Pizza Joe’s Starts 40th Anniversary Year with Return of Spicy Sauce & Launch of Cauliflower Crust

New Castle, PA – Celebrations for Pizza Joe’s 40th anniversary year are underway with the return of Hot & Zippy Sauce and the addition of low-carb cauliflower crust to the menu.

These menu items are just the beginning of 40th anniversary plans for the chain of pizzerias established in New Castle, PA in 1980.

“We wanted to kick-off the year with great social media conversation and thought these two products would generate excitement with current Pizza Joe’s lovers and hopefully help us gain new fans,” said Katie Seminara-DeToro, CMO. “The intent with the low-carb cauliflower crust was that we might be able to reintroduce customers to Pizza Joe’s that stopped eating our pizza due to dietary restrictions or food conscious choices,” said Seminara-DeToro. “We tested a variety of products for nearly a year and feel really great about the low-carb offering for our customers.”

The cauliflower crust on the menu is a 10-inch round crust that has only four net carbs and is also a gluten-friendly product. Customers can order the crust with any topping combinations and according to Seminara-DeToro, most seem to be ordering veggie pizza or traditional pizza with favorite add-ons.

“Our veggie pizza is our most popular specialty pizza and the flavor profile pairs really well with the new cauliflower crust,” she said.

Hot and Zippy Sauce originally debuted on Pizza Joe’s menu in 2005. The zesty version of Pizza Joe’s traditional sauce is blended with jalapenos, chili flakes and other spices. The sauce will be available throughout the entire anniversary year and tastes delicious with several pizzas, strombolis and subs.

“Hot & Zippy Sauce packs a heat level that is sure to hit the spot for those seeking spicy bites,” Seminara-DeToro said. “The first time we launched this sauce, social media was just getting started, and we feel like it’s not only a more conversational world, but also a spicier world with introduction of a variety of hot sauces and spicy food challenges.” Some menu items are a more natural fit for Hot & Zippy sauce including taco pizza, meatball subs, and classic cheese and pepperoni pizza, according to Seminara-DeToro. Pizza Joe’s looks forward to many pizza lovers trying Hot & Zippy at upcoming pizza cook-offs in the Mahoning Valley next month. Pizza Joe’s will compete at both the Slice of the Valley and Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off events.

In addition to the new and returning menu items, Pizza Joe’s published a 40th anniversary calendar featuring its specials for the entire year, coupons, information about the return of Hot & Zippy, and some history of Pizza Joe’s meager beginnings. Calendars may still be available at some locations or a digital version can be downloaded at pizzajoes.com.

Pizza Joe’s will announce additional 40th anniversary celebrations and activities in the months to come. The original Pizza Joe’s opened on November 10, 1980 across the street from its current location 1815 W. State Street, New Castle, PA.

For more information on anniversary plans or to try new products from Pizza Joe’s, please contact Katie Seminara-DeToro, katherine@pizzajoes.com or (724) 658-1716.

Locally stop by Pizza Joe’s of Chicora. They are located at 1409 Chicora Rd., just off of Rt. 268. Check out their ad on page A-1 of this weeks Progress News.