It was inevitable that someone would capitalize on the American passion for pizza and beer, and literally put two and two together.

Illinois homebrewer and entrepreneur Tom Seefurth contracted with Sprecher Brewery in Glendale, Wis., to produce Mamma Mia! Pizza Beer, brewed with tomatoes, garlic, oregano and basil.

Seefurth was the first to admit that a pizza beer is not the type you would want to chug a six-pack of. He described it as a “culinary beer,” designed to drink with food.

I had an experience with something similar when I tried a thyme beer at a former brewpub in De Pere, Wis. By itself, it tasted awful, but with a pizza, it wasn’t too bad. So with that in mind, I had a Pizza Beer by itself and later with some pizza bread.

The aroma was encouraging - it was mostly like fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza dough with a hint of garlic, though the garlic became more pronounced as the beer warmed up.

The copper-colored beer was nice and clear with a head that didn’t last too long. The first taste started off with the tomato and garlic dominating, and the oregano and basil coming through more in the aftertaste. The flavor is all pizza, overwhelming any actual beer flavor, though I could tell the base beverage wasn’t just some cheap mass-produced knockoff.

The flavors were solid, but this is not a beer I would ever drink again by itself. I had another with some pizza bread and it did complement it well. On the other hand, I like a somewhat plain beer with my pizza in order to counteract the excessive salt and oil in most of them. And since I like pizza with lots of garlic, fresh tomatoes, herbs, etc., do I really need a beer with the same ingredients?

That’s something people will have to decide for themselves.

Although it’s currently only sold in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, Seefurth said the beer can be mail-ordered from Sam’s Wines and Spirits 800-777-9137; www.samswine.com, and Top Shelf Wine and Spirits 847-214-8300; www.topshelfwineandspirits.com, if your state allows shipping of alcohol products.

Popularity: 45% [?]

Tuesday, Papa John’s International, Inc. (PZZA), an operator and franchisee of pizza delivery and carryout restaurants, announced that it has added a 100% whole-wheat crust to its menu effective May 26. The new menu would be available at the more than 2,700 Papa John’s restaurants in the US.

The Louisville, Kentucky-based company said whole-wheat crust, containing 40 grams of whole grains per serving, which is more than 80% of an entire day’s recommended intake, will be delivered in a special pizza box with the official “100% Whole Grain Stamp” from the Whole Grains Council.

PZZA is currently trading at $27.93, up $0.11 or 0.40%, on a volume of 100,411 shares on the Nasdaq.

Popularity: 20% [?]

 CLEVELAND, May 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — ONOSYS Online Ordering, a leading provider of remote ordering technologies for pizza, quick-service, and casual sit-down restaurants, today announced the launch of online ordering in Canada for Papa John’s (NASDAQ: PZZA), at www.papajohnspizza.ca.

The ONOSYS online ordering technology will provide Papa John’s customers with a quick and simple way to view menu choices and place orders for pickup or delivery. Intelligent technologies incorporated into the ONOSYS design also provide each restaurant with detailed sales and marketing data, enabling individual restaurants to customize each customer’s web experience.

“Papa John’s is the recognized industry-leader in online ordering with more than 40 million orders taken since the company was the first to launch online ordering in the U.S. in 2001,” said Rob Wathen, director Restaurant Systems of Papa John’s International. “Expanding online ordering to our Canadian customers is a high priority as we ramp-up restaurant development in Canada. We selected ONOSYS to partner with because of their experience in pizza and quick service concepts. We were also impressed with their systems’ flexibility, and their willingness to provide a solution that meets our needs, and the needs of our customers.”

As part of its international expansion plans, Papa John’s recently announced the signing of development agreements to open 57 additional restaurants in Canada to compliment the 18 that are currently open throughout Western Canada.

“We are thrilled to have been selected by Papa John’s to provide online ordering in Canada, and look forward to exploring additional international markets with them,” said Stan Garber, Senior Sales Manager & Partner of ONOSYS. “Since Papa John’s is a pioneer and leader when it comes to online food ordering, this was a great validation of the quality of the ONOSYS product and services team. We look forward to helping them grow the sales in their locations by enhancing the customer experience through tools like easy repeat ordering, intelligent up-selling, email marketing, and loyalty programs.”

