Pizza Hut Announces 'Italian Taco' to Rival Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza

Food & Wine ^ | September 15, 2022 | Mike Pomranz

[nickcarraway]

It turns out, we've been eating Italian Tacos all along.

Fast food fans' love of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is undeniable. Sure, the chain played up the hype, but Taco Bell didn't need to falsify 100,000 signatures for on online petition or take over social media with bots to build grassroots interest in a Mexican Pizza musical.

But with the Mexican Pizza officially returning to Taco Bell menus today, we still must face an inconvenient truth: Is the Mexican Pizza really a pizza? Isn't it just a glorified tostada begging for crossover appeal by naming itself a "pizza?"

The folks at Pizza Hut — who, as their name implies, should know a thing or two about pizza — certainly seem to think that's the case. Though they didn't explicitly call out the Mexican Pizza for pizza appropriation, Pizza Hut has launched a campaign that's sure to raise some eyebrows.

The pizza chain has announced they've begun selling a "new" product called the "Italian Taco." Except — and here's when they take an implied jab at Taco Bell — the Italian Taco isn't new at all: Simply fold your slice of pizza down the middle (as many people already do when eating pizza) and, voila, you've created your own Italian Taco.

"Feast your eyes and mouths on a hand-tossed taco shell stuffed with a classic marinara sauce, mouthwatering melted mozzarella cheese and whichever fillings you choose from pepperoni to jalapenos," a Pizza Hut representative explained — even though, moments later, they admitted the whole thing is just "a slice of pizza folded like a taco."

And no, Pizza Hut is not done. Referencing the fact that Taco Bell sold out of Mexican Pizzas and had to take it off the menu the first time they brought it back earlier this year, Pizza Hut jokes, "The best part? This nearly unbelievable innovation will never run out. The Italian Taco has been here and will be here forever." Their tag line: "No one out pizzas the hut."

But though Pizza Hut makes a compelling argument, the whole campaign brings up a question of its own: Is the joke really on us, the consumers? Because both Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are both owned by the same parent company: Yum! Brands. So regardless of whether you're Team Mexican Pizza or Team Italian Taco, it's the shareholders who win.

[nickcarraway]

[Dr. Sivana]

Pizza Hut had their own “Mexican Pizza” back in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s.

YUM is the parent of both restaurants, so this is probably play fighting.

[Larry Lucido]

I figure a calzone is an Italian taco. Or burrito.

[Rusty0604]

I don’t go to Taco Bell for good Mexican tacos, let alone Italian tacos, whatever that is.

[Larry Lucido]

Italian taco.

[rllngrk33]

Pizza Hut and Taco Bell are the last places I would go to to get pizza or tacos. Their food sucks.

[logi_cal869]

Prediction: Pulled from the menu in less than 90 days.

[nascarnation]

Probably correct, but it’s getting some “buzz” advertising-wise for the brand itself.

[dainbramaged]

Taco Bell used to sell the Bell Burger which was taco fixin’s on a hamburger bun back in the 70’s or so. It was somewhat edible.

[nd76]

I’m not sure how Pizza Hut and Taco Bell are rival companies, as they are both owned by Yum! Brands, which also owns KFC, A & W and a number of other fast food chains.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

Wake me when Taco Bell brings back the Enchirito.

And yes, it must be decorated with sliced black olives in order to be authentically Mexican.

[OrangeHoof]

Back in the 1980s, Godfather Pizza offered a “Taco Pizza” that was delivious. They cooked the beef, cheese and seasonings like a pizza, then topped it with fresh lettuce, shredded cheeses and tomato. It was basically a pizza with the same toppings you’d find on a taco and it was delicious although seemingly short-lived. It seems it was really difficult to keep the lettuce to stay on the pizza. It flew all over the place - just like a taco.

[GunHoardingCapitalist]

YUM owns so many food companies, they are practically a monopoly in the food plant world. I didnt realize how massive they were until I worked for Pepsi.

[Dr. Sivana]

I didn't realize how massive they were until I worked for Pepsi.

Ah, and that is the key. In the '80s, before new Coke, Pepsi was actually competitive with Coke at the retail level. Coke retained dominance in restaