Connecticut Challenges New York Pizza Claims with Playful Campaign
Connecticut has launched a bold advertising campaign aimed directly at New York City, vying for the title of the best pizza in the nation. This marketing initiative features eye-catching billboards in Manhattan and Brooklyn, playfully claiming that Connecticut pizza has the upper hand.
The campaign includes messages such as “Connecticut Pizza Wins. NYC Takes The L” and “The Nation’s Best Pizza. Not You, New York.” These slogans have stirred a mix of amusement and indignation among New Yorkers, many of whom are fiercely proud of their local pizza offerings.
Anthony M. Anthony, the chief marketing officer for Connecticut’s Office of State Marketing and Tourism, stated that this rivalry is a light-hearted way to bring people together and highlight the state’s pizza culture. He emphasized that Connecticut’s pizza tradition is rich and deserving of recognition.
However, New Yorkers are quick to respond. Locals have voiced their strong opinions about why their city’s pizza is unmatched. Ceasar Castelo, 65, enjoying a slice from 2 Bros Pizza in Midtown, dismissed Connecticut’s claims. "If you want good pizza, go to Staten Island," he retorted. Other pizza lovers echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the iconic options found on Arthur Avenue, a well-known pizza destination in the Bronx, as evidence of New York’s supremacy.
Joey Schirripa, who manages John’s of Bleeker in Greenwich Village, noted that while both states serve delicious pizza, New York’s focus on cheese over sauce gives it an edge. "It’s good," he admitted of Connecticut’s offerings, "but I don’t think it’s better than ours. Our pizza is much more flavorful."
This spirited back-and-forth isn’t new; Connecticut’s current campaign follows in the footsteps of similar rivalries with places like Chicago and Detroit. With competitive spirit, the Connecticut tourism office encourages pizza lovers to visit their website and share why they believe New York pizza may be second-best. Anthony declared, “This isn’t about being subtle—we’re telling the world we’re the best.”
Despite the marketing effort, many New Yorkers largely remain unfazed. Kevin Juarez, a 21-year-old busser at Lombardi’s in Little Italy, expressed skepticism about traveling so far for pizza. “It’s a bit risky. You never know, you could go and it could be a waste of money,” he said. Others echoed the sentiment, suggesting that Connecticut should find other attractions to promote, as Julian Kurhajec expressed, “I’ll drive there and I’ll see New York-style pizza. That says it all.”
Interestingly, one defender of Connecticut pizza did appear among the critics. LG Glaspey, a Connecticut resident, passionately described the unique qualities of his home state’s pizza. “Just everything about our pizza is perfect. It’s nice and crispy with a little smoky flavor,” he shared.
However, not everyone shared his enthusiasm. Jack Carew, 27, critiqued both coffee and pizza with a dismissive attitude, implying that they were interchangeable.
Connecticut’s campaign features multiple locations in New York City, with billboards strategically stacked at spots like Times Square and High Line. The ads drive home their point, aiming to engage curious residents and tourists alike.
As the debate over pizza superiority continues, one thing is certain: both states have passionate supporters ready to defend their beloved slices. In this ongoing rivalry, it seems that both Connecticut and New York will continue to contest the title of the best pizza in the nation, each claiming a piece of the delicious pie.
