By Tamara Horton, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Jimmy’s Pizza in Dassel
A fresh Jimmy’s Pizza is served to customers in Dassel, where the longtime local shop remains a popular stop for any celebrations.
Americans will celebrate National Pizza Day on Feb. 9, honoring a dish that has become a staple of weeknight dinners, family gatherings and late‑night cravings. From thin crust to deep dish, pizza remains one of the country’s most enduring comfort foods.
The National Restaurant Association reports that pizza generates more than $46 billion in annual U.S. sales, with both national chains and independent shops contributing to the industry’s growth. Regional styles such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit continue to shape local tastes, while social‑media debates over toppings like pineapple show no signs of slowing.
Pizza’s roots trace back to Naples, Italy, but the dish gained widespread popularity in the United States after World War II, when returning soldiers brought home a taste for Italian cuisine. Today, pizza is a fixture in school cafeterias, fundraisers, sporting events, and community celebrations.
Local pizza shops in the Dassel-Cokato area:
• In Cokato, Hot Stuff Pizza at 620 Highway 12 SW offers quick‑service pies and can be reached at 320‑286‑0009.
• Casey’s at 150 Cokato St. E, known for its made‑to‑order pizzas and breakfast pies, is available at 320‑286‑5719.
• The Grounds on the Green at 15256 Highway 12 serves flatbreads and pizza‑style menu items, can be reached at 320-286-2423.
• Kwik Trip of Cokato, 145 Broadway Ave. N, provides everything from pizza by the slice to frozen pizzas, can be reached at 320-299-7051.
• Jimmy’s Pizza of Dassel, at 325 Atlantic Ave. W, remains a long‑standing favorite and can be reached at 320‑275‑9344.
• Casey’s of Dassel at 841 Parker Ave. W offers customizable pizzas and quick meals, with a phone number of 320‑275‑1276.
Many restaurants nationwide offer discounts, limited‑time toppings, or family‑meal bundles for National Pizza Day. Grocery stores often feature sales on frozen and take‑and‑bake options, making it an easy celebration for families staying in.
Whether enjoyed at a local shop or baked at home, pizza continues to unite people across backgrounds and tastes. Feb. 9 gives Minnesotans, like millions of Americans, plenty of ways to celebrate a dish that has become part of everyday life.
Dining and Cooking