Governor Lamont: Connecticut Doubles Down on Its Title as Pizza Capital of the United States
(NEW HAVEN, CT) – Ahead of National Pizza Day, which is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 9, Governor Ned Lamont, state and local officials, and dozens of small business owners from across Connecticut announced a bold set of new initiatives the state is taking to celebrate its world-famous pizza culture, including through 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,” Governor Lamont said. “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 pizzerias as 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 1’s, 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 your sibling or favorite sports team,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer said. “We’ve always known we’re the Pizza Capital of the United States, but now we’re proving it in ways that go beyond the food – through art, fashion, and experiences that celebrate the passion baked into every slice.”
A newly released report from the Office of Comptroller Sean Scanlon finds that there are 1,376 pizza restaurants in Connecticut, with New Haven leading the way with 63 pizza establishments. The report also notes Connecticut leads national rankings when it comes to pizzerias per capita and locally-owned establishments".
All of the pizza initiatives are listed here:
portal.ct.gov