Connecticut, often hailed as the pizza capital of the United States, has rolled out a unique way for residents to celebrate their state’s culinary claim to fame. As of March 14, a new pizza-themed license plate is available to car owners, further cementing the state’s deep-rooted pizza culture.
License plates are a hallmark of state identity across the U.S., with each state showcasing its own symbols. For instance, Washington is known for its iconic Mount Rainier plate, Alaska boasts the blue and yellow plate adorned with the Big Dipper, and New York’s plates feature the grandeur of Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty. Now, Connecticut has joined these ranks with a plate that proudly showcases the state’s pizza heritage.
The launch of the Pizza State Connecticut License Plate has garnered enthusiastic support, with many seeing it as a tribute to the families who have contributed to the thriving pizza industry in the state. Colin Caplan, a New Haven historian and business owner, spearheaded the initiative. Caplan, who has long been an advocate for Connecticut’s pizza culture, approached the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the idea of creating a special interest license plate. In partnership with Connecticut Food Share, the state’s largest food bank, Caplan worked to gather the necessary support and applications to bring the plate to life.
To get the license plate into production, at least 400 applications had to be submitted. However, the response was overwhelming, with 600 entries received online. The unexpected surge of interest prompted a temporary pause in the application process to ensure every submission could be processed correctly. As Caplan explained, “We had to stop because we got so many applications, and that had never been done before.”
The plates officially launched on Pi Day—March 14—making the date even more significant for pizza lovers. The DMV has set the prices for the plates, with an additional processing fee for credit card payments, printing, and digital signing.
Connecticut’s passion for pizza is well-documented. According to a special examination on pizza by the state comptroller, Connecticut is home to 1,376 pizza restaurants, with the city of New Haven leading the charge with 63 pizzerias. The state ranks first in the nation for the highest number of pizza restaurants per capita, boasting 3.65 establishments per 10,000 residents. This dense concentration of pizza joints highlights the state’s deep affinity for the dish.
The pizza culture in Connecticut has not only shaped local identity but also driven the economy. Pizza sales contribute approximately $600 million annually, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the state’s economic activity. New Haven, in particular, draws over 2 million visitors annually who come specifically for the pizza, contributing an additional $100 million to the local economy.
Local pizza shop owners are excited about the new license plate, seeing it as a fun and effective way to promote their businesses. Kadir Catabasoglu, owner of Brick Oven Pizza, believes the plate will have a positive impact: “You see the pizza plate, and you want pizza.” Similarly, George Koutroumanis, owner of Yorkside Pizza, commented, “You know, Georgia is the Peach State, Connecticut is the Pizza State. I’m sure it will be fun. Anybody sees it anywhere, so it sticks in your mind.”
Caplan, who played a pivotal role in getting the plates launched, sees the initiative as more than just a marketing stunt. He views it as a celebration of the family-run pizzerias that are integral to the local economy and community. “We are trying to create a positive rally call around something that is wholesome. These are family businesses, these are major employers, major parts of our economy and points of pride,” Caplan said. “These businesses are feeding us, it is building up together. That is how I see it.”
The license plate program has been a resounding success, but Caplan plans to limit the total number of plates to around 3,500. With 600 plates already sent out, the next round of orders will be limited to 2,900 plates, and Caplan hopes to begin taking orders for the next batch in about three weeks.
For pizza enthusiasts and Connecticut residents alike, this new pizza-themed license plate is a fun and memorable way to show pride in the state’s rich pizza culture while also supporting local businesses.
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