Americans have a longstanding love affair with pizza. But what is it about this Italian-American classic that keeps us
coming back for more? To understand why pizza has become such an integral part of American culture, let's look back
at its history.
Italian Immigrants
The first pizzerias in the United States opened up in the late 19th century when Italian immigrants began coming to the
States from their home country. These new arrivals brought along their recipes and special ingredients, setting the
stage for a pizza revolution across America.
World War II
Pizza quickly gained steam during World War II as soldiers coming home from Europe shared stories about Italy's
legendary dish, and soon enough, pizzerias started popping up all over the place. So naturally, this sparked
competition among restaurateurs.
The Development of Two Techniques
Around this time, two key innovations were made – creating thick crusts and baking pizzas directly on stone
surfaces. These two techniques are still used today, but they were especially significant in helping define how
Americans view their beloved food item. Nowadays, virtually anything goes on top of a pizza; you can find
combos of meats, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and whatever else tickles your taste buds.
Technological Advancements
As pizza became more popular in America, it also became more widely available due to technological developments
such as frozen or pre-made doughs that could be delivered quickly and efficiently to customers' doorsteps. By the
1970s, pizzerias had become ubiquitous in cities across the U.S., offering convenient solutions for busy households
or students looking for an easy meal option on days when cooking felt too daunting.
Food Delivery
Today there are countless ways to enjoy pizza in America, whether you like takeaway options from your local
restaurant, make your own at home using store-bought pre-made dough, or even order delivery directly from companies
or third-party delivery apps such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, GrubHub or Postmates, for example.
Pizza Trucks
Pizza trucks are another great way to get your pizza fix in the U.S. These mobile restaurants travel around cities,
serving up slices of classic pies and unique creations wherever they go! In addition, there are Food Truck Rallies
and Food Truck Festivals that include everything from pizza to desserts and everything in between.
Different Styles
Finally, today's pizza enthusiasts can also enjoy many different styles and types. Chicago-style deep dish, New
York thin crust, Sicilian-style square pies, California "gourmet" pizza, and Detroit-style with its signature crispy cheese
edges are just some of the wide regional varieties now available in the States. There are even flatbread pizzas and
cauliflower-crust pizzas for the gluten-free crowd.
The Uniqueness of Colony Grill Pizza
With a pizza unlike any other, Colony Grill has become famous for its only menu offering: a one-of-a-kind, thin-crust
pizza best served with a signature "hot oil" topping.
Our "bar pie" is extremely thin crust, smaller in diameter than a traditional pizza, and not too much cheese or sauce so
that slices can be easily managed with one hand, fittingly leaving the other free to hold a glass of your favorite beverage.
So the next time you crave pizza, try Colony Grill's famous "hot oil" pizza, it’s beloved breakfast pizza, or it’s
flavorful salad pizza. Colony had been sharing its passion for pizza since 1935, so reach out or visit us today!
