NEW HAVEN, CT - Ahead of National Pizza Day, which is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 9, Governor Ned Lamont, state and local officials, and dozens of small business owners from across Connecticut announced a bold set of new initiatives the state is taking to celebrate its world-famous pizza culture, including through a series of high-profile events and activations that blend food, fashion, and pop culture.

“Connecticut pizza isn’t just food, it’s a way of life,” Governor Lamont said. “From New Haven to Hartford to Mystic, our pizza culture is unmatched, and these initiatives will make sure the whole world knows it. This isn’t just about great sauce and slices – it’s about the stories, traditions, and rivalries that have made Connecticut the beating heart of America’s pizza culture.”

Leading the charge is the launch of The Pizza Capital Trail, a statewide collection of Connecticut’s top pizzerias as determined by public voting and a panel of food experts. Other highlights include an interactive pizza-inspired art installation, a fashion collaboration featuring custom Air Jordan 1’s, and a record-setting pizza party aiming to claim a spot in the Guinness World Records.

“Connecticut pizza isn’t just something you eat – it’s something you argue about, obsess over, and defend like your sibling or favorite sports team,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer said. “We’ve always known we’re the Pizza Capital of the United States, but now we’re proving it in ways that go beyond the food – through art, fashion, and experiences that celebrate the passion baked into every slice.”

A newly released report from the Office of Comptroller Sean Scanlon finds that there are 1,376 pizza restaurants in Connecticut, with New Haven leading the way with 63 pizza establishments. The report also notes Connecticut leads national rankings when it comes to pizzerias per capita and locally-owned establishments.

Key initiatives unveiled

The Pizza Capital Trail: Connecticut is preparing to launch The Pizza Capital Trail, which celebrates the state’s top pizzerias. Beginning March 14, 2025, (Pi Day!) the public and a panel of experts will able to vote on the best pizzerias in the state. Voting will be open daily and will close on May 1. The trail will be unveiled in late September, prior to National Pizza Month. Fans will soon be able to cast their votes online by visiting PizzaCapitalTrail.com.

“The Pizza State” Art Installation: An interactive nine-foot by six-foot fine art piece designed by Michael Pollack of New Haven Pizza Club (NHVPC), made entirely from Connecticut highway signs. It will be displayed at New Haven Pizza Club inside of District (470 James Street, New Haven) for the month of February for visitors to sign and share their favorite pizza spot in Connecticut. It will then be permanently moved for display at Tweed New Haven Airport, which will be seen by more than 1.5 million travelers this year.

Pizza-Themed Air Jordans: Pollack has custom-designed three pairs of Nike Air Jordan 1’s featuring Connecticut pizza-inspired elements. They will be displayed at Sneaker Junkies (976 Chapel Street, New Haven), and then later auctioned at the Strength in Numbers Fashion Show on June 7, 2025, at District (470 James Street, New Haven) with proceeds benefiting Feeding Families Foundation.

Strength in Numbers Fashion Show: On June 7, 2025, at District (470 James Street, New Haven), fashion designer Justin Haynes (Jus10) and artist Michael Pollack will showcase a pizza-themed fashion collection. Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and the State of Connecticut are title sponsors, and proceeds support Feeding Families Foundation.

A Throne Fit for a Pizza Queen: This oversized throne was designed and custom built by Pollack as a “Thank You” to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), dubbing her the “Apizza Queen” for her work proclaiming Connecticut the “Pizza Capital of the United States” in 2024, as well as her work supporting Feeding Families Foundation. It can be viewed at New Haven Pizza Club in District (470 James Street, New Haven).

Pizza Capital Bus Wrap: Transportation company DATTCO has unveiled a “Pizza Capital of the U.S.” bus wrap, taking Connecticut’s pizza legacy on the road.

Guinness World Record Attempt: Taste of New Haven’s Colin Caplan is leading an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the largest pizza party at the Apizza Feast on Friday, September 12, 2025. The State of Connecticut is the title sponsor of the attempt, and a crowdfunding campaign is underway to bring Guinness World Records to Connecticut. Contributions can be made at tasteofnewhaven.com/apizza-feast.

