los Angeles: Pizzana in Brentwood serves Neapolitan-style pies with California creativity, while Mozza offers upscale interpretations with local ingredients.
New Haven, CT: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza have been locked in a friendly rivalry since the 1920s, serving coal-fired, thin-crust “apizza” (pronounced “ah-beetz”).
National Pizza Day Dates (Next 10 Years)
National Pizza Day is always February 9 in the United States. Plan ahead with these dates:
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 9, 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 9, 2027 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 9, 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 9, 2029 | Friday |
| 2030 | February 9, 2030 | Saturday |
| 2031 | February 9, 2031 | Sunday |
| 2032 | February 9, 2032 | Monday |
| 2033 | February 9, 2033 | Wednesday |
| 2034 | February 9, 2034 | Thursday |
| 2035 | February 9, 2035 | Friday |
Pizza Facts & Statistics
- Americans eat approximately 3 billion pizzas per year—about 46 slices per person annually
- 93% of Americans have eaten pizza in the past month
- October is National Pizza Month, but February 9 is the biggest single-day pizza celebration
- The U.S. pizza industry generates over $145 billion annually (including restaurants, frozen pizza, and delivery)
- Saturday night is the most popular time to eat pizza, followed by Sunday (but National Pizza Day creates a major Monday spike)
- Pepperoni accounts for 36% of all pizza orders, making it the dominant topping by a wide margin
- Pizza delivery became widespread in the 1960s and now represents nearly 60% of pizza restaurant revenue
