Today, pizza is an American staple. It’s a go-to food for parties, college students and family movie nights. With so many varieties, it’s tough to find someone who doesn’t like at least one style of pizza. But where did all this start? How did pizza wholesalers become what they are today?
This food’s story may surprise you. It wasn’t always viewed as the treat it is today. It all started with the Neapolitans.
A Slice of Life on the Waterfront
While the ancient Egyptians enjoyed flatbreads with toppings that were similar to our version of pizza, the birthplace of the modern pizza is Italy’s Campania region. During the early 1800s, in the city of Naples, a class of working poor made up much of the population, especially near the bay.
These Neapolitans spent much of their days outdoors, and they needed an affordable food that could be eaten quickly. Street vendors and informal restaurants frequently sold flatbreads with various toppings, and this product was perfect for the working class’s needs. Common toppings included many that are popular today, such as cheese, garlic and tomatoes.
Slicing Across the Ocean
As immigrant workers from Naples came to the United States, they brought their taste for pizza with them. As they entered New York and other U.S. cities looking for work, they continued their habits of eating this easy, tasty creation.
It didn’t take long for the aromas and flavors of pizza to attract the attention of non-Italians, and pizza gained popularity in America. Without intending to, the Neapolitans created a culinary revolution. As the 20th century arrived, pizza continued to spread to American cities such as Boston, Chicago and St. Louis.
The food migrated with the workers from east to west, and its popularity boomed after World War II. No longer viewed as an ethnic food, pizza came into its own as a fun, fast food that was truly Americanized. Regional and local variations emerged, and other countries picked up on the trend, now viewing pizza as a Western food.
A Slice of Life Today
Today, the debate rages on about where the first official pizza joint was established in New York. Also hotly debated is the best style of pizza. Chicagoans swear by deep dish, but other regions of the country would disagree!
The arguments haven’t hampered the food’s popularity, though. American pizza chains thrive in over 50 countries, and frozen pizza wholesalers distribute to suppliers across the country. From Naples to your own neighborhood, the pizza has established itself as a permanent slice of our history and culture.
Get Your Slice
Modern pizza options include amazing selections from Giovanni’s Frozen Pizza wholesalers. Giovanni’s provides pizza with unique, delicious flavors and a special-recipe thin crust. Our pies are 30 percent crust and 70 percent toppings! We offer distribution for seven states, providing quality products at great prices. To discover more about our pizzas and how they compare to those of yesteryear, simply contact our team. We are happy to answer any questions!