Pizza has become a beloved part of American culture. The delectable combination of sauce, melted cheese, and toppings caters to even the pickiest of eaters and creates the perfect meal for any time of day. However, very little history is commonly known about this popular treat, and the following facts may surprise you.

5 Facts You Might Not Know About Pizza

1. It’s Over 1,000 Years Old

Pizza isn’t a recent discovery. Historians have found mentions of the food in records from southern Italy that date all the way back to 997 CE! It started as a simple piece of bread topped with whatever ingredients were on hand, eventually evolving into the traditional pie that we know and love.

2. Lombardi’s Was the First

While many Italian families made this dish in their own homes, the first pizza place to open in America was Lombardi’s in New York City. It started out as a grocery store and began making the dish available to customers in 1905.

3. WWII Made It Popular

American soldiers coming back from their tour in Italy found themselves missing the food of that culture. It was their craving for this simple delicacy that made pizza increasingly popular within the United States and gave it a market.

4. The Numbers Don’t Lie

Recent reports indicate that there are now 61,269 pizzerias spread throughout the nation. In fact, this food is such a common choice that estimations say Americans eat approximately 350 slices per second! This equates to about 100 acres of pizza per day!

5. Thin Over Thick Any Day

Even after the invention of deep dish and thicker crust, 61% of people in the States still prefer a thin crust. Deep dish and thick crust come in at 14% and only 11% of people like an extra thin crust.

If you’re looking to sink your teeth into a hot slice, reach out to the professionals at Pizza King La Crosse. They have been in the business for more than 40 years and are recognized as one of the finest pizza restaurants in La Crosse, WI. Their chefs have crafted a full menu of Italian specialties and pride themselves in using fresh ingredients for every dish. From specialty pies to gluten-free crust, customers know that they can depend on Pizza King for timely service. Visit their website for a glimpse at the menu or call (608) 788-1900 to place an order.