Boomers Remember This Discontinued DIY Pizza Kit, And Beg For Its Comeback

Pizza can be enjoyed in all kinds of ways, but at its heart it's a simple pleasure, and in some cases a reminder of a simpler time. For pizza lovers of a certain age who grew up making pizza at home, there's a certain nostalgia attached to Appian Way pizza mix. It's been discontinued for years, but it hasn't faded from the memories and hearts of those who grew up with it. Like many discontinued boxed foods before it, Appian Way maintains a devoted online following.

Long before national pizza chains, frozen pizzas, and delivery services became commonplace, Americans made pizza from scratch at home with DIY pizza kits, including Appian Way and Chef Boyardee's Pizza in a Skillet. Appian Way's mix was introduced by Frank Fiorillo in 1948 and, in a nod to his Italian heritage, named the pizza after the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road built around 300 B.C. that connected Rome with southern Italy, serving as a route for military travel across the Roman Empire.

Working in Massachusetts, Fiorillo's mix was created when he was still in his early 20s. Each box of Appian Way contained pizza crust mix, dry yeast, cheese, and an Italian-style pizza sauce pouch, and all home cooks had to do was add water to the crust. The kits became a huge hit in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s and became the way that many kids of the time were introduced to pizza. The brand was ultimately discontinued around 2018 or 2019.

For many passionate fans, nostalgia remains high for Appian Way. The Facebook group Bring Back Appian Way Pizza! — which boasts more than 2,000 members — is proof that the once iconic boxed brand hasn't been forgotten. So are the vintage ads that can be found on eBay for upwards of $25 and the petition to bring it back.

Members of the group have fond memories of family nights, which included making homemade pizza, watching TV, and playing games. Others recall coming home from school and enjoying Appian Way pizza customized with their favorite added toppings. The pizza mix even proved popular for military members serving overseas, and many group members yearn for even just the sauce to be brought back in some way — some of whom have attempted to recreate it.

As iconic as the brand might be for some, not everyone seems to have cherished memories of it. One Reddit commenter noted, "Usually they make the box photo better than the actual product. This is not the case here." "Why not just drink a can of tomato sauce? In no world is that a pizza," remembers another. In any case, Appian Way seems to have left a lasting impression on the way Americans consume food. If you're longing for pizza at home, we recommend this tasty kit from Costco.