Why do pizzas come with peppers

Aside from maybe peanut butter and jelly, there are few food pairings that are quite as iconic as a Papa John's pizza and the pepperoncini pepper that's always served on the side. Some may deem that hyperbolic, but for those who've spent years ordering delivery, it's a mainstay. But even those who can't resist finishing their slice with the tangy pepper have probably wondered why it's tucked inside every box in the first place.

We finally have an answer, and it turns out it's an homage to one of the franchise owner's former employers. Before Papa John's owner John Schnatter founded one of the most popular pizza brands in the world, he worked at a local restaurant, Rocky's Sub Pub, in his small town of Jeffersonville, IN.

Dining Hall Dorm Lyfe Perfect for when you're Broke See All How To. See All Videos. That email doesn't look right. Enter your email address below and we'll deliver our top stories straight to your inbox.

Your Inbox is Hungry Enter your email address below to get Food News delivered straight to your inbox. Constantine Spyrou Sep 22, Photo: Micolo J on Flickr. We Deliver! At his dad's pub, they would always put a pepperoncino pepper inside every pizza.

Nowadays, Papa John's uses thousands of the small green peppers every year. Not only that, but you might recall the world running out of pepperoncini in the '90s. For you. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App.

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