Saturday Is National Pizza Day! Who’s Grand Junction’s Favorite?

Time to celebrate America's favorite food...Pizza!

Nope, it's not the hamburger. According to a recent Harris Poll survey, the question was "If you could only eat one kind of food for the rest of their life what would it be?" Pizza was #1 with 21% of respondents saying it's their first choice. Steaks came in 2ed with 16%, tacos 3rd at 11%, pasta 11%, and the All-American hamburger rounding out the top 5.

Saturday is National Pizza Day! It's observed every year on February 9th. What's your favorite style? Thin crust, Chicago-style, or New York? Here are some pizza factoids...

• Not surprising, pepperoni is the most popular. Over 1/3 of all sold are pepperoni.
• In the US, over 3 Billion pizzas are sold annually!
• 17% of all restaurants in the US are pizza joints.
• The world's first pizzeria opened in Naples, Italy way back in 1738.
• America's first was New York's Gennaro Lombardi Pizzeria opened in 1895!
• On average, Americans eat about 23 pounds of pizza per person per year

So, what's Grand Junction's favorite? I'll start by saying I eat more Papa Murphy's than any other. About every other week or so I pick up either a Cowboy or Murphy's Combo. Every Tuesday is "$10 Dollar Tuesday." I can pick one up, take it home and bake it, and eat on for a week or more!

Here are a few of the local favorites...

Hot Tomato Pizzeria- Although technically in Fruita, 124 Mulberry to be exact, it's one of the area's favorites. Their specialty pies are to die for. My favorite is The Stinky Deluxe. No matter what you like you'll find something that fits your style at this joint.

Junct’n Square Pizza- This downtown icon has been dishing out their famous square pizza for over 40 years. Their claim to fame "We are the premier pizzeria for Detroit-style deep dish pizza in Grand Junction."

 Kannah Creek Brewing Company- It's not everywhere that you find a local brewery be a favorite pizza joint. It works great because the two go hand-in-hand. It's the perfect place to celebrate National Pizza Day in Grand Junction. You'll find them at 1960 North 12th street or drop by the sister location, Edgewater Brewery at 905 Struthers Avenue.

Pablo’s Pizza- With locations in Fruita or on Main street in downtown Grand Junction, you're not far from one of the best pizza places around. They've got some great specialty pies like the Unicorn Force, Cowboy, Punk's Pesto Mania, and many more!

So there you have just a few places around to celebrate National Pizza Day! Where's your favorite? Whatever it is it's a great excuse to get out and support locally owned businesses and enjoy a slice of pizza!

Credit: National Day Calendar