As operators continue trying to stand out and broaden their customer base in the crowded market, some pizza chains are adding innovative items to the menu – even venturing outside their regular territory to incorporate new dishes and flavours to attract new guests and encourage repeat visits.
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Pizza Hut has introduced its new Cheeseburger Melt, a handheld sandwich with a parmesan-crusted thin crust, folded and filled with beef, apple-wood smoked bacon, onions, mozzarella, and cheddar, with a side of ‘burger sauce” on the side. “Unlike the traditional cheeseburger, the Cheeseburger Melt dips perfectly into what we would argue is the world’s best burger dipping sauce. We challenge you to find a better burger and sauce experience,” said Rachel Antalek, chief food innovation officer at Pizza Hut.
Little Caesars is also expanding its menu into new territory, launching Crazy Puffs, which are handheld bites of freshly made dough filled with shredded cheese and pepperoni. For Canadian customers, the chain has introduced Crazy Puffs Mac & Cheese, as its latest LTO, combining two menu favourites into one bite. “Made with our house-made pizza dough, vine-ripened tomatoes and 100 per cent Canadian mozzarella cheese, these bites of pizza goodness make a perfect complement to any meal,” said Jessica Foust, Director, Little Caesars Global R&D.
Papa John’s has introduced a cheesy burger trio, featuring the return of 2 fan favourites, the Cheesy Burger Pizza and the Cheesy Burger Papadia, adding the new Cheesy Burger Papa Bites to the lineup. “The Cheesy Burger Pizza has been a favourite for over a decade and fans have passionately let us know they want it back through endless comments, tweets and phone calls begging for its return,” says Kimberly Bean, Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Menu Strategy. “While other chains are going up against the burger, we’re putting pizza first and staying true to our commitment by giving fans exactly what they want – pizza.”
While many operators continue to struggle on the road to recovery, these pizza chains have found ways to add excitement to the menu and attract a broader customer base as they compete in today’s marketplace.