Popularity: 19% [?]

 New Applications, Start Page Modules and Embeddable Widgets Deliver Specials and Favorites Right to Desktop

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — In its continuous quest to be the technology leader among the nation’s pizza companies - first introducing system wide online ordering in 2001 and then text message ordering in 2007 - Papa John’s (NASDAQ: PZZA) has now launched ‘myPapa(SM’), a unique set of widgets that streams exclusive product discounts, personalized Favorites, and incentives to customers’ desktops. The suite of widgets can also be embedded on favorite personalized startpages and available right where consumers log on to receive up-to-date information.
Downloadable at www.papajohns.com, myPapa users now have access to a number of features not available through Papa John’s traditional online and e-mail channels.

Every day, myPapa customers will receive as many as 12 custom discounts and product offers, accessible by simply clicking on the myPapa widget installed on their computer desktop. These discounts and online coupons will be restaurant-specific and streaming 24-hours a day.

“MyPapa will offer deals that are relevant to each individual customer and will be accessible the minute hunger strikes. No sifting through e-mails, newspaper coupons, or online offers necessary - it’s all right there on your desktop, start page, social network page or blog,” said Jim Ensign, vice president of marketing communications for Papa John’s International, Inc. “Does your family order the same two pizzas every week? Then you will love the convenience of ordering a Favorite with a click. Or are you always the first to try Papa John’s new specialty pizzas and side items? Then you’ll be the first to hear about new additions made to our menu.”

According to eMarketer, widgets are implemented by many of the 69 million adults and 15 million teens who will use social network sites in 2008. That represents 43.5% of adults and 77% of the teen Internet population.

With just a click of the mouse, customers can select the Papa John’s pizza box icon displayed on their desktop to access discount offers and place an order. As with www.papajohns.com, advance online ordering is also accessible via myPapa - letting customers place their order up to 21 days in advance of their preferred delivery or pick-up date and time. In addition, myPapa provides direct access to the Papa John’s menu and nutritional information, restaurant locator, and catering menu, and even allows pizza lovers to send Papa John’s gift cards.

“Having recently surpassed the $1 billion mark in online sales, we strive to continue offering digital innovations that make our customers’ lives easier,” said Ensign. “MyPapa is our latest convenience innovation for customers - a convenient and non-intrusive application that allows for quick and easy ordering, tailored to each individual’s preference.”

To download the myPapa application and experience the latest revolution in pizza ordering, visit www.papajohns.com/widgets.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For eight years running, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the highly regarded American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also ranks first among pizza companies in the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index and was named 2007 Pizza Today Chain of the Year. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

SOURCE: Papa John’s International, Inc.

Popularity: 23% [?]

Brisbane owned Pizza Capers has announced an ambitious growth strategy to operate a network of 100 stores in the next two years and establish a presence in New South Wales and Victoria.

Based in Queensland and starting with one concept store in Toowong in 1996, partners Scott Geiszler and Anthony Russo have built a franchised chain with 25 stores in Brisbane, selling over one million pizzas per year.

Geiszler and Russo plan to open another 24 stores across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and North Queensland regions by the end of 2008.

Expansion into Sydney and Melbourne is flagged for 2009.

“Demand from existing franchisees to open a second and even third store will provide a strong platform to propel the company’s growth in Brisbane and we are on track to become the city’s biggest pizza franchise,” says Geiszler.

“Almost 80 percent of our current franchisees own second stores or are in negotiations to open a second store which is testament to the financial success of our franchise system.”

Geiszler says the company is very well positioned for future growth, with a strong business model in place, strong customer and franchisee demand, and a long-term vision.

Pizza Capers began franchising in 2005, resulting in 11 new stores opening in three years up to April 2008.

“Our most significant challenge so far has been the growth from an independent business to a small multi-store business and now a medium-sized company,” says Geiszler.

“We faced significant corporate costs and payroll taxes as well as difficulties in finding the right staff.”

Pizza Capers is expected to report a 40 percent increase in revenue to more than $15 million in the year ended June 2008.

