A Perfect Pairing for Pizzerias
National Pizza Day and The Big Game are both huge days for pizzerias, and this year, they fall on the same date. This presents an excellent opportunity for pizzerias to maximize their sales and engage with customers who are celebrating two exciting events: a holiday dedicated to pizza and the biggest sports event of the year. Whether you're serving up slices for National Pizza Day enthusiasts or Game Day partygoers, the demand for pizza will be high.
History Behind National Pizza Day & The Big Game
National Pizza Day is celebrated every year on February 9th, honoring the world’s favorite food. While pizza has roots that date back to ancient civilizations, it wasn’t until the 20th century that it became widely popular in the U.S., especially after World War II when returning soldiers brought their love for pizza home from Italy. Since then, pizza has become a staple in American cuisine, and National Pizza Day serves as a reminder of just how much we enjoy this iconic dish.
The Big Game, originally held annually on the first Sunday in February, but now held on the second Sunday in February, is a major event in American culture. While it’s centered around the championship game, Game Day has evolved into a social and cultural event, with millions of people gathering to watch the game, enjoy commercials, and indulge in snacks—especially pizza. According to statistics, The Big Game is one of the busiest days of the year for pizzerias, with pizza delivery skyrocketing as fans order in to enjoy the game from home.
Why This Day is a Big Deal for Pizza Lovers
National Pizza Day is a day to celebrate pizza’s cultural significance and share it with others. Many pizzerias offer special promotions, or new menu items to encourage customers to indulge in their favorite pies. It’s a day for customers to treat themselves to a pizza and explore different varieties.
The Big Game, on the other hand, is almost synonymous with pizza in the U.S. It’s one of the most popular foods for Game Day parties, with its combination of portability, variety, and ease of delivery making it the go-to choice for Game Day gatherings. Many pizzerias see a increase in orders on Game Day as groups of friends and family gather to enjoy the game together.
Key Strategies for Pizzerias on This Big Day
Even though this day will be busy, pizzerias can take steps to make the most of the rush. Here are some strategies to consider when preparing for National Pizza Day and The Big Game:
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Optimize Online Ordering & Delivery Systems: Since many customers will be ordering online or through delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, make sure your online ordering system is optimized and running smoothly. Services like SpeedDine can help streamline the ordering process by enabling customers to order directly from your website or app. With the added support of DoorDash Drive, you can tap into a larger network of drivers to meet delivery demands without needing to increase your delivery fleet.
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Offer Game Day Specials & Promotions: Both National Pizza Day and The Big Game are excellent opportunities to create limited-time promotions that entice customers. Special offers like combo deals, discounts on large orders, or game-themed pizzas (like a “Touchdown Special” or “Halftime Feast”) are great ways to draw in crowds. Set up these promotions in your POS ahead of time to ensure they are applied automatically and reduce the time your staff spends on manual entry during the rush.
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Plan for Last-Minute Orders: Especially for The Big Game, many orders will come in at the last minute. Consider offering a “Game Day Special” or a “Game Day Party Pack”, which bundles pizzas, wings, and drinks at a special price. This type of promotion is perfect for customers looking for a quick and easy way to feed a group on Game Day. Be sure to prepare your team for the rush and have systems in place to handle increased order volume efficiently.
Conclusion
By preparing your pizzeria with the right tools, promotions, and delivery strategies, you can make sure you're ready to handle the increased demand and deliver a great experience to your customers. Use this opportunity to showcase your best offerings, and you’ll have a successful day filled with happy customers—and plenty of pizza sales!
Choose SpeedLine’s Pizza Focussed POS to help your pizza business thrive in 2025!
Posted on Wed, Feb 05, 2025 @ 09:02 AM.
Updated on February 5, 2025 @ 5:00 PM PST.
