With National Pizza Month in full swing, there’s no better time to talk about one of the most beloved menu categories in America. 

For operators, this is a golden opportunity: Pizza isn’t just a menu item, it’s an experience that builds loyalty. But here’s the inside scoop: The real differentiator lies in the pepperoni they serve.

Pepperoni Chips

Cupping pepperoni is one of the hottest trends in pizza right now. That irresistible curl? It’s thanks to the natural edible casing left on the stick before slicing. When heated, the casing causes each slice to cup and char around the edges, delivering maximum flavor in every bite.

• Pepperoni Chips aren’t just an add-on — they’re a shareable starter that turns heads.

• Suggest operators menu them with ranch, marinara, or even a drizzle of FLAVORSMITH® Hot Honey. These simple variations make it easy to upsell and differentiate.

• Position them as a “gameday favorite” — perfect for October football crowds.

Pepperoni Handheld Charcuterie

Consumers are craving snackable, portable, and fun-to-eat options. Pepperoni handheld charcuterie delivers exactly that: a modern twist on charcuterie that’s easy to prepare and highly profitable.

Highlight how this meets the growing demand for finger foods that work across dayparts — from lunch to late-night. Encourage operators to bundle them with beer or cocktail specials to boost average check size.

Pepperoni Lovers Pizza

According to data, pepperoni holds the crown as the #1 pizza topping nationwide. Why not lean into the trend? Suggest a Pepperoni Lovers Pizza — layering three of the most popular pepperoni styles together: Bold Sliced Pepperoni, Cup & Char Pepperoni, and Sliced Deli Pepperoni.

• Position it as a Limited Time Offer (LTO). LTOs not only spark excitement but also give operators real-time feedback on what guests want most.

• Remind operators that fan favorites like this often stick around — what starts as an LTO can quickly become a menu staple.

• Upsell opportunities — pair with premium add-ons like truffle oil drizzle, hot honey, or extra cheese blends to increase ticket size.

Pepperoni Tips

• Lead with Trends: Share how cupping pepperoni has gone viral on social media — operators love knowing what’s hot online.

• Bundle for Value: Position pepperoni as versatile — it works across starters, mains, and snacks, which means operators can maximize case usage.

Promote Profitability: Emphasize low-labor applications like Pepperoni Chips. They’re quick to execute, high-margin, and Instagram-worthy.

Think Beyond Pizza: Remind operators that pepperoni can cross into sandwiches, salads, or catering platters, keeping menus fresh and versatile.

National Pizza Month is more than a celebration — it’s an open door for sales. By showcasing innovative uses of pepperoni and delivering actionable ideas to your operators, you’re not just selling product; you’re helping them create memorable menu experiences that drive traffic, loyalty, and profits

*Content provided in collaboration with Liguria