Geizler attributes the success of the company to its unrelenting focus on using good quality ingredients.

He also boasts one of the lowest-oil pizza bases with 4ml of oil used per 200ml of dough and reduced fat cheese on all pizzas.

The company also sought to secure a competitive advantage with the first gluten free pizza base on the market in 2003.

“We were also the first Queensland company to offer internet ordering in 2001 and in 2002 we developed a line of fresh pastas and sauces using a special cooking style unique to Pizza Capers,” says Geiszler.

“We want to cater to a wide range of customers and we will concentrate on introducing new menu items and providing innovative ideas as well as continuing to provide excellent service levels.”

Pizza Capers was ranked 16th fastest-growing franchise by revenue and 19th fastest-growing franchise by outlet in BRW’s Fast Franchises 2008.

Popularity: 24% [?]

CHICAGO, May 14 (Reuters) - Papa John’s International Inc (PZZA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday it will soon begin nationwide sales of a whole-wheat pizza crust, a move that comes as pizza sellers are striving to spark flagging traffic.

The company said it would be the first national pizza chain to roll out a 100 percent whole-wheat crust when it debuts the product at all of its roughly 2,700 domestic restaurants on May 26. Customers can order the whole wheat crust on any of its large-size pizzas at no additional cost.

Restaurant companies are responding to consumer demand for healthier menu items by offering more natural and organic food.

The company did not say how the introduction of the whole wheat crust will affect its bottom line. It also declined to say what it would spend to promote the new crust.

Popularity: 11% [?]

LEAMINGTON, Ontario, May 12 /CNW/ — Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, this month celebrates its 25th anniversary in Canada and Mike Schlater, who opened the first Domino’s Pizza store outside the United States on May 12, 1983, is celebrating his homecoming after recently being named president of the Master Franchise.
    Today, Domino’s Pizza stores throughout Canada will be donating $2.50 per order to local charities in celebration of the 25th anniversary.    Founded in 1960 in the U.S. college town of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Domino’s Pizza grew slowly but steadily throughout the United States in its first 20 years, but it was a pioneering young entrepreneur who saw the potential to deliver pizza to hungry customers in Canada. Mike Schlater, originally from Ohio, opened his first store in Winnipeg, thus turning Domino’s Pizza into an
international enterprise, which today has more than 8,600 stores in more than 55 countries.

    In 2008, Domino’s Pizza of Canada Ltd. is a system comprised of 140 individual franchise owners, who operate a combined 280 stores. Domino’s Pizza has a presence in every province, and two of the three territories. The northern-most store in the Western Hemisphere is in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories. Delivery personnel there can often be seen making deliveries via snowmobile when the weather dictates. The store that lays claim to being the “most remote” Domino’s Pizza store in Canada is in Whitehorse, Yukon.

    Schlater, who operated stores in Canada for several years before becoming a multi-store franchisee with stores across the U.S., recently returned to Canada after being named President of Domino’s Pizza Canada Ltd., which is now based in Leamington, Ontario.
    “I feel like I’ve come full circle,” said Schlater. “It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, I was just opening that first store in Winnipeg and now, I’ve got the pleasure of leading this great company into the next quarter century. We’ve had our ups and downs over the years, but the strength of our system is in our business model and in our franchisees. I see great things in store for us.”

    Schlater noted that Domino’s Pizza is looking to build momentum by opening at least 75 stores within the next five years, with the goal of having at least 350 Domino’s Pizza stores operating by the end of 2013, the year in which Domino’s Pizza of Canada will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Popularity: 5% [?]

By Georgia Gonder
News Tribune

Are you up for a pizza challenge? The Pizza Haus on East McCarty Street in Jefferson City features a promotion for the most daring of eaters.

For $30, any brave patron of the restaurant can purchase “The Haus,” an 18×18-inch pizza and a drink. If the eater can finish off the entire pizza within one hour, their meal is on the haus. And they’ll be the first to be immortalized on the Pizza Haus Hall of Fame, complete with a photo.

As an extra incentive, a winner takes a pot of money, to which each entrant contributes $5.

