Do you like pineapple on your pizza? This topping generates much passion, both for and against its inclusion on pizza. No other topping seems to cause such controversy. So, what led someone to first decide to add pineapple to a pizza, creating a Hawaiian Pizza?
The most widely accepted origin tale, and which is rarely contested, is that a Canadian, Sam Panopoulos, invented Hawaiian pizza in 1962. However, the validity of this claim is very questionable, and no documentary evidence has been put forth to prove such a claim. In addition, there's plenty of other documentary evidence which casts great doubt on this claim.
For example, and in brief, the addition of pineapple on pizza extends back to at least 1953, the term "Hawaiian pizza" extends back to at least 1957, and the combination of pineapple and ham extends back to least 1958. These all predate the alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza in 1962. So what exactly did Sam Panopoulos originate, if anything?
First, let's examine the details of the most popular origin story, noting that these details have apparently not been verified by actual evidence beyond the word of Sam Panopoulos. The basic story states that Sam Panopoulos, a native of Greece, emigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1954 when he was 20 years old. It's likely that he was accompanied by his brother, Nikitas "Nick." Sam first settled into the city of Sudbury, where he worked in the mines for a time before moving onto Elliot Lake for a short time, and then moving onto Wallaceburg. In 1960, he moved to Chatham, with his brother Nick, and they decided to open a restaurant, which became the Satellite Restaurant at 145 King Street W.
On February 1, 1957, Francine's Pizza Jungle opened in Portland, Oregon, and their initial advertisement stated they served over 30 varieties of pizza.
In the Oregonian (OR), February 7, 1957, they published another advertisement, this time which added a menu, showing all of their international and creative pizzas. What an innovative list of pizza topping combinations! Jungle Pizza, Chinese Pizza, Danish Pizza, Hungarian Pizza, Spanish Pizza, Swedish Pizza, and much more. A French Pizza with frog legs, a Jungle Pizza with cocktail fruit, an English Pizza with pork and beans.
One of those selections was a Hawaiian Pizza, topped with pineapple, papaya, and chopped green pepper. This is the oldest reference I've found to the use of the term, Hawaiian Pizza, predating Sam's alleged invention by five years. So, it's clear that Sam didn't invent the term "Hawaiian Pizza." Unfortunately, the restaurant only lasted a few months, at least into May. It's possible that other restaurants made their own Hawaiian pizza at this time.
Dessert pizzas using pineapple also started to become popular around this time, and recipes for such would start being printed at least as far back as 1958. The Star-Tribune (MN), January 24, 1958, might have been the first newspaper to offer a dessert Pineapple Pizza. For this recipe, a biscuit mix was used as a base, which was mixed with sugar, shortening, egg, milk and vanilla. That was then baked, and afterwards a topping was added of pineapple, butter, sugar and nuts (walnuts or pecans). The "pizza" was then broiled for 2-3 minutes to brown the top.
A biscuit mix base was also used for some savory pineapple pizza recipes. The Chicago Daily News (IL), February 5, 1958, stated, “Since the introduction of pizza into our country its popularity has never dimmed. Countless variations of this Italian import have been developed, such as these pizza snacks that feature sliced ham, grated cheese and pineapple tidbits.” The recipe, “Pineapple Pizza Snacks," was the first time that pineapple and ham were added to a savory pizza. This article would be reprinted in newspapers in Hawaii, Florida, New York and Indiana, and possibly others. Again, a pairing of pineapple and ham predates Sam's alleged invention of the same.
The first recipe booklet! The Los Angeles Times (CA), March 12, 1958, mentioned their new 1958 series of Times College of Cookery recipe leaflets by Marian Manners. Each of the four leaflets consisted of five pages of recipes, and were available through mail order for 10 cents each. Leaflet #4 was their “Pizza and Other Italian Favorites” and it included a recipe for Pineapple Pizza. All of the recipes in this issue were for savory items, so it's reasonable to conclude this was also a savory dish.
I was intrigued by an advertisement in the Courier-News (NJ), March 20, 1958, for the Mutual Super Markets, which offered a Pineapple Pizza Cake. Unfortunately, no description was given for this fascinating treat.
In the San Bernardino (CA), July 4, 1958, there was an advertisement for “The Mug” a restaurant which offered Cheese Pizza for 95 cents and Pineapple Pizza for $1.35.
The Quad City Times (IA), September 24, 1958, printed a recipe for Hawaiian Dessert Pizza, which included a package of pizza mix, a can of crushed pineapple, slivered almonds, brown sugar, heavy whipped cream, sugar and vanilla. That same recipe was also published in a number of other newspapers, across the country, including Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Georgia, and Michigan. Yes, this was a dessert pizza rather than a savory one, but it still used the name and was still pineapple atop pizza.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), August 23, 1959, mentioned a snack of "Hawaiian Pizza," although no description was provided, so it's unclear whether it referred to a savory or dessert pizza.
Another dessert pizza recipe. The Indianapolis News, (IN) September 29, 1959, mentioned that there had recently been a conference in Chicago of food editors, and they received some new recipes, including one for Hawaiian Pizza: Pineapple Platter, which they received from a Hawaiian pineapple company. I'll note that this was a different recipe from the one published in 1958. The ingredients included a biscuit mix, can of crushed pineapple, milk, melted butter, sugar, chopped nuts and cinnamon. This recipe would be reprinted in other newspapers, including in Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee. Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
What was being said about the Panopoulos brothers and their Satellite Restaurant in the newspapers? The first newspaper reference I found was in The Windsor Star (Ontario), April 10, 1963, a help wanted that stated, “Male night cook, steady employment, good wages.” The Windsor Star (Ontario), April 25, 1963, provided another help wanted as, seeking an "Experienced Waitress" for nights and days.
