Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Double Down on its Title of Pizza Capital of the U.S.
HARTFORD, CT [February 7, 2025] – Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a bold new initiative to celebrate Connecticut’s world-famous pizza culture, unveiling a series of high-profile events and activations that blend food, fashion, and pop culture.
“Connecticut pizza isn’t just food—it’s a way of life,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “From New Haven to Hartford to Mystic, our pizza culture is unmatched, and these initiatives will make sure the whole world knows it. This isn’t just about great sauce and slices; it’s about the stories, traditions, and rivalries that have made Connecticut the beating heart of America’s pizza culture.”
Leading the charge is the launch of The Pizza Capital Trail, a statewide collection of Connecticut’s top 100 pizzerias, determined by public voting and a panel of food experts. Other highlights include an interactive pizza-inspired art installation, a fashion collaboration featuring custom Air Jordan 1s, and a record-setting pizza party aiming to claim a spot in the Guinness World Records.
“Connecticut pizza isn’t just something you eat—it’s something you argue about, obsess over, and defend like a family heirloom,” said Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We’ve always known we’re the Pizza Capital of the U.S., but now we’re proving it in ways that go beyond the food—through art, fashion, and experiences that celebrate the passion behind every slice.”
Key Initiatives Unveiled
The Pizza Capital Trail – Launching March 14 (Pi Day!), Connecticut will kick off a statewide search for the top 100 pizzerias, with final rankings determined by public voting and expert panels. Fans can begin casting their votes at PizzaCapitalTrail.com (page live 2/7, 11:00 AM) starting March 14, 2025, helping shape the ultimate list of Connecticut’s best pizzerias..
“The Pizza State” Art Installation – An interactive 9×6-foot fine art piece designed by artist Michael Pollack of New Haven Pizza Club (NHVPC), made entirely from Connecticut highway signs, will be displayed at New Haven Pizza Club inside of District, 470 James St in New Haven for the month of February. Visitors can sign and add their favorite pizza spot in Connecticut to the artwork. It will then be permanently moved for display at Tweed New Haven Airport, which will serve 1.5M+ passengers in 2025.
Pizza-Themed Air Jordans – Michael Pollack has custom-designed three pairs of Nike Air Jordan 1’s featuring Connecticut pizza-inspired elements. These one-of-a-kind sneakers will be on display at Sneaker Junkies (976 Chapel Street, New Haven), before being auctioned at CTKicks.com, with proceeds benefiting Feeding Families Foundation.
A Throne Fit for a Pizza Queen – This oversized thrown was custom-designed and built by Michael Pollack as a tribute to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), honoring her as the Apizza Queen for her role in proclaiming Connecticut the “Pizza Capital of the U.S.” in 2024 and her ongoing support of the Feeding Families Foundation. The throne can be viewed at New Haven Pizza Club in District 470 James St., New Haven.
Strength in Numbers Fashion Show – On June 7 at DISTRICT New Haven, fashion designer Justin Haynes (Jus10) and Michael Pollack will showcase a pizza-themed fashion collection. Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and the State of Connecticut are title sponsors, and proceeds support Feeding Families Foundation.
Pizza Capital Bus Wrap – DATTCO has unveiled a “Pizza Capital of the U.S.” bus wrap, taking Connecticut’s pizza legacy on the road.
Guinness World Record Attempt: Taste of New Haven’s Colin Caplan is leading an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the largest pizza party at the Apizza Feast on Friday, September 12, 2025. The State of Connecticut is the title sponsor, and a crowdfunding campaign is underway to bring Guinness World Records to Connecticut. Contributions can be made at HERE.
Tweed New Haven Airport and Avelo Airlines Join the Pizza Party – Tweed-New Haven Airport is teaming up with the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism to enhance the airport experience with pizza-themed signage—including a 20-by-20-foot sign outside arrivals—and pizza-inspired art installations in various locations.
Additionally, New Haven’s Hometown Airline, Avelo Airlines, is teaming up with Taste of New Haven to offer $40 off roundtrip base fares to New Haven from 31 cities along with $40 off Taste of New Haven’s popular pizza tours. Travelers may use the CTPIZZA promo code to receive the discount on eligible flights and pizza tours.
“A Pizza Play” at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas: A Broken Umbrella Theatre will debut a pizza-themed theatrical production as part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in June, blending storytelling and Connecticut’s deep pizza legacy in a unique and engaging way.
Leaders Weigh In
“New Haven-style pizza isn’t just famous—it’s legendary, a blueprint,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “For generations, Connecticut’s family-owned pizzerias have been perfecting their craft, setting the bar for what great pizza should be. From the coal-fired ovens to the crisp, charred crusts—it’s about a relentless pursuit of perfection that has made our state a pizza powerhouse.”
“New Haven is, and always will be, the epicenter of America’s pizza scene.” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “With initiatives like these, we’re giving the world more reasons to come to New Haven and to see, taste and experience for themselves what we’ve known all along. New Haven ah-beetz can’t be beat.”
“I wanted to create something that truly captures the passion Connecticut has for its pizza—not just as food, but as a cultural experience,” said Michael Pollack, New Haven Pizza Club. “This project is for everyone—locals, visitors, and die-hard pizza fanatics alike. Because once you experience apizza, you don’t just eat it—you become part of its story.”
“New York can have its apple pie, and New Jersey its pork roll, but in Connecticut it’s all about pizza” said Colin M. Caplan of Taste of New Haven. “Pizza, a multibillion-dollar industry, is not only a big part of our economy, but it has come to symbolize our state pride and our great taste. Here, pizza is meant to be shared, and we can all share in the accolades these mom-and-pop restaurants have achieved.”
“As a company that transports people across Connecticut every day, we’re thrilled to showcase our state’s pizza pride on the road,” said Don DeVivo, President of DATTCO. “Our new ‘Pizza Capital of the U.S.’ bus wrap is a rolling celebration of Connecticut’s legendary pizza scene, and we can’t wait for travelers to experience it firsthand.”
Get Involved
Public voting for the Pizza Capital Trail opens March 14 at PizzaCapitalTrail.com. Upcoming events will be posted at CTVisit.com. Contribute to the Pizza Capital Pizza Party’s attempt to break the world record for the largest pizza party at https://tasteofnewhaven.com/apizza-feast/.
