Pizza is now one of Canada's most beloved foods, with Canadians consuming an estimated 350 to 400 million pizzas annually. But how did this Italian creation become such an integral part of Canadian food culture? In this post, we'll explore the fascinating history of pizza in Canada and how it evolved from an immigrant specialty to a nationwide phenomenon that paved the way for establishments like Pizza73.
The Early Days: Italian Immigration and the First Pizzerias
The story of pizza in Canada begins with Italian immigration in the early 20th century. Between 1900 and 1914, approximately 60,000 Italians immigrated to Canada, primarily settling in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, including pizza.
The first documented pizzeria in Canada is believed to be Napoli Pizzeria, which opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1959. However, pizza was being made in Italian homes and small Italian bakeries across the country for decades before that.
In Toronto, the first significant wave of pizzerias emerged in the city's Little Italy neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s. Restaurants like Vesuvio Pizzeria (established in 1957) and Bitondo's Pizzeria (opened in the early 1960s) introduced many Canadians to authentic Italian-style pizza. These early establishments typically offered simple Neapolitan-style pizzas with minimal toppings.
The 1960s and 1970s: Pizza Goes Mainstream
The 1960s marked a turning point for pizza in Canada. Several factors contributed to its growing popularity:
- American influence through television and growing cultural exchange
- The rise of casual dining and fast food
- Growing acceptance and appreciation of ethnic foods
- The convenience factor that appealed to increasingly busy Canadian families
It was during this period that the first pizza chains began to appear in Canada. Pizza Pockets, a Canadian innovation, were introduced in 1967. Boston Pizza, though founded in Edmonton in 1964, began expanding across western Canada in the 1970s. Pizza Hut entered the Canadian market in 1968, opening its first location in Penticton, British Columbia.
These chains helped standardize pizza and make it available to Canadians outside of major urban centers with Italian communities. They also began adapting pizza to Canadian tastes, which often meant more toppings and thicker crusts than traditional Italian versions.
The Rise of Delivery and Canadian Pizza Innovation
The late 1970s and 1980s saw another major development in Canada's pizza landscape: the rise of delivery-focused chains. This innovation would fundamentally change how Canadians consumed pizza, making it more convenient than ever.
Domino's Pizza entered Canada in 1983, bringing its delivery-focused model. Pizza 73 was founded in Edmonton in 1985, pioneering the easy-to-remember phone number concept (473 spells "PIZ" on a telephone keypad) and establishing itself as a leader in pizza delivery across Western Canada.
During this period, Canadian pizza began to develop its own distinct character, influenced by the country's multicultural population and regional preferences. Some notable Canadian pizza innovations include:
- Hawaiian Pizza: Contrary to popular belief, Hawaiian pizza (topped with ham and pineapple) was actually invented in Canada in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos at his restaurant in Chatham, Ontario.
- Donair Pizza: Popular in Atlantic Canada, this pizza features donair meat (a variation of the doner kebab) and the distinctive sweet donair sauce.
- All-Dressed Pizza: A Quebec specialty featuring pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms as standard toppings.
The 1990s to 2000s: Digital Revolution and Gourmet Trends
The 1990s and early 2000s brought new innovations to Canada's pizza industry:
- The introduction of online ordering in the late 1990s
- The rise of stuffed-crust pizzas and other product innovations
- Growth of the take-and-bake pizza concept
- The emergence of "gourmet" pizza chains with premium ingredients
Pizza 73 was at the forefront of many of these innovations in Western Canada, being one of the first chains to offer online ordering in the region. The company continued to expand its menu beyond traditional pizzas to include wings, pasta, and other items that complemented its core product.
During this period, Canadian tastes in pizza continued to evolve. While delivery chains focused on convenience and value, a parallel trend emerged: artisanal and gourmet pizzerias. Establishments like Pizzeria Libretto in Toronto (opened in 2008) and Nicli Antica Pizzeria in Vancouver (opened in 2011) introduced Canadians to authentic Neapolitan pizza made with imported Italian ingredients and cooked in wood-fired ovens.
The 2010s to Present: Mobile Ordering and Pandemic Pivot
The most recent chapter in Canada's pizza history has been defined by technology and adaptation:
- The introduction of mobile apps for ordering
- GPS delivery tracking
- Integration of delivery platforms like Skip the Dishes and UberEats
- Loyalty programs and personalized marketing
Pizza 73's mobile app, launched in 2011, was one of the first in the Canadian market to offer a complete mobile ordering experience. The company has continued to invest in digital innovation, recognizing that technology is now as important to the pizza experience as the food itself.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021 accelerated many of these trends. With restaurants closed for dine-in service, pizza delivery became more popular than ever. Contactless delivery was quickly implemented across the industry, and many Canadians who had never ordered pizza online before were suddenly doing so regularly.
Pizza Consumption in Canada Today
Today, pizza occupies a special place in Canadian food culture. Some interesting statistics about pizza consumption in Canada:
- Approximately 75% of Canadians eat pizza at least once a month
- The average Canadian consumes about 10 kg of pizza per year
- Pepperoni remains the most popular pizza topping in Canada, followed by mushrooms
- Pizza is the #1 food ordered for delivery in the country
- Saturdays are the most popular day for pizza consumption
Regional preferences remain strong across the country. Atlantic Canada tends to prefer donair pizzas, Quebec has its all-dressed standard, Ontario enjoys a variety of styles with a strong influence from New York-style pizzas, and Western Canada shows a preference for more heavily-topped pizzas.
The Future of Pizza in Canada
What does the future hold for pizza in Canada? Several trends are emerging:
- Health-Conscious Options: More chains are offering cauliflower crusts, plant-based toppings, and gluten-free options.
- Global Flavor Influences: Fusion pizzas incorporating flavors from Korean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines are gaining popularity.
- Sustainability Focus: Eco-friendly packaging and locally-sourced ingredients are becoming more important to consumers.
- Technology Integration: Voice ordering through smart speakers, predictive ordering based on customer habits, and improved delivery technology.
Pizza 73 continues to evolve with these trends, maintaining its position as one of Canada's favorite pizza delivery chains by balancing innovation with the reliable quality that has made pizza a Canadian staple.
A Slice of Canadian Culture
From its humble beginnings in the kitchens of Italian immigrants to its current status as one of Canada's most popular foods, pizza has become more than just a meal—it's a part of Canadian culture. Whether it's ordering delivery during a hockey game, grabbing a slice on a busy lunch break, or gathering with family for a Friday night tradition, pizza has woven itself into the fabric of Canadian life.
At Pizza73, we're proud to be part of this rich history and excited to continue shaping the future of pizza in Canada. We'd love to hear about your pizza memories and traditions—share them in the comments below!