From the 1970s until 2010, there weren't any newspapers references that connected the Panopoulos brothers or their Satellite Restaurant to Hawaiian pizza. Thus, how would anyone in the U.S. hear about their Hawaiian pizza? Word of mouth can only travel so far so quickly, especially without the Internet. It certainly would be difficult, except for those who lived close to Chatham, Ontario, to know about the alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza. And this lack of documentary evidence certainly should cause anyone to doubt the veracity of Sam's claim.
The ownership of The Round Table had recently changed. The Los Gatos Times-Saratoga Observer (CA), August 31, 1966, noted that Al Hape, who previously owned a Chevron Station, was the new owner of The Round Table Pizza Parlor. It was also noted that “But you will find 16 varieties of pizza, including one of Hape’s own invention—the Hawaiian Pizza, a combination of ham, cheese and pineapple.” Did Al Hape actually invent Hawaiian Pizza as claimed? Probably not, as that pizza was available in California prior to Al Hape taking over Round Table Pizza. Coincidentally, Arliss "Al" Levin Hape died in 2017, the same year that Sam Panopoulos died.
Curiously, A Treasury of Business Opportunities: Featuring Over 400 Ways to Make a Fortune Without Leaving Your House! by David D. Seltz (1976) noted, “And few pizzas have proven as popular as the Hawaiian pizza invented in California.” The book also stated, “A California variation that at first attracted tasters with an attention-getting combination is a Hawaiian pizza, made with pineapple and ham.” Unfortunately, this book didn't identify the creator of the Hawaiian pizza, but it could be referring to Al Hape.
Flaming Hawaiian Pizza! The Van Nuys News (CA), March 7, 1968, presented an ad for the Kel-Luau Restaurant which served a “Flaming Hawaiian Pizza.” The Daily News-Post (CA), February 6, 1970, provided a description for this pizza, which was made with, “Island style Italian sauce, exotic cheeses, spices, pineapple, cherries, & savory meats.”
First, let's examine the details of the most popular origin story, noting that these details have apparently not been verified by actual evidence beyond the word of Sam Panopoulos. The basic story states that Sam Panopoulos, a native of Greece, emigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1954 when he was 20 years old. It's likely that he was accompanied by his brother, Nikitas "Nick." Sam first settled into the city of Sudbury, where he worked in the mines for a time before moving onto Elliot Lake for a short time, and then moving onto Wallaceburg. In 1960, he moved to Chatham, with his brother Nick, and they decided to open a restaurant, which became the Satellite Restaurant at 145 King Street W.
Initially, the restaurant served rather ordinary fare and didn't offer pizza. Pizza was relatively uncommon in Canada, but at some point the brothers tasted some pizzas and thought that adding them to their menu would help make their restaurant stand out. However, the brothers knew nothing about making pizza and it took them some time before they could make good pizza. In 1962, as a lark, they added some canned pineapple to a pizza, allegedly calling it Hawaiian Pizza after the name on the can. At some time later, they added ham to the pineapple pizza.
One interesting matter to note is that Sam gets all the credit for inventing Hawaiian pizza even though it apparently was a joint creation with his brother, Nick. Why doesn't Nick receive any credit?
Maybe the first newspaper to mention Sam Panopoulos inventing Hawaiian Pizza was the Fort McMurray Today (Alberta, Canada), July 14, 2010, but its source for its information was Wikipedia. The Globe & Mail (Ontario, Canada), June 26, 2017, would later note that the name of Sam Panopoulos first came to public attention as the alleged inventor of Hawaiian Pizza in 2009. The article stated "... an anonymous contributor added his name to the Wikipedia entry for "Hawaiian pizza" on July 15, 2009." No evidence was put forth by this anonymous contributor to support this assertion that Panopoulos was the inventor.
Apparently, the Fort McMurray Today then interviewed Panopoulos, 48 years after the date of its alleged invention. Such a lengthy amount of time obviously raises the question of the validity of memories of that long ago. As Panopoulos would contradict himself in future interviews, it seems clear memory issues existed. It was said in the article that Sam and his brother Nick moved to "sleepy Chatham" in 1960 and decided they wanted to start a restaurant, which became the Satellite Restaurant and lasted for about 20 years.
The article also mentioned that pizza was still a novelty in Canada, stating that at that time, you couldn't even get it in the "comparatively cosmopolitan Windsor." Sam heard about pizza primarily from Windsor friends who had enjoyed pizza in Detroit. This raises a credibility issue.
In the Windsor Star (Ontario), January 9, 1949, in a section called "Fresh From The Kitchen," there was a brief discussion on pizza, along with a recipe. The food writer stated that three readers had requested a recipe for pizza. The writer noted, "I think some Italian restaurant must be featuring it, for me to be receiving so many enquiries about something I have never heard of before." The writer also describes "Italian pizza" as "... an Italian bread with tomato paste and spices spread on top before baking."
The recipe, provided by a friend of the food writer, stated that the topping for the pizza included tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, hot cayenne (if desired) and garlic. Interesting, this recipe didn't call for any cheese to be placed atop the pizza.
Another pizza recipe was presented in the Windsor Star (Ontario), January 28, 1953, and this time, grated Parmesan cheese was sprinkled atop the tomato sauce. The recipe also presented a variation, where anchovy fillets were placed atop the sauce before the cheese was added. There was another pizza recipe in the Windsor Star (Ontario), January 8, 1958, which was topped with mushrooms, olives, sausage and grated Mozzarella.
The Windsor Star (Ontario), March 12, 1959, discussed Chef Angelo Russo, who worked at Assumption University. It was noted that some people disliked pizza because they found the "leathery crust a bit indigestible and hard on the jaws." Russo's solution was Neapolitan Pizza, with a crust that was "as tender and delicious as home-made bread." He provided a recipe for this pizza, noting it could be topped with items such as pepperoni sausage, cooked ham, bacon, mushrooms and anchovies.
