The pandemic changed the world. Social distancing is the norm. The entertainment industry practically shut down. Instead of visiting our friends, we started to Zoom or Skype them more often. More people returned to cooking their favorite meals at home rather than going out. We sought solace in food, specifically comfort food. Papa John’s owner and CEO, Rob Lynch, had set the pizza chain on a path to be ready for contactless delivery during the pandemic.
How the Pandemic Caused a Surge in Pizza Sales
Americans were cooking more out of necessity during the pandemic, but that didn’t change their need to have a night off from cooking and cleanup. With so many restaurants closed because people were isolating, pizza was one thing you could get delivered. The pizza industry was set up to respond to getting people fed. Although there were many uncertainties early in the pandemic, once Papa John’s CEO determined a strategy for keeping its employees and customers safe, pizza delivery shot up.
Why Comfort Foods Are the Go To Meals When Life Gets Tough
Comfort foods are those meals and snacks that bring people solace. Generally speaking, it’s the food of your childhood and home-cooked favorites that you associate happy moments with. When you eat comfort foods, it’s almost like self-medicating. You trust the food to be good, so you don’t have to stress over what you’re eating. Emotional eating is a coping mechanism that can be positive, even though it has some negative aspects. Comfort foods take you back to your culture and family.
Why Pizza Was the Go To Comfort Food During the Pandemic
Although there is no scientific study to prove it, pizza is probably the ultimate comfort food. The combination of ingredients, along with the complimentary textures of bread, gooey cheese, spicy tomato sauce and toppings makes pizza unique. Pizza isn’t only convenient when you get it from your local pizzeria, it also uses all four food groups.
The Papa John’s pizza has grains at its base, the crust. The dough serves as a perfect vessel for layering meat and cheeses, for protein. Add a few vegetables, onions, peppers and mushrooms for flavor while you boost the nutritional content of your pizza. Cheese meets the dairy requirements and adds yummy goodness when it melts and crisps up in the hot oven. Even the oils that are visible on the pizza have an important nutritional quality when consumed in moderation. Tomato sauce adds an interesting color to the meal and gives you some extra antioxidants.
More than taste, pizza is a great comfort food for two additional reasons. First, it’s customizable. There’s probably no other food that can be made in so many combinations to suit everyone’s palate. Second, when you have pizza, it’s likely that you are with family or friends. We like to share pizza, even when social distancing is the norm. It just brings people together around the dinner table.
Papa John’s CEO has praised the Papa John’s team members and franchisees who stepped up to the plate during the pandemic and served their communities. Do your part by ordering pizza for delivery to support your local restaurants.
