As the nation hurtles toward what will surely be a momentous election day, I am reminded of the Boomslang snake, which “causes disseminated intravascular coagulation, meaning if it bites you, you bleed out of every orifice until you’re dead. Which feels unnecessarily violent” (Randy Feltface). Yet, it somehow seems fitting for the seemingly endless stream of political advertisements, promises, accusations, and the kind of rhetoric that can leave people feeling, shall we say, a bit under the weather. But amidst all the noise and clamor, there’s one thing that quietly stands as a unifying force in America: pizza.
A Slice of American Unity
Pizza is more than just food in the United States; it’s a cultural staple that transcends demographics. It’s there at family gatherings, at the end of a long day, and even at those election night watch parties. The beauty of pizza lies in its ability to bring people together, no matter their political affiliation. (Unless, of course, someone requested a vegetarian pie and reaches for a slice of pepperoni. Who does that?)
Interestingly, when it comes to pizza, Vericast finds that we are mostly independents, with 40% having no specific preference when choosing a pizza place. But we are independents who can be swayed, with nearly 60% saying a coupon or discount will influence their decision.
The Best Political Party Has Pizza as a Platform
Whether you’re celebrating a win or consoling after a loss, pizza is the one guest that’s welcome at any party. It doesn’t judge, doesn’t care who you voted for, and is always there to offer comfort. As the night unfolds and the conversation drifts from the electoral college to who gets the last slice, it’s clear that pizza has a unique power—to shift the focus from what divides us to what we all enjoy.
This is a huge opportunity to drive your electorate into your restaurant one more time in October and November. For those who “vote” each month at your restaurant, this can mean an extra visit to the “Pizza Poll,” translating to an extra 25% to 50% in revenue from that supporter!
Increasing the GDP- Growing Demand for Pizza
As a restaurant owner or operator, this election gives you a specific mandate: to be the peacekeepers we need, even if we don’t deserve it. To do this, you’ll need to give some thought to your talking points. Namely, if you are offering a coupon, with whom will that message resonate? A “Buy One Get One” deal may appeal to family constituents, but the working-class lunch voters might be better served with a “GOPD”: Good Ole Pizza Discount.
Pizza: The Great Unifier
Pizza is a reminder that some things remain constant. It’s there when the debates are too much, when the news feels relentless, and when we just need a break from it all. It’s a small slice of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world.
So, as we navigate the complexities of another election, let’s not forget the simple pleasures that bring us together. No matter who wins, who loses, or how many recounts we endure, one thing is certain: there will always be pizza. And in that, we can all find a bit of comfort and unity.
By Talitha Turkin