By 1950, pizza was available in Windsor, and the first restaurant serving it in that area was Mario's Good Food Barbecue, often known simply as Mario's. The Windsor Star (Ontario), February 16, 1963, presented an ad for Mario's, which noted "We are the Originators of Pizza Pies in this area..." The first reference to Mario's and pizza was presented in the Windsor Star (Ontario), October 10, 1950, which stated "When you go to Mario's Tavern...just whisper "Pizza!" to Frank Cundari, and you'll get a hunk o' pie to end all pies."
The first advertisement for Mario's and their "Pizza Pie" was in the Windsor Star (Ontario), January 20, 1960. In another advertisement, in the Windsor Star (Ontario), January 16, 1954, Marios's mentioned that they served 16 different varieties of pizza, and some of their toppings included anchovies, sausage, mushroom, bacon, ham, and tuna fish. The Windsor Star (Ontario), December 31, 1955, noted that Mario's had made pizza pie a speciality in 1954, even though they had been selling it from at least 1950. The owner, Mike Mario, also told the newspaper that 1955 had been their most profitable year ever.
Frozen pizza, for 59 cents each, was also available in Windsor at this time, as noted in an ad in the Windsor Star (Ontario), February 9, 1954, for the Arctic Locker Systems, "Windsor's Frozen Food Center."
The next restaurant in Windsor to offer pizza was the Napoli Restaurant, which opened in June 1954, and would still exist as of 1968. In October 1954, Napoli's advertisements started mentioning they offered Pizza Pie and in October 1956, their ads started referring to itself as "Napoli's Restaurant & Pizzeria."
More Windsor restaurants started offering pizza too. The Pompei Restaurant, in an ad in May 1956, noted they served Pizza Pie (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1970). In August 1956, DeSoto Bar-B-Q ran an ad mentioning Pizza Pie (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1964). In October 1956, there was an ad for Luigi's Spaghetti House which offered Pizza, cooked in their "new, modern Pizza oven" (and the restaurant existed at least up to the start of 1962). Then, in May 1957, there was an ad for the Volcano Pizzeria-Restaurant (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1970).
In March 1958, there was a large advertisement for Big Boy Drive-In Restaurant, which claimed, "Now for the first time in Windsor and only at the Big Boy. Made from famous Italian recipes--Genuine "Golden Brown" Italian Pizza." The ad also mentioned that they possessed "revolutionary new ultra-modern ovens." Plus, they had a "Special Pizza Express Wagon" for deliveries. (And the restaurant existed at least up to 1970.)
In May 1958, there was an ad for the Italia Restaurant, which specialized in pizza (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1970). With all of these restaurants now serving pizza, there started to be ads in 1958, from Gold Star Products Co., Ltd., selling pizza ovens to restaurants. Around November 1958, the Totem Pole Restaurant also started serving pizza (the restaurant existed at least up to 1959). And around December 1958, La Plaza Restaurant started serving Pizza Pie (the restaurant existed at least up to 1963). An ad in March 1959 mentioned Sam's Pizzeria Restaurant, which offered "Special Pizzas" (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1970). And in April 1959, there was also an ad for Tunnel Bar-B-Q, which also noted they served pizza (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1970).
An interesting ad for the Big Boy Drive-In was published in the Windsor Star (Ontario), April 6, 1959, which mentioned "1000 Pizzas An Hour. The Fastest Service in Town." They opened a second restaurant, mentioned in an ad in the Windsor Star (Ontario), June 5, 1959, which noted "200 Pizzas An Hour. The Fastest Service in Town."
In November 1959, there was an ad for the Capri Restaurant, which also served Pizza Pie (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1965). In an ad in October 1960, there was mention of Giuseppe's Pizzeria (and the restaurant existed at least up to 1963).
So, we clearly see that Sam's statement that pizza wasn't available in Windsor is untrue. Plus, Sam would later contradict his original statements in later interviews, when he would admit to eating pizza in Windsor. When Sam first moved to Chatham, there were at least 13 restaurants in Windsor offering pizza. He didn't need to drive to Detroit to find pizza.
When Sam started making pizza at the Satellite, he noted, "It was a steep learning curve at first." He eventually started experimenting with toppings, and tried adding pineapple chunks. Sam failed to provide any specifics on the time frame. When exactly did they start making pizza? And when did they eventually add pineapple? The vague generalities don't suffice as evidence.
The article also noted, “Panopoulos said his creation was a hit almost immediately." This statement would also be contradicted in future interviews with Panopoulos, who would later state that it wasn't an immediate hit, and took time before his customers would embrace the pineapple topped pizza. Is this another memory issue?
In a subsequent article in the Atlas Obscura, June 4, 2015, the writer stated he conducted a phone interview with Sam Panopoulos. Sam stated, “Pizza wasn’t known at all, actually. Even Toronto didn’t know anything about pizza in those days. The only place you could have pizza was in Detroit.” The article continued, "Soon, pizza landed in Windsor, a Canadian city just across the river from Detroit. However, thanks to the execution, it wasn’t especially popular there." Sam stated, “I visited Windsor, and the pizza in those days was three things: dough, sauce, cheese, and mushroom, bacon, or pepperoni. That was it. You had no choices; you could get one of the three [toppings] or more of them together.”
This information contradicts Sam's earlier interview where he said pizza wasn't available in Windsor. Pizza existed in Windsor, since at least 1950, ten years before Sam ever came to Chatham. In addition, Marios's offered 16 varieties of pizza, and far more than just mushroom, bacon and pepperoni. If Sam had friends in Windsor, they would likely have known of the famous Mario's and the other dozen or so pizza joints in Windsor.
The Atlas Obscura article then noted that at first, in 1962, Panopolous added pineapple chunks to a pizza. He did not add ham or bacon until sometime later, although he called it Hawaiian Pizza from the start, even when it was just topped by pineapple. I'll later show that adding pineapple to pizza existed for years before Sam attempted his own experiment.
Sam Panopoulos became the focus of numerous news articles in 2017, especially as he died in June 2017. These articles generally shared a common aspect, they relied solely upon the word of Panopoulos that he created Hawaiian pizza. The writers apparently did no other research to confirm or deny Sam's claim.
