How Did Pizza Delivery Get Started?

Perhaps nothing speaks to the modern conveniences of life as the food delivery service. Today, companies like Grubhub and Doordash make it possible to order any type of food at any time to virtually any place. The original food delivery service, of course, belongs to the pizza industry. Since the early 2000s, pizza delivery service has generated about $10 billion per year and since 2019 it has virtually doubled.

It’s not such a surprise that Americans have taken to getting custom food orders delivered to their homes. Since pizza delivery exploded in the 1960s, people seem to have gotten busier. Pizza delivery has become the de facto convenience for moms and dads looking to feed the family quickly and college kids looking to take a quick late-night study break.

Editorial Update: This article was updated on June 18, 2025 with additional insights and current information.

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Current Landscape: Pizza Delivery in 2025

The pizza delivery industry has evolved dramatically since this post was first published. As of 2025, the global online food delivery market is projected to reach $365 billion, with pizza maintaining its dominance at nearly 30% of all delivery orders. The post-pandemic world accelerated contactless delivery innovations, and now over 60% of pizza chains use AI-powered chatbots for ordering. Sustainability has become a major focus, with companies like Domino’s and Pizza Hut committing to 100% recyclable packaging by 2026. The rise of ghost kitchens has also transformed the landscape, allowing virtual pizza brands to operate with lower overhead while reaching more customers through delivery apps.

Emerging 2025 Trends

Drone delivery is no longer experimental—major chains are testing it in select markets, promising 15-minute delivery windows. Plant-based pizza options have surged in popularity, with 42% of millennials regularly ordering vegan pies. The “slow pizza” movement is gaining traction too, with artisanal pizzerias offering premium delivery options featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Subscription models have become mainstream, with services like “Pizza Pass” offering unlimited deliveries for a monthly fee.

Enhanced Insights: The Future of Pizza Delivery

Industry experts predict several key developments that will shape pizza delivery through 2025 and beyond. According to food tech analyst Mark Chen, “The next frontier is hyper-personalization—using customer data to predict orders before they’re placed.” Many pizzerias now leverage machine learning to suggest toppings based on past orders, weather patterns, and even social media activity.

Professional Recommendations

Chef Maria Gonzalez, a culinary consultant for national chains, advises consumers: “Look for pizzerias that balance technology with quality. The best 2025 delivery options use high-tech logistics but still hand-toss dough daily.” She also recommends checking for sustainability certifications when ordering, as eco-conscious delivery is becoming a key differentiator.

Practical Application: Getting the Best Pizza Delivery Experience

To maximize your pizza delivery in 2025, start by comparing subscription services—many offer better value than one-time orders if you’re a frequent customer. Always check the app for “green delivery” options that may save you money while reducing environmental impact. For peak freshness, time your order during off-peak hours when kitchens are less crowded. Consider joining loyalty programs that now offer NFTs as rewards in addition to traditional points.

Pro Tip for Better Delivery

Use augmented reality preview features available in most delivery apps to visualize your pizza before ordering. This helps avoid disappointment and ensures you’re getting exactly what you want. For large orders, schedule deliveries in advance to take advantage of bulk discounts many chains now offer.

FAQ: Your Pizza Delivery Questions Answered

How has inflation affected pizza delivery prices in 2025?

While prices have increased about 12% since 2022, many chains have introduced value strategies like “build-your-own” deals and smaller portion options. The average delivery pizza now costs $18.50, but subscription models can bring this down to $14 per pie.

Are delivery drones safe and reliable?

Current drone systems have 99.7% success rates with multiple fail-safes. They’re limited to areas with proper infrastructure, but deliver in half the time of traditional methods with precise temperature control.

What’s the best way to ensure my pizza arrives hot?

Opt for pizzerias using 2025’s insulated smart boxes with temperature tracking. Many apps now show real-time heat maps so you can monitor your pizza’s journey and temperature.

How can I make pizza delivery more sustainable?

Choose pizzerias with compostable packaging programs, decline single-use utensils (now offered by default in many apps), and consider carbon-neutral delivery options that some chains provide for a small fee.

Are there healthier pizza delivery options now available?

Absolutely. Most major chains offer cauliflower, keto, and whole grain crusts, with nutritionally-balanced topping combinations curated by dietitians. Look for the “balanced choice” filters in delivery apps.

What payment innovations should I know about?

Biometric payments through delivery apps are becoming mainstream—you can now pay with facial recognition or fingerprint. Cryptocurrency acceptance has also expanded, with 38% of chains accepting at least one form of digital currency.

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Queen Margherita

Today, you can schedule pizza delivery time to fit your shifting schedule but pizza delivery but pizza has been delivered since the late 19th century. The first recorded pizza delivery was in Naples, Italy, and was brought about by esteemed circumstances. Indeed, Queen Margherita and her desire for Italian food would entwine herself, an Italian chef and a soon-to-be-famous pizza in a historic episode in food history.

1889

In 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy was visiting Naples and requested some authentic Italian food. Royalty wasn’t expected to go out for dining, so the pizza, prepared by Chef Raffaele Esposito, was prepared and sent to her. It was a custom creation, featuring mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. The queen loved it and it became known as the Margherita, still mighty popular across the world today.

Booming Pizza Business in the 1960s

The pizza delivery phenomenon kicked off in the 1960s. Papa John’s CEO knows the value of offering fresh, hot food to all types of people and scenarios. In the 1960s, the idea of delivery coincided with a nation that was ushering in the growing availability of private vehicles. The restaurants saw this as an opportunity to increase sales by training their employees to be delivery drivers, thus offering people their favorite food with extraordinary convenience.

The Future of Pizza Delivery

Folks aren’t going to stop ordering pizzas for delivery anytime soon. Some trends will keep improving the experience for the restaurants and the consumers. These days, mobile ordering goes beyond Smartphones. Indeed, Smartwatches, virtual assistants, and in-vehicle ordering all make the process easier. There’s even drone and unmanned delivery technology being worked on that promises more convenience on the horizon. Read more about Delivery near me.

Pizza was the first food to popularize the food delivery service and these days Americans spend about 20 billion dollars on pizza delivery. It’s available nationwide and its popularity seems to be always holding steady, in large part because restaurants offer pizza specials and other deals. The next time you have a birthday party, graduation, or just think it’s a bit too hot to cook, visit a pizza restaurant website and get some hot, delicious pizza delivered straight to your home.

Editorial Update: This article was updated on June 18, 2025 with additional insights and current information.

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From its humble beginnings in 19th-century Naples to the lightning-fast drone deliveries of today, pizza delivery has evolved into a global phenomenon that blends convenience with culinary tradition. This journey highlights how innovation, cultural shifts, and customer demand have shaped the way we enjoy our favorite slice—anytime, anywhere.

Looking ahead, the pizza delivery industry shows no signs of slowing down. With advancements in eco-friendly packaging, AI-driven ordering systems, and hyper-localized menus, the next decade promises even more exciting changes. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or experimental toppings, one thing’s certain: pizza delivery will keep adapting to serve up happiness at your doorstep.

Now it’s your turn! What’s your all-time favorite pizza delivery memory? Share your stories in the comments below, or tag us on social media with #PizzaEvolution. Hungry for more? Explore our guide to perfect delivery pizza for pro tips on keeping your pie crispy and delicious.