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Americans gobble up pizza during a GOP debate

When presidential candidates debate issues Americans are indulging in pizza in record numbers for both parties.

October 30, 2015

As candidates debate issues like the economy, foreign policy and income inequality in both Democratic and Republican debates, Americans are gobbling down pizza in record numbers, according to data gathered from more than 650 Marco’s Pizza stores in 35 states nationwide. The Toledo-based pizza chain tracked orders across its franchise system during the past three presidential debates, finding increases in orders of as much as 40 percent compared to the same weeknights last year in several markets.

Nationwide, while the company reported orders spiked during both party debates: spectators of the Oct. 28 GOP debate rung up 12 percent more orders over viewers of the Democratic debate on Oct. 13. Pepperoni was the most commonly ordered topping across the country, according to a press release.

"You have to admit it’s a little ironic to see how liberally Americans consumed pizza during the Republican debates," said Bryon Stephens, president and COO of Marco’s Pizza. "We’re finding that when people gather together for any national televised event — whether it’s presidential debates, sporting events or award shows — our orders rise significantly. The debates have been healthy for the pizza business. Having said that, Game 2 of the World Series didn’t hurt the spike."

Following a 38-percent national surge compared to the same date in 2014 during the Sept. 16 GOP debate, Marco’s Pizza posted an increase of 28.5 percent during the GOP debate on Oct. 28 as compared to the same date last year. Sales during the Oct. 13 Democratic presidential debate resulted in a spike of slightly more than 25 percent over last year on that date, the release stated.

Marco’s Pizza has more than 600 stores in 35 states, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and India.