The CBC Radio conducted a radio interview with Sam Panopoulos on February 21, 2017. Panopoulos was asked, "What is it that inspired you to put pineapple on pizza?" He replied, "That was back in the late '50s, the '60s. Pizza wasn't in Canada — nowhere. Pizza was coming in through Detroit, through Windsor, and I was in Chatham then, that was the third stop. We had a restaurant there. We went down to Windsor a couple of times, and these places, and I said, "Let's try a pizza." Then we tried to make some pizza. Along the way, we threw some pineapples on it and nobody liked it at first. But after that, they went crazy about it. Because those days nobody was mixing sweets and sours and all that. It was plain, plain food. Anyway, after that it stays. We sell pizzas in Chatham and in London for the next 40, 45 years."
The Windsor Star (Ontario), February 24, 2017, reported that CBC radio interviewed Sam Panopoulos, who was now 82 years old, and it was 55 years after the date of the alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza. Sam now claimed, "... customers were slow to embrace the idea at first, but after that they went crazy for it." This contradicts his previous interview where he claimed the pizza was almost an immediate hit.
The Windsor Star (Ontario), February 24, 2017, reported that CBC radio interviewed Sam Panopoulos, who was now 82 years old, and it was 55 years after the date of the alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza. Sam now claimed, "... customers were slow to embrace the idea at first, but after that they went crazy for it." This contradicts his previous interview where he claimed the pizza was almost an immediate hit.
The Napa Valley Register (CA), March 14, 2017, was not so complimentary about Panopoulos. The article stated, "Panopoulos proved as bland a subject as his province's pizza in an interview last month with CBC radio." It also noted, "And his story of inventing Hawaiian pizza is equally unmemorable." The article's writers is dismissive of pineapple on pizza, stating, "... pineapple is an inappropriate adornment to pizza, used only in places where the pizza is terrible."
Sam Panopoulos died on June 8, 2017. Numerous newspapers reported on his death, mentioning his alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza. Some seemed to accept that allegation without question while other sources questioned the claim and stated there were other claimants to that invention.
The Times-Tribune (PA), June 11, 2017, noted, "Some have disputed his claim." This article also noted that Bill Panopolous, one of Sam's sons, wouldn't discuss the alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza, stating, "the Hawaiian pizza story and his immigrant story were his to tell." Usually, a family is quick to support and promote such claims made by a relative, so it's very curious why Bill was reticent to discuss the matter. Did his family doubt his claim? This Associated Press article was reprinted in a number of other newspapers across the country.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA), June 16, 2017, mentioned that Panopoulos had been interviewed by Atlas Obscura in 2015. Panopoulos then said that he and his brother drove to Detroit to taste pizza, as it wasn't available in Chatham. Although as I previously noted, pizza was available in Windsor so Panopoulos actually didn't need to go to Detroit. In Detroit, Panopoulos claimed the toppings were limited to mushrooms, bacon and pepperoni. Again, as I previously noted, a Windsor pizzeria offered 16 different varieties of pizza, with many more toppings.
The Globe & Mail (Ontario, Canada), June 26, 2017, stated that the Panopoulos brothers first tasted pizza in city of Windsor, which is about 50 miles from Chatham. This contradicts the Atlas Obscura article where the brothers claimed they had to go to Detroit to taste pizza.
The Omineca Express (British Colombia, Canada), June 28, 2017, noted that there were other claimants to have been the inventor of Hawaiian pizza, including someone in Australia, and some others claim it was inspired by a German dish of pineapple, ham and cheese on toast.
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All of these news articles share something in common, they rely solely upon the word of Sam Panopoulos that he was the inventor of Hawaiian Pizza. They don't offer any documentary evidence to support that assertion. Where are all the newspaper or magazine references, from 1962-2008, mentioning that the Satellite offered Hawaiian pizza, or that Sam was the inventor? None have been proffered to support Sam's claims.
In addition, the first interviews with Panopoulos didn't occur for nearly 50 years after the date of the alleged invention of the Hawaiian pizza. One's memory of events that occurred 50 years ago can be muddled, confused, or colored by time. And it's clear that Sam contradicted himself during his multiple interviews, all possible memory lapses.
Could Sam have been wrong about the year of invention, 1962? Could it have been 1963 or even later? Some specific details are also missing from Sam's story. When in 1962 did they first add pineapple to pizza? The beginning, middle or end of 1962? When did they first add ham with the pineapple?
As I've previously related, we need to look at these alleged origin tales with a skeptical eye, especially when the claims arise many years after the date of the alleged invention. Anyone can claim to be the inventor of something if they don't have to offer any actual proof of their claim. Why did all these newspapers accept Sam's word, without seeking supporting evidence?
Even if Sam Panopoulos added pineapple to pizza in 1962, was it really revolutionary? No, as numerous others did that very same thing before Sam. Was it revolutionary to call it a Hawaiian Pizza? No, as others were using that term prior to Sam? Was it revolutionary to add ham and pineapple on a pizza? No, as that also occurred before Sam. So, Sam really didn't create anything unique, and certainly nothing worthy of being considered the inventor of Hawaiian Pizza.
Let's now review documentary evidence of these matters, to get a better view of the entire context of this issue.
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The first documented reference that I've found concerning pineapple on pizza was in the American Restaurant Magazine, V.37, 1953, nine years before Sam's alleged invention in 1962. The magazine article stated, “Other pizzas offered include a green pepper with sausage, regular sausage, and anchovies and cheese. During Lent a shrimp pizza is offered and a pineapple pizza also has been made available at times.”
Unfortunately, the complete magazine isn't available online so I don't have sufficient information concerning the name and location of the restaurant that offered this pineapple pizza. However, it's clear others were adding pineapple to pizza years before Sam did so. And there's no indication that this pineapple pizza was a dessert one, especially considering it's mentioned with all of the other savory options.
