February 1, 2023 is about to look a lot like 1999. That is, at least for pizza fans.
As announced earlier this year, Pizza Hut is bringing back The Big New Yorker to menus across the country. The beloved 1990s item is a New York-style pizza, returning for the first time in 24 years. Inspired by the spirit of New York and its signature slice shops, this pie is an with an XL 16” pizza featuring six oversized, foldable slices with crispy crust, sweet marinara sauce and Parmesan oregano seasoning on top.
The return is part of a bigger trend of fast food restaurants reprising nostalgic menu items that remind Millennials and Gen X consumers of a delicious childhood. In 2022, Taco Bell brought back its Mexican Pizza, thanks to high demand on social media, plus a Change.org petition. McDonald’s has also cycled through vintage menu items, recreating spicy McNuggets, hand-held pies, and took the McRib on a 2020s farewell tour.
The Big New Yorker is returning after similar social pressure. Social media accounts, Reddit threads and even a Change.org petition with thousands of signatures caught Pizza Hut’s eye, and corporate decided to bring back the item indefinitely. In 2023, the pizza will start at $13.99, with the option to add toppings, like pepperoni, sausage or olives.
“The Big New Yorker was a huge hit when we launched it in 1999, setting the stage for future industry innovations like Pizza Hut Melts and Detroit-Style pizza,” said Lindsay Morgan, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “At 30% larger than our large pizza, now is the perfect time to answer our customers’ requests and bring back The Big New Yorker in a big way right before the big game next month.”
Outside a Pizza Hut restaurant
To popularize and celebrate the news of The Big New Yorker returning, Pizza Hut also partnered with influencer Eric Decker (also known as Airrack) to break the world record for the World’s Largest Pizza. In January, a cooking crew at the Los Angeles Convention Center assembled a Big New Yorker made of approximately 13,653 pounds of dough, 4,948 pounds of sweet marinara sauce, over 8,800 pounds of cheese and roughly 630,496 pepperoni slices. The pizza was baked in pieces and then donated to Los Angeles Charities.
Can’t wait to time hop back to the 1990s until February? Hut Rewards members will get exclusive access to try the Big New Yorker starting January 31.