This year, we kick off National Pizza Month in October in the best way among pizza people in person in Atlantic City at Pizza & Pasta Northeast on October 1-2. There is nothing that strengthens our community like being together. We’ll connect and share ideas and laughs because pizza is community.

Every month is National Pizza Month for pizza people. October holds a point a distinction. Pizza Today’s founder, Gerry Durnell, created the National Pizza Month observance in 1984 to mark the debut of the first issue of Pizza Today magazine. The U.S. Congress officially designated October as National Pizza Month in 1987. We invite you and your pizzeria to join in.

Be You!

First and foremost, however you celebrate National Pizza Month, be authentic and in line with your concept, brand and you. Celebrate your way. Every pizzeria will commemorate the occasion differently.

Think Big, Give Big

Pizzerias have a long history of being leaders in their communities and giving is a cornerstone to community outreach. While you may devote your charitable giving to national campaigns, also look to the needs and opportunities to make a direct impact in your local area. What is something that you can rally behind in the month of October in honor of National Pizza Month?

Partner with a local organization or cause. Set up a prompt to donate to the campaign on every online order. Also add the donate prompt to your in-house POS. You may even be able to find a donor within that organization to match a percentage donated to help increase donations.

Not sure what organizations to partner with? Talk to your employees. Find out what charities they are passionate about.

Get out there and raise some dough!

Go All Out on a Pizza of the Month

Create a killer National Pizza Month Pizza. Oh, and be sure to tag us on social @PizzaToday so we can see your creations. A Pizza of the Month can be a big hit with customers, especially your pizza fans looking to you for an out-of-this-world pizza.

There is still time to get your customers involved on the topping combinations and even the naming of the pizza before pizza month begins. You should make a big deal out of announcing it on October 1.

Remember introducing a Pizza of the Month is not about a price savings. It is about launching a pizza that has a unique topping combination, a fun flavor mashup or is a local favorite. Go big with your Pizza of the Month.

Load Your Socials Up with National Pizza Month Everyday

First, use the hashtag #nationalpizzamonth. While you’re at it, tag @PizzaToday. With the ease of scheduling social posts, jumping on National Pizza Month can be as simple as sharing a gorgeous, drool-worthy photo or reel of your pizza all 31 days. You can even do a countdown of the best of the best. We’ve also noticed pizzeria posting a trivia question every day on their business, pizza history, pizza pop culture, etc.

We are sharing a customizable month-long sample social media calendar in our National Pizza Month Operator Toolkit. We’ve made it easy for you to create social content for every day in October. Take an idea or two or several from here or use it as inspiration to create your own calendar.

Tap your Local Media

The media loves National Pizza Month! Send a reminder to local television, radio, newspaper and online news outlets that October is National Pizza Month. Go beyond that in your communication. Let them know why they should feature your pizzeria in their National Pizza Month coverage. Detail your initiatives and invite them to participate. We’ve included customizable press releases and tips for reaching out to media in our toolkit.

Don’t forget to:

• Wish your customers a Happy National Pizza Month in store, loyalty communication, sms, e-mail and other promotions.
• Add National Pizza Month to your digital boards and digital signage.
• Find a way to celebrate your employees during National Pizza Month.
• Have fun all month long.

Look to Us for Help

We’re here to help you have a successful National Pizza Month. We are continually updating our National Pizza Month Operators Toolkit. This resource is filled with assets for you to download and use to launch your National Pizza Month marketing and promotions. The toolkit includes key messages, official logo, graphics, media support, customizable social media calendar, list of low-cost to no-cost marketing ideas, story sharing and a launch video.

Bookmark and visit the National Pizza Month Operator Toolkit as you plan your month. Remember, the toolkit can also help you with marketing ideas, customizable social media calendar and media support throughout the year.

Go to the National Pizza Month Toolkit.