The Honolulu Advertiser (HI), December 27, 1956, in an article titled, Tiny Pineapple Pizzas Popular, provided a newly developed recipe for Tiny Pizza. It noted that instead of using a yeast dough, you could use an English muffin or hamburger bun. Then, it was to be topped with sausage, garlic salt, pepper, well-drained pineapple tidbits, tomato paste, Cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan. This is the first known pairing of pineapple and a pork product, on a savory pizza, and it's 6 years prior to Sam's alleged invention.
The Honolulu Advertiser (HI), December 27, 1956, in an article titled, Tiny Pineapple Pizzas Popular, provided a newly developed recipe for Tiny Pizza. It noted that instead of using a yeast dough, you could use an English muffin or hamburger bun. Then, it was to be topped with sausage, garlic salt, pepper, well-drained pineapple tidbits, tomato paste, Cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan. This is the first known pairing of pineapple and a pork product, on a savory pizza, and it's 6 years prior to Sam's alleged invention.
This recipe was reprinted in numerous other newspapers, in places including Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. So, the pairing of pineapple and a pork product was made known across the U.S. It easily could have provided inspiration for pizza makers to start making such a combination in their own restaurants.
In the Oregonian (OR), February 7, 1957, they published another advertisement, this time which added a menu, showing all of their international and creative pizzas. What an innovative list of pizza topping combinations! Jungle Pizza, Chinese Pizza, Danish Pizza, Hungarian Pizza, Spanish Pizza, Swedish Pizza, and much more. A French Pizza with frog legs, a Jungle Pizza with cocktail fruit, an English Pizza with pork and beans.
One of those selections was a Hawaiian Pizza, topped with pineapple, papaya, and chopped green pepper. This is the oldest reference I've found to the use of the term, Hawaiian Pizza, predating Sam's alleged invention by five years. So, it's clear that Sam didn't invent the term "Hawaiian Pizza." Unfortunately, the restaurant only lasted a few months, at least into May. It's possible that other restaurants made their own Hawaiian pizza at this time.
Dessert pizzas using pineapple also started to become popular around this time, and recipes for such would start being printed at least as far back as 1958. The Star-Tribune (MN), January 24, 1958, might have been the first newspaper to offer a dessert Pineapple Pizza. For this recipe, a biscuit mix was used as a base, which was mixed with sugar, shortening, egg, milk and vanilla. That was then baked, and afterwards a topping was added of pineapple, butter, sugar and nuts (walnuts or pecans). The "pizza" was then broiled for 2-3 minutes to brown the top.
A biscuit mix base was also used for some savory pineapple pizza recipes. The Chicago Daily News (IL), February 5, 1958, stated, “Since the introduction of pizza into our country its popularity has never dimmed. Countless variations of this Italian import have been developed, such as these pizza snacks that feature sliced ham, grated cheese and pineapple tidbits.” The recipe, “Pineapple Pizza Snacks," was the first time that pineapple and ham were added to a savory pizza. This article would be reprinted in newspapers in Hawaii, Florida, New York and Indiana, and possibly others. Again, a pairing of pineapple and ham predates Sam's alleged invention of the same.
The first recipe booklet! The Los Angeles Times (CA), March 12, 1958, mentioned their new 1958 series of Times College of Cookery recipe leaflets by Marian Manners. Each of the four leaflets consisted of five pages of recipes, and were available through mail order for 10 cents each. Leaflet #4 was their “Pizza and Other Italian Favorites” and it included a recipe for Pineapple Pizza. All of the recipes in this issue were for savory items, so it's reasonable to conclude this was also a savory dish.
I was intrigued by an advertisement in the Courier-News (NJ), March 20, 1958, for the Mutual Super Markets, which offered a Pineapple Pizza Cake. Unfortunately, no description was given for this fascinating treat.
In the San Bernardino (CA), July 4, 1958, there was an advertisement for “The Mug” a restaurant which offered Cheese Pizza for 95 cents and Pineapple Pizza for $1.35.
The Quad City Times (IA), September 24, 1958, printed a recipe for Hawaiian Dessert Pizza, which included a package of pizza mix, a can of crushed pineapple, slivered almonds, brown sugar, heavy whipped cream, sugar and vanilla. That same recipe was also published in a number of other newspapers, across the country, including Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Georgia, and Michigan. Yes, this was a dessert pizza rather than a savory one, but it still used the name and was still pineapple atop pizza.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), August 23, 1959, mentioned a snack of "Hawaiian Pizza," although no description was provided, so it's unclear whether it referred to a savory or dessert pizza.
Another dessert pizza recipe. The Indianapolis News, (IN) September 29, 1959, mentioned that there had recently been a conference in Chicago of food editors, and they received some new recipes, including one for Hawaiian Pizza: Pineapple Platter, which they received from a Hawaiian pineapple company. I'll note that this was a different recipe from the one published in 1958. The ingredients included a biscuit mix, can of crushed pineapple, milk, melted butter, sugar, chopped nuts and cinnamon. This recipe would be reprinted in other newspapers, including in Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee. Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
This recipe was also reprinted in Canadian newspapers, including the The Ottawa Journal (Ontario), December 5, 1959, Calgary Herald (Alberta), December 26, 1959, and The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia), June 11, 1960. However, the first two of those articles referred to it only as Pineapple Platter but noting it was eaten pizza-style. The third article called it Quick Pineapple Dessert Pizza.
As an interesting aside, in 1960, there was an episode of the cartoon Rocky and Bullwinkle (Season 1, Jet Fuel Formula Episode 25), in which they travelled to Hawaii. As they passed by the island, wondering whether they would find anything to eat, they spied some signs. Rocky used binoculars and read out what was on the signs, "Poi Burgers, Pineapple Pizza, Shrimp Cheesecake." Bullwinkle responded, "Boy, that sounds great!"
