In case you were too busy to glance at the calendar, October has started, and that means National Pizza Month is in full swing. At a loss on how to celebrate? Many pizza shops have already started, and they’re getting the press to prove it. Want to know how some pizzerias are celebrating?

• Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen is hosting its fourth annual Have a Slice Day, giving its Facebook fans a coupon for a free slice of Pizza. The company sent out press releases to national news media, prompting coast-to-coast coverage. Check out the full story from The Sacramento Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/10/01/5784126/villa-fresh-italian-kitchen-celebrates.html

• Chicago-based Tesori is offering a different pizza every day during the month, according to The Chicagoist. The company planned and released its full menu, giving customers plenty of heads-up when it comes to the company’s offerings. Full story here: http://chicagoist.com/2013/09/03/tesori_celebrates_national_pizza_mo.php

• Vegas-based Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar held its annual pizza challenge, which pitted recipes from local firefighters against those from police officers. The restaurant plans to today 10 percent of the sales to the team with the highest sales. Read the article here: http://www.vegasnews.com/103975/dom-demarcos-pizzeria-bar-hosts-firefighters-vs-police-pizza-challenge-in-honor-of-national-pizza-month.html

If you’re planning something for National Pizza Month, get started now. Advertise on your social media outlets, tape flyers to your pizza boxes and write up a quick press release for your local news media. The goal is getting people in the door … and get them to come back.