Evolution Of Pizza

Tomatoes Brought To The New World

Jan 28, 1520

Spanish conquistadors bring tomatoes to Europe from the New World.

Mozzarella

Jan 28, 1580

The first known recipes for the production of mozzarella cheese begin popping up in cookbooks.

Feared Tomatoes

Jan 28, 1600

Although tomatoes are feared to be poisonous, peasants in Naples are the first to add them to their pizza.

Pizza Ovens

Jan 28, 1830

Port'Alba the world's first pizzeria, opens in Naples. The proprietor bakes pizzas in an oven lined with lava harvested from Mount Vesuvius.

Toppings

Jan 28, 1889

Naples chef Raffaele Esposito prepares a red, white, and green pizza of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to honor a visit by Queen Margherita Teresa Giovanna. He names the pie the margherita

Pizza In America?

Jan 28, 1905

Gennaro Lombardi opens the first American pizzeria: Lombardi's pizzeria, which was located at 53 &frac12 Spring St. in New York City. (The restaurant would later move to 32 Spring St.).

Deep Dish Pizza

Jan 28, 1943

Ric Riccardo Sr. and Ike Sewell invent a deep-dish pizza and begin serving it at their new Chicago restaurant, Pizzeria Uno — creating a flagship for the future chain.

Veterans & Pizza

Jan 28, 1945

Buying a slice becomes increasingly popular as WWII veterans return from Italy and spread the pizza gospel.

First Frozen Pizza

Jan 28, 1957

The first frozen pizza made by the company Celentano's to hit the supermarkets.

First Pizza Hut

Jan 28, 1958

The first Pizza Hut opens in Wichita, Kansas. The first Domino's opens just two years later in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Stuffed Pizza

Jan 28, 1975

Chicago pizzerias add a top layer to their deep-dish pie, creating the miracle of stuffed pizza.

New Toppings

Jan 28, 1980

Pizza goes gourmet, with upscale toppings such as duck and Gorgonzola.

DiGiorno Frozen Pizza

Jan 28, 1995

Kraft introduces DiGiorno pizza, the first "self-rising" frozen pie.