Locally, the Boston Daily Record, February 17, 1961, had an advertisement for the Desert Lounge, in Roxbury, noting that Italian cuisine was their speciality. In addition, they boasted, “First time Anywhere. Irish, Jewish, Hawaiian Pizza.” So, Hawaiian Pizza was available in Boston the year before its alleged invention by Panopoulos in 1962. They also apparently claimed to have invented Hawaiian Pizza, stating it was available for the first time anywhere. An intriguing claim that might have some validity.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO), October 12, 1961, presented an advertisement for Bettendorf Rapp, which mentioned that at their in-store bake shop they sold Pineapple Cheese Pizza, for 65 cents each, and noted it is “A delight for After-school snacks.”
As an interesting aside, in 1960, there was an episode of the cartoon Rocky and Bullwinkle (Season 1, Jet Fuel Formula Episode 25), in which they travelled to Hawaii. As they passed by the island, wondering whether they would find anything to eat, they spied some signs. Rocky used binoculars and read out what was on the signs, "Poi Burgers, Pineapple Pizza, Shrimp Cheesecake." Bullwinkle responded, "Boy, that sounds great!"
Locally, the Boston Daily Record, February 17, 1961, had an advertisement for the Desert Lounge, in Roxbury, noting that Italian cuisine was their speciality. In addition, they boasted, “First time Anywhere. Irish, Jewish, Hawaiian Pizza.” So, Hawaiian Pizza was available in Boston the year before its alleged invention by Panopoulos in 1962. They also apparently claimed to have invented Hawaiian Pizza, stating it was available for the first time anywhere. An intriguing claim that might have some validity.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO), October 12, 1961, presented an advertisement for Bettendorf Rapp, which mentioned that at their in-store bake shop they sold Pineapple Cheese Pizza, for 65 cents each, and noted it is “A delight for After-school snacks.”
The Wichita Falls Times (TX), October 8, 1961, presented another recipe for a Pineapple Dessert Pizza, which was more complicated than previous recipes. For this recipe, you first make your own dough, and don't use a mix. The topping includes a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, lemon rind, lemon juice, vanilla and pineapple. Nuts or raisins can then be added atop it.
More Texas Hawaiian Pizza! The Asbury Park Press (NJ), December 11, 1961, ran an article that mentioned, “The latest rage in Texas is the Italian Luau. Girls wear hula skirts, boys wear clam differs. For refreshments—pizza, Hawaiian style, made with pineapple and other fruit." This same article was reprinted in newspapers in Virginia, Kentucky, California, Mississippi, and Georgia. In addition, it appeared in a Canadian newspaper as well, the Vancouver Sun (British Columbia), December 14, 1961.
The Arizona Republic (AZ), February 18, 1962, briefly mentioned, “But differentness, itself, is the specialty of a few Phoenix places. How else can a café justify the slogan ‘Home of the Pineapple Pizza?” The article failed to mention the name of this cafe, and I currently haven't been able to locate any more information about it. Could Arizona have been the first place to serve pineapple pizza?
Back in Canada, the Brandon Sun, (Brandon, Manitoba), July 30, 1962, presented a recipe for Pineapple Pizza, a dessert version. You had to make your own pizza dough, and the toppings included melted butter, a can of crushed pineapple, sugar, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. This recipe was repeated in The Montreal Star, (Quebec), September 4, 1962.
Hawaiian Pizza with pineapple and ham! The Kitsap Sun (WA), March 12, 1963, presented an advertisement for Pizza Pete, which offered “Hawaiian Pizza—Italian Ham and Pineapple.” Were they inspired by Sam Panopoulos? Very unlikely!
More Texas Hawaiian Pizza! The Asbury Park Press (NJ), December 11, 1961, ran an article that mentioned, “The latest rage in Texas is the Italian Luau. Girls wear hula skirts, boys wear clam differs. For refreshments—pizza, Hawaiian style, made with pineapple and other fruit." This same article was reprinted in newspapers in Virginia, Kentucky, California, Mississippi, and Georgia. In addition, it appeared in a Canadian newspaper as well, the Vancouver Sun (British Columbia), December 14, 1961.
The Arizona Republic (AZ), February 18, 1962, briefly mentioned, “But differentness, itself, is the specialty of a few Phoenix places. How else can a café justify the slogan ‘Home of the Pineapple Pizza?” The article failed to mention the name of this cafe, and I currently haven't been able to locate any more information about it. Could Arizona have been the first place to serve pineapple pizza?
Back in Canada, the Brandon Sun, (Brandon, Manitoba), July 30, 1962, presented a recipe for Pineapple Pizza, a dessert version. You had to make your own pizza dough, and the toppings included melted butter, a can of crushed pineapple, sugar, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. This recipe was repeated in The Montreal Star, (Quebec), September 4, 1962.
Hawaiian Pizza with pineapple and ham! The Kitsap Sun (WA), March 12, 1963, presented an advertisement for Pizza Pete, which offered “Hawaiian Pizza—Italian Ham and Pineapple.” Were they inspired by Sam Panopoulos? Very unlikely!
First, we don't know exactly when in 1962 that Panopoulos started making pizza with pineapple atop it. We don't know whether it was early or later in 1962. Then, we also don't know when they started adding ham to the pineapple. That easily could have been in 1963. Second, I haven't found any newspaper or magazine references to Panopoulos and Hawaiian pizza during the 1960s. So, how would Pizza Peter have known about his Panopoulos? There was no Internet to do easy online searches. Third, consider that Pizza Pete, in Bremeton, Washington, is over 2400 miles away from "sleepy" Chatham, Ontario, the location of Panopoulos and his Satellite restaurant. That makes it even more difficult for Pizza Pete to have heard of Panopoulos at this time.
There's at least documentary evidence of Pizza Pete making Hawaiian Pizza, with ham and pineapple, in 1963, giving them a stronger claim to have been the inventor rather than Sam Panopoulos.
The Portage Daily Register (WI), April 12, 1963, published an ad for Pizza Hut, offering an Easter Special of Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza. It's unsure whether this pizza included ham, or another pork product.
