More than 40 million Americans will consume pizza today. Although people in the United States eat this dish more than any other country, they are not the only ones who enjoy a good pie every now and then. From its humble Neapolitan origins, pizza has spread across the globe and taken on many new styles.  

Even though early versions can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, the style recognized today was created in Naples between the 1700s and early 1800s. Originally, it was a way for the people of the area to consume inexpensive food quickly. These flatbreads consisted of various toppings—usually tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies, and garlic—and were typically sold by street vendors or informal restaurants.

Although it was popular and even said to be favored by the king and queen of the time, pizza didn’t become widely known until the 1940s. Allied troops stationed in Italy during World War II came to love the dish, as well as other Italian cuisine. When they returned home to the U.S., they found Italian immigrants had already brought the food with them. The first pizzeria, G. Lombardi’s, had opened in Manhattan in 1905.

From there, the cuisine began to take on regional differences as more Italian-Americans migrated west. In 1943, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was invented by Sewell and Ric Riccardo, and, in 1962, the long-divisive pineapple-and-ham pizza was created by Canadian Sam Panopoulis for the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario. These different styles were only a precursor for the number of chain restaurants that would also begin popping up all over the country during this time, cementing pizza’s dominance in the food industry.

When you want to carry on this great tradition and enjoy a well-made pie, stop by Inzillo’s Pizza in Jackson, NJ. They’ve served locals quality food made with fresh ingredients for nearly three decades. You can view this pizzeria’s menu anytime by visiting their website. Call them at (732) 370-0310 to place your pizza order today.