Tweed New Haven Airport and Avelo Airlines Join the Pizza Party: Tweed-New Haven Airport is collaborating with the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism to enhance the airport experience with pizza-themed signage, like the 20-foot by 20-foot sign that will sit outside of arrivals, and artwork that will be on display in various locations.

Additionally, New Haven’s hometown airline, Avelo Airlines, is teaming up with Taste of New Haven to offer $40 off roundtrip base fares to New Haven from 31 cities along with $40 off Taste of New Haven’s popular pizza tours. Travelers may use the CTPIZZA promo code to receive the discount on eligible flights and pizza tours.

“A Pizza Play” at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas: A Broken Umbrella Theatre in New Haven will debut a pizza-themed theatrical production as part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in June, blending storytelling and Connecticut’s deep pizza legacy in a unique and engaging way.

Leaders weigh in

“Pizza is so rooted in Connecticut culture, and the creation of The Pizza Capital Trail is the perfect way to capture our affinity for it,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “This initiative offers a unique opportunity for our residents to actively participate in some of the most heated discussions surrounding our beloved pizza establishments. Whether it’s plain with mozzarella or a classic white clam pie, I can’t wait to explore more restaurants across the state in September.”

“We all know Connecticut has the best pizza in the country. But what most people may not know is that pizza is actually important to our state’s economy,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “A report I’m releasing today shows that we actually have the most pizza places per capita in the entire United States. That means jobs, economic activity and, yes, even tourism. So, as we celebrate National Pizza Day, let’s also celebrate how much being the Pizza Capital of the United States really means to Connecticut, beyond just the bragging rights.”

“Connecticut is home to countless legendary, renowned pizzerias that bring world-wide recognition to our great state,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “Our local pizzerias and their employees dedicate their lives every day to curating the best pizza in the world – a tradition of culinary excellence spanning generations. In Connecticut, pizza is more than just food – it’s a cornerstone of our culture, the favorite comfort food that brings us together with family and friends, and a sense of pride in our community.”

“New Haven-style apizza is not just famous – it is legendary, a blueprint,” Congresswoman DeLauro said. “For generations, Connecticut’s family-owned pizzerias have been perfecting their craft, setting the bar for what great apizza should be. From the coal-fired ovens to the crisp, charred crusts – it’s about a relentless pursuit of perfection that has made our state an apizza powerhouse.”

“New Haven is, and always will be, the epicenter of America’s pizza scene," New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said. “With initiatives like these, we’re giving the world more reasons to come to New Haven and to see, taste, and experience for themselves what we’ve known all along. New Haven ah-beetz can’t be beat.”

“I wanted to create something that truly captures the passion Connecticut has for its pizza – not just as food, but as a cultural experience,” Michael Pollack, founder of the New Haven Pizza Club, said. “This project is for everyone – locals, visitors, and die-hard pizza fanatics alike. Because once you experience apizza, you don’t just eat it – you become part of its story.”

“New York can have its apple pie and New Jersey its pork roll, but in Connecticut it’s all about pizza,” Colin M. Caplan of Taste of New Haven said. “Pizza, a multibillion-dollar industry, is not only a big part of our economy, but it has come to symbolize our state pride and our great taste. Here pizza is meant to be shared, and we can all share in the accolades these mom-and-pop restaurants have achieved.”

“As a company that transports people across Connecticut every day, we’re thrilled to showcase our state’s pizza pride on the road,” Don DeVivo, president of DATTCO, said. “Our new ‘Pizza Capital of the U.S.’ bus wrap is a rolling celebration of Connecticut’s legendary pizza scene, and we can’t wait for travelers to experience it firsthand.”

Get involved

Public voting for the Pizza Capital Trail opens March 14, 2025, at PizzaCapitalTrail.com. Upcoming events will be posted on Connecticut’s official tourism website at CTVisit.com. Contribute to the Pizza Capital Pizza Party’s attempt to break the world record for the largest pizza party at tasteofnewhaven.com/apizza-feast.