The Portage Daily Register (WI), April 12, 1963, published an ad for Pizza Hut, offering an Easter Special of Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza. It's unsure whether this pizza included ham, or another pork product.
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There were no mentions of the Satellite or brothers in the newspapers of 1962. And neither help wanted ad even mentioned that the Satellite served pizza.
The Windsor Star (Ontario), May 1, 1964, noted that the Satellite restaurant was issued a $30K building permit for the erection of an addition to their restaurant. And the Windsor Star (Ontario), May 8, 1964, then noted that the Satellite had applied for a “dining lounge license.” Again, there was no reference at all concerning either pizza or any other food served at the Satellite.
Assault charges! During the rest of the 1960s, there were almost no references to the Satellite, except for very brief items that provided no information on their menu. The Windsor Star (Ontario), August 25, 1970, reported that Nick Panopoulos was accused of assaulting people, who had been picketing the Satellite restaurant. The picketers alleged that the restaurant was discriminatory by imposing a $1 minimum cover charge “when serving persons with long hair.” One of the picketers was also charged with assault on Nick, and Nick also filed a $10,000 claim against the two picketers. The resolution was provided in the Windsor Star (Ontario), September 10, 1970, noting that all of the assault charges were withdrawn.
From the 1970s until 2010, there weren't any newspapers references that connected the Panopoulos brothers or their Satellite Restaurant to Hawaiian pizza. Thus, how would anyone in the U.S. hear about their Hawaiian pizza? Word of mouth can only travel so far so quickly, especially without the Internet. It certainly would be difficult, except for those who lived close to Chatham, Ontario, to know about the alleged invention of Hawaiian pizza. And this lack of documentary evidence certainly should cause anyone to doubt the veracity of Sam's claim.
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Hawaiian Pizza in California! The Daily Californian (CA), March 19, 1965, published a brief ad for Straw Hat Pizza, which stated, “Ever Had A Pineapple Pizza?” In a new ad for Straw Hat Pizza, in the Daily Californian (CA), April 9, 1965, it stated, “What About A Ham & Pineapple Pizza?” So we see that pineapple and ham on pizza existed in California at least as far back as 1965.
The Peninsula Times Tribune (CA), June 8, 1966, published a brief ad for the MBJ Ranch Room, which offered Hawaiian Pizza, although it was made with pineapple and maraschino cherries. However, that same newspaper also had an advertisement for The Round Table, a restaurant which offered Hawaiian Pizza with "chunks of pineapple blended with tender smoked ham."
The Peninsula Times Tribune (CA), June 8, 1966, published a brief ad for the MBJ Ranch Room, which offered Hawaiian Pizza, although it was made with pineapple and maraschino cherries. However, that same newspaper also had an advertisement for The Round Table, a restaurant which offered Hawaiian Pizza with "chunks of pineapple blended with tender smoked ham."
The ownership of The Round Table had recently changed. The Los Gatos Times-Saratoga Observer (CA), August 31, 1966, noted that Al Hape, who previously owned a Chevron Station, was the new owner of The Round Table Pizza Parlor. It was also noted that “But you will find 16 varieties of pizza, including one of Hape’s own invention—the Hawaiian Pizza, a combination of ham, cheese and pineapple.” Did Al Hape actually invent Hawaiian Pizza as claimed? Probably not, as that pizza was available in California prior to Al Hape taking over Round Table Pizza. Coincidentally, Arliss "Al" Levin Hape died in 2017, the same year that Sam Panopoulos died.
Curiously, A Treasury of Business Opportunities: Featuring Over 400 Ways to Make a Fortune Without Leaving Your House! by David D. Seltz (1976) noted, “And few pizzas have proven as popular as the Hawaiian pizza invented in California.” The book also stated, “A California variation that at first attracted tasters with an attention-getting combination is a Hawaiian pizza, made with pineapple and ham.” Unfortunately, this book didn't identify the creator of the Hawaiian pizza, but it could be referring to Al Hape.
Flaming Hawaiian Pizza! The Van Nuys News (CA), March 7, 1968, presented an ad for the Kel-Luau Restaurant which served a “Flaming Hawaiian Pizza.” The Daily News-Post (CA), February 6, 1970, provided a description for this pizza, which was made with, “Island style Italian sauce, exotic cheeses, spices, pineapple, cherries, & savory meats.”
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Back to Canada. The first mention of "Hawaiian Pizza" that appeared in a Canada newspaper appears to be in the Times Colonist (Victoria, B.C.), July 28, 1967. There was an ad for the Pizza Pieman, offering a Sunshine Special, featuring “Hawaiian Pizza.” The next mention was in The Calgary Albertan (Alberta), May 10, 1968, with an ad for the newly opened “Hawaiian Pizza and Steak House.” This might also be the first restaurant anywhere to have "Hawaiian Pizza" in their name.
The Leader-Post (Saskatchewan), August 21, 1970, had an ad for Sammy’s Pizza, which offered “Hawaiian Pizza.” The Sun Times (Ontario), July 28, 1971, presented a recipe for Hawaiian pizza, which was made with pineapple and ham, noting, “The recipe comes from Hawaii.” There was no claim that Hawaiian Pizza had been invented in Ontario. The Expositor (Ontario), December 31, 1971, presented an ad for the Pizza Chief, with "delicious 'Hawaiian' PizzA."
The Leader-Post (Saskatchewan), August 21, 1970, had an ad for Sammy’s Pizza, which offered “Hawaiian Pizza.” The Sun Times (Ontario), July 28, 1971, presented a recipe for Hawaiian pizza, which was made with pineapple and ham, noting, “The recipe comes from Hawaii.” There was no claim that Hawaiian Pizza had been invented in Ontario. The Expositor (Ontario), December 31, 1971, presented an ad for the Pizza Chief, with "delicious 'Hawaiian' PizzA."
