TORONTO, October 16, 2017 – This year marks Pizza Pizza’s 50th anniversary and to celebrate Canada’s leading pizza chain is holding a nation-wide party and serving up slices at 1967 prices while also raising money for children’s hospitals.
On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Canadians can walk into any traditional Pizza Pizza location across the country and order pepperoni or cheese slice and a can of Coke, for only $1.50, which was the menu price when the first Pizza Pizza location opened its doors in 1967. Not only will pizza lovers get to enjoy a delicious meal at an incredible price, they’ll also be contributing to the Slices for Smiles Foundation. A percentage of the proceeds from the day’s promotion will go directly to the Foundation which supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Canada.
“Fifty years of serving Canada, what an honour for Pizza Pizza!” says Pat Finelli, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Pizza and an employee of the company since 1984. “Thanks to our customers, franchisees and partners, who have allowed us to be the best in the business. We’re looking forward to many more years of leadership, innovation and community service.”
The first Pizza Pizza location opened December of 1967 on the corner of Wellesley and Parliament streets, in the heart of Cabbagetown, Toronto. The restaurant still stands in the very same location today, and now the company, including its sister brand Pizza 73, counts more than 500 franchise partners in 750 locations, and has helped create more than 6,000 full and part-time jobs in communities across the country.
The October 17 festivities will also serve as the official kick-off for the Slices for Smiles campaign, an annual fundraiser that helps collect funds and raise awareness for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and its 14 member hospitals in Canada. From October 18 to October 22, Pizza Pizza will sell a smiley-faced medium cheese and pepperoni pizza for $5, with proceeds going to CMN. With the help of its loyal and generous customers, Pizza Pizza aims to surpass the $3 million mark.
“The partnership Pizza Pizza has with us is but one example of the great work they do in local communities across the country,” says Ameera Virani, representative for Children’s Miracle Network. “Since we’ve been partners, Pizza Pizza has raised over $2.5 million for children’s hospitals in Canada. On behalf of all of the children who count on the services of our member hospitals, I wish to thank Pizza Pizza, its franchise owners and customers for their amazing support.”
Since 1967, Pizza Pizza has been a leader in Canada’s quick-service restaurant industry with notable firsts and innovations to boast. The company was among the first in its pizza class, to do such things as eliminate non-natural trans-fats and artificial colours and flavours from its menu. They are also known for the introduction of a time guarantee on delivery, invention of the insulated pizza delivery bag, as well as the implementation of a centralized call centre and phone number. The company is also associated with its iconic jingle, 967-11-11 which debuted in 1976, and was even rumoured to be an occasional Canadian passport interview question.
Pizza Pizza has already had a busy year of 50th birthday celebrations, in which they have been thanking customers with tons of special offers and giveways including a big screen TV for Super Bowl, a diamond ring for Valentine’s Day, a Dream Canadian Vacation for Canada 150 and later this month, they will be sending a lucky winner to the MLB World Series. And if that wasn’t enough, they just reintroduced their famous “Crack the Cardboard” contest from the ‘90s, which includes over $4 million in prizes like cars, cash trips, TVs and food. The culmination of celebrations at the October 17th event, taking place during National Pizza Month is only fitting.
Pizza Pizza is encouraging customers to help celebrate its 50th anniversary and share their love for pizza by posting photos to its social media channels using the hashtag: #PizzaPizza50 and tagging @PizzaPizzaLtd!
For more information on Pizza Pizza visit ppl-stg-fe-phx2.appspot.com.
About Pizza Pizza Limited
For 50 years, Pizza Pizza Limited has been guided by a vision to provide the “best food, made especially for you” with a focus on quality ingredients, customer service, continuous innovation and community involvement. With more than 750 locations across Canada, the company is Canada’s pizza pioneer and a quick-service restaurant leader, operating two banners – Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 – that deliver quality food choices, diverse menus and exciting promotions for all tastes, lifestyles and budgets. Visit ppl-stg-fe-phx2.appspot.com and www.pizza73.com for more information.