But there’s several catches. First, pizzas must have three meats of the eater’s choosing. Second, if eaters get sick, they are disqualified and must clean up their own mess. And third, a failed attempt will also get your mug on the pizza joint’s “Wall of Shame,” which currently features 25 losing eaters.

Restaurant owner Jason VanLoo bought the business 13 months ago. VanLoo said he and a friend thought of the promotion while sitting in a booth at the restaurant before VanLoo had even purchased it. “We were just sitting there,” VanLoo said. “We just wanted to know, ‘What can we do to get people in here?’”

VanLoo said all of the attempts so far have been from men, both young and old.

“I’d love to see a girl do it,” VanLoo said.

VanLoo said a number of people have asked about the competition. Others, he said, come by and purchase the pizza, which is an item on the regular menu, and test the waters before trying to eat the whole thing as part of the competition. Some of those are scared off on their first try.

“We’ve gotten to the point where everyone’s scared of it,” VanLoo said. “It’s a lot of food.”

The competition started out strong when VanLoo first began it just over a year ago, but VanLoo said participation has dwindled. VanLoo attributes this to the size of the pizza, which is nearly the size of the restaurant’s tables.

Those who have the opportunity to watch someone endeavor the challenge enjoy the entertainment almost as much as VanLoo and his employees do.

“Everyone kind of gawks just to see,” VanLoo said.

Often other diners in the restaurant will give competitors a pep-talk beforehand, or will offer support during the test. The eaters usually have something to say, too.

“A lot of what I hear is ‘Oh, when I was younger I could have done it. Ten years ago this would have been easy,’” VanLoo said.

So far no one has made the “Wall of Fame” and actually finished the pizza. The closest attempt was by a local fire fighter who ate the entire pizza except for four pieces, a tiny portion compared to how much he was able to finish.

“I really think it might take a professional eater to do it,” VanLoo said.

VanLoo has yet to try the challenge himself, but said that if he were to try, he would order a pizza with pepperoni, Canadian bacon and sausage. He said that competition is “all mental” and that he is excited to see someone do it - just not himself.

“I’m not crazy enough to try it,” VanLoo laughed.

The most recent attempt at the competition was April 19, when Mike Lewis finished just over half of the enormous pie.

“I was a little disappointed - I thought I could get a little farther,” Lewis said.

This venture was Lewis’s second time to try the feat. The first time he got further, leaving just two rows of pizza left.

“I think it’s pretty much impossible.”

After finishing as much as he could, Lewis could only describe how he felt as “Miserable. Just miserable. Really full.”

Customers are welcome to try the challenge any day Pizza Haus is open — no appointment necessary.

Popularity: 19% [?]

 Now when you enter the Win a Pizza from The Bay Net and Papa Johns trivia challenge contest, you have a choice!

That’s right. Consider a heart-shaped pizza and ad some pizzazz to your pizza favorites. The heart-shaped pizzas are made to order, only come in large and with any toppings you desire.

How about a tasty Mother’s Day gift? Call ahead and tell Papa Johns exactly what you need on your heart-shaped gift.

Popularity: 2% [?]

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - YUM! Brands Inc’s Pizza Hut said on Friday it is responding to consumer demand for healthier food options by rolling out a new pizza made with all-natural ingredients.

The move comes as Yum is expanding menus at its domestic Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants to better compete with rival fast-food companies.

Consumers are increasingly clamoring for healthier fast-food menu options and are often willing to pay a premium for meals with natural or organic ingredients.

While the overall industry has had mixed results with healthy or low-calorie fare, Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill has grown swiftly on sales of burritos stuffed with naturally raised meats.

The new pizza, called The Natural, has a multigrain crust sweetened with honey, a red sauce made with organic tomatoes and is topped all-natural cheese. Available toppings include all-natural chicken sausage and roasted red peppers.

Kelly Buckley, Pizza Hut’s chief food innovation officer, said the natural and organic pizza market is virtually untapped.

“It’s a big opportunity for us,” she said.

The pizzas, which are already being sold in Seattle, Denver and Dallas, will be available nationwide next year, spokesman Chris Fuller said.

A medium Natural pizza with one topping sells for around $11, about $1 more than the average medium, one-topping pizza, Fuller said.

Popularity: 4% [?]