Again, there was no mention of Sam Panopoulos or the Satellite restaurant. No one gave any credit to Sam as the inventor of Hawaiian Pizza. And if Sam invented it in 1962, why did it take five years before there was a mention of Hawaiian Pizza in the Canadian newspapers?
The Philadelphia Daily News (PA), August 20, 1968, had an article on Avalon, New Jersey. The writer stated, "As for gourmet food, there is a place in Avalon that features 'Hawaiian Pizzas.' I don't know what Hawaiian pizzas are, and I don't care to know, thank you."
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The Philadelphia Daily News (PA), August 20, 1968, had an article on Avalon, New Jersey. The writer stated, "As for gourmet food, there is a place in Avalon that features 'Hawaiian Pizzas.' I don't know what Hawaiian pizzas are, and I don't care to know, thank you."
The Star-Ledger (NJ), October 2, 1968, mentioned, “The queen’s prize will be a trip to Hawaii to eat Hawaiian pizza—pineapple instead of sausage.”
The Billings Gazette (MT), March 20, 1969, presented an ad for Shakey's Pizza Parlor and Ye Public House. The ad mentioned their new item, Hawaiian Delight Pizza. The Imperial Beach Star-News, February 5, 1970, received information from Harvey Berneus, the manager at the Chula Vista Shakey's, that the idea of their Hawaiian Delight Pizza originated with their manager at their Honolulu restaurant. The Press & Sun-Bulletin (NY), November 10, 1971, mentioned that the Shakey's chain had 400 outlets, and sold over 23 million pizzas in the past year. So, Shakey's was able to spread a love for Hawaiian Pizza.
The Davis County Clipper (UT), August 29, 1969, had an ad for the Pepperoni Restaurant, which offered a special of Hawaiian Pizza, made with sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple. The Daily Utah Chronicle (UT), October 28, 1971, had an ad for Bimbo's Pizza, which introduced the "new Hawaiian Pizza."
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI), November 27, 1970, printed an ad for the grand opening of Moki's Hawaiian Pizza Hut, which offered Moki's Special Hawaiian Pizza. There was a brief news article about Moki's in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI), November 29, 1970, and it noted the special pizza was made with Portuguese sausage, mushrooms and other ingredients.
The Daytona Beach Morning Journal (FL), April 2, 1971, in a general article on pizza, stated, “There is the omelette pizza, the Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham, the hot pizza, and the chile con carne pizza.” This article was reprinted in various other newspapers across the country and in Canada as well.
The Daytona Beach Morning Journal (FL), April 2, 1971, in a general article on pizza, stated, “There is the omelette pizza, the Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham, the hot pizza, and the chile con carne pizza.” This article was reprinted in various other newspapers across the country and in Canada as well.
A Hawaiian Pizza Wedding Cake? The Bismarck Tribune (ND), November 26, 1971, published an article about the wedding of Gary Calheim and Laura Shore. Laura loved Hawaiian pizza so much that she wanted her wedding cake to be made from Hawaiian pizza! Their reception was held at Snoopy's Pizza, and it was the first time the restaurant ever made a wedding pizza. The wedding pizza had three levels, the upper levels being progressively smaller Hawaiian pizzas, and each layer was stacked atop the lower one by columns. The article had a photo of this wedding pizza.
The Idaho State Journal (ID), May 5, 1972, presented an ad for simply the Pizza restaurant, asking that you try their Hawaiian Pizza, made with Canadian bacon and pineapple. The Jacksonville Journal Courier (IL), May 28, 1972, had an ad for Vince's Pizza which offers "Ham Hawaiian Pizza." The Times Recorder (OH), September 3, 1972, posted an ad for Pine Pizza , stating "Something New? Try our Hawaiian Pizza!"
A new trend! The Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), November 17, 1972, mentioned that at least year's North American Pizza Association Convention, which was held in Philadelphia, there was a discussion on future trends in pizza, and two were specifically mentioned, Hawaiian Pizza (ham and pineapple) and Western Omelet Pizza. As time has passed, we now know that only the Hawaiian Pizza actually became a significant trend.
During the late 1970s, Hawaiian pizza even spread to other parts of the world! Around 1978, Hawaiian Pizza finally crossed the Atlantic, landing in England. The Herald Express (Devon, England), August 19, 1978, printed an ad for the Pizza King which offered Hawaiian Pizza. And across the Pacific Ocean, in Australia, Hawaiian pizza was listed on a restaurant menu in The Age (Victoria, Australia), August 21, 1979.
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To summarize:
- Sam Panopoulos was not the first to add pineapple to pizza.
- Sam Panopoulos was not the first to coin the term "Hawaiian Pizza."
- Sam Panopoulos was not the first to combine pineapple and ham on pizza.
- Sam Panopoulos was not the first to claim to have invented Hawaiian Pizza.
- There's no documentary evidence supporting Sam's claim. There's only his word, at least 48 years after his alleged invention.
- There's documentary evidence, from the 1960s, that other restaurants may have invented Hawaiian pizza.
We cannot just accept the word of Sam Panopoulos that he invented Hawaiian pizza, especially when that claim wasn't put forward until at least 47 years after the date of the alleged invention. There needs to be additional supporting evidence, which appears to be lacking. Even the interviews with Sam contradict each other on several key points. If those contradictions are considered simple memory lapses, then we have to question everything in those interviews, to ascertain what else what have been misremembered.
Based on what documentary evidence does exist, from numerous news sources, Hawaiian pizza existed prior to 1962, and other claimants exist as possible inventors, in places such as Boston, Washington, and California. The first newspaper mention of "Hawaiian Pizza" at a Canadian restaurant didn't appear until 1967. It might seem like a cool story that Sam Panopoulos invented Hawaiian Pizza, but without supporting evidence, it's only a fairy tale.
(This is a revised/expanded version of an article which originally was posted on May 14, 2021. The original article was about 1000 words, but the expanded version is about 6500 words.)
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