National Pepperoni Day 2022: Where to find deals and freebies

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FILE - A pepperoni pizza is pictured in Watertown, Massachusetts, on Nov. 27, 2020. (Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

September 20 is National Pepperoni Day 2022, a time to order and enjoy one of the most popular pizza toppings in the United States.

Pizza is often associated with Italy, but the modern-day pepperoni pizza we know is actually an American variety. John Mariani, a food writer and historian, once referred to it as "purely an Italian-American creation, like chicken Parmesan" in an interview with the New York Times.

Traditional pepperoni pizza is made with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, which is typically a spicy salami made from cured pork and beef and seasoned with paprika.

"Pepperoni" comes from an Italian word for large peppers, such as bell peppers, Mariani told the newspaper. He added that the first reference to pepperoni in print was in 1919 — when U.S. pizzerias and Italian butcher shops began to flourish.

But Colin Caplan, a historian and author of books like "New Haven Apizza," said Americans’ love for pizza and pepperoni didn’t truly form until the mid-20th century. Caplan told Thrillist he found the first evidence of pepperoni as a pizza topping in 1950 from a photo of a wall menu at a pizzeria named The Spot in New Haven, Connecticut.

Now, about two-thirds (64%) of American adults say their favorite topping is pepperoni, followed by sausage (56%), mushrooms (54%), extra cheese (52%), and onions (48%), according to a 2021 poll by public opinion and data company YouGov America.

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Given this love for pepperoni, many pizza chains are offering freebies and discounts in honor of the day.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ’s is celebrating National Pepperoni Pizza Day by offering a large pizza for half-price. Customers can get any large deep-dish or tavern-cut pizza for half off when ordering takeout by using the code "HALFOFF."

California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen is offering a deal for all reward members. Newly registered users can receive a coupon for $5 off and a free small plate with purchase.

Domino’s

Domino’s is celebrating the special event with a mix-and-match deal. Customers can choose any two or more items and purchase them for just $5.99 each on National Pepperoni Pizza Day.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Grimaldi’s is giving reward members double points to celebrate. Customers need to sign up for the rewards program by Sept. 20, 2022, to receive the deal.

Marco’s Pizza

Customers can get a large Pepperoni Magnifico from Marco’s Pizza for just $9.99 with the promo code PEPMAG.

Papa John’s

Papa John’s customers can order a limited-time pepperoni-stuffed crust pizza on September 20. Customers can also get a large, hand-stuffed pizza with cheese and pepperoni for $13.99.