Everything you ever wanted to know about a pizzeria but were afraid to ask

Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved foods in the world. Fresh dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings come together to create a dish that fulfills you from the inside out. It’s satisfying and brings joy. But have you ever gathered around a pizza with family or friends and thought about the origins of this magical meal? Have you ever taken a bite of a slice overloaded with goodness and wondered how pizza arrived in the United States, what the difference is between Italian and American pizza, or even what the meaning of that catchy name, “pizza,” is? Papa John’s is about to take you on an appetizing journey.

A Brief History of Pizzerias in the United States

Approximately 4 million Italians immigrated to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following the extreme poverty and famine that struck the south of Italy and Sicily. Half of them arrived during the first decade of the 20th century alone. Over time, they began selling pizza across the United States. The first to do so was Gennaro Lombardi.

He opened the first pizzeria in America, Lombardi’s, in 1905. The word “pizza” became popular among English speakers during the 1930s, and until then, the Italian pastry was known as a “tomato pie.” Pizza gained momentum among the American public after World War II. American soldiers had the chance to taste pizza while stationed in Italy, and upon their return, they came home with a craving for more. And the rest? Well, that’s history.

What is the difference between Italian and American pizza?

Now that we’ve uncovered the meaning of the name “pizza,” some interesting interpretations it might have, and when the very first pizzeria opened in the United States, it’s time to ask the ultimate question: What are the differences between American and Italian pizza? Here are 4 points of comparison.

1. Dough Thickness – The thickness of traditional Italian pizza dough varies depending on the region where it is baked. For example, Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a thick crust and a thin center, while Roman-style pizza is more uniform throughout. American pizza, on the other hand, consists of a thicker dough and is cut into slices. Italian pizza is served whole, without pre-cutting; the customer cuts the pizza themselves.
2. Cheeses – Italian chefs adorn their pizzas exclusively with Mozzarella di Bufala, a fresh mozzarella cheese made from buffalo milk. They scatter small dollops across the pizza to give it its special flavor. In contrast, baking an American pizza is done with more creative freedom regarding cheeses, using various shredded cheeses according to the dish and preference, and spreading more generous portions over the pizza.
3. Sauces – Traditional Italian pizza sauce is delicate and less spicy than its American counterpart. American sauce is richer, and its flavor is more dominant.
4. Toppings – Authentic Italian pizza uses local toppings such as basil, Tuscan sausage, prosciutto, and eggplant. Conversely, American pizza offers a variety of toppings from different cuisines to appeal to the widest common denominator. Therefore, you will find toppings like beef, chicken, pineapple, and more.

Papa John’s Pizzeria – The Most Special Pizza You Will Ever Eat

Pizza began its journey in the United States during the last century and was quickly embraced by the public. Over the years, pizzerias that conquered the world grew in America, leaving the public hungry for more. One of the most prominent among them is Papa John’s.

Papa John’s is an American pizzeria that opened in 1984, and today it is the third-largest pizza chain in the world, thanks to its ability to provide customers with a unique, personal culinary experience. Everyone can customize their pizza to their heart’s content, choosing the dough thickness, crust, and toppings. You can start with an existing dish from the menu and refresh it, or build a pizza with your own 10 fingers (or a few clicks of the mouse).

Much like traditional Italian pizza, Papa John’s does not compromise on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. The long-standing chain makes sure to use tomatoes grown under special conditions, authentic cheeses, fresh vegetables and meats, and high-quality, healthy vegan meat alternatives.

For nearly 40 years, Papa John’s has been making the same pizza according to the original recipe from America. It preserves the tradition and roots, but always with its eyes on the future, looking for creative ways to innovate and surprise. Papa John’s continues to expand to more places around the world and in Israel at a dizzying pace. Today, it has 26 branches in the country, all of which opened in just 7 years. It proves that the demand for tasty, high-quality pizza never ends.
All this talk about pizza made you hungry? Order now and get pizza delivered home for the indulgence you deserve!