In times of market volatility driven by factors like tariffs, alternative economic indicators can provide valuable insights into the state of the economy. Among these indicators are home sales, manufacturing employee work hours, and even holiday spending habits. For some, pizza sales have become a surprisingly reliable barometer. Pizza has long been a popular choice for families seeking an affordable and quick meal. During the pandemic, it gained additional significance as a safe dining option. Major chains like Domino’s Pizza Inc. and Papa John’s International Inc. reported double-digit year-over-year same-store sales growth in the US and North America in 2020, bolstered by lockdown measures. Pizza Hut joined the trend in early 2021, benefiting from rising inflation that made its value offerings more appealing. David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands Inc., attributed Pizza Hut’s success during this period to promotions like the $10 Tastemaker deal, which offered a large pizza with any three toppings. These trends highlight how consumer behavior shifts in response to economic and social changes.
— new from Bloomberg.com
