A slice of crisis: Is pizza the Pentagon’s secret political barometer?

Imagine a world where global crises aren’t just brewing in diplomatic cables or hushed war rooms but subtly telegraphed by an unexpected surge in pizza sales. It sounds like something out of a spy novel, yet this fascinating concept, popularly known as the

Pentagon Pizza Index

, is once again sparking conversation. From its shadowy Cold War origins to recent viral moments on social media, this quirky, unofficial theory suggests that a sudden rush of pizza — or any takeout food —to the US defense and intelligence hubs could be the first delicious hint of an impending major geopolitical event.

What is the Pentagon Pizza Index?

The Pentagon Pizza Index is a quirky, unofficial theory that suggests a surge in pizza (or other takeout food) orders to the Pentagon and other US Defense or intelligence buildings can indicate an impending major geopolitical event. On June 14, two Domino’s locations near the Pentagon registered abnormally

high amounts of traffic for a Friday (throughout the day and evening), hinting at the onset of the Iran-Isarel conflict.

The logic

It is believed that when government officials and staff are working late into the night on urgent, high stakes matters (like military operations, international conflicts, or significant policy decisions), they can’t leave their posts for food. Therefore, they rely heavily on quick, shareable, convenient and calorie-rich food like pizza to keep them going. A dramatic increase in pizza orders signals heightened activity and a potential crisis brewing.

When pepperoni predicted peril

This intriguing theory known as “Pizza Intelligence,” or “Pizzint,” goes back to the Cold War. At that time, Soviet analysts reportedly kept a close eye on pizza deliveries to US government buildings. Sudden surges in food orders to the CIA & Pentagon, were considered informal indicators of the looming crisis. In 1990 Frank Meeks, a Washington DC Domino’s franchise owner, observed a spike in orders to CIA buildings. The next day, Iraq invaded Kuwait, confirming his “Pizzint” suspicions.

Unusual? Surely

One of the most notable recent instances of the Pentagon Pizza Index in action occurred on April 13, 2024. That night, as Iran unleashed a massive drone and missile strike against Israel, screenshots from various food delivery platforms showed pizzerias surrounding the Pentagon, White House, and Department of Defence tagged with the telling status of “busier than usual.” (Source: Economic Times)

Pentagon to the Pizza Index: “We got sushi too”

A Pentagon spokesperson reacted to the Pizza delivery index of June 13 and clarified they do not need to order pizza as there are many pizza options inside Pentagon and also, they have sushi, sandwiches, donuts, etc. According toa report publishedby Tasting Tables, March 27, 2025, the Pentagon, has cafes for quick coffee runsto full meals. Here’sa sampler:McDonald’sDunkin DonutsBaskin-RobbinsTaco BellPanda ExpressJamba JuicePotbelly Sandwich WorksTropical Smoothie CaféPanera BreadSubwayPopeyesStarbucksMoe’s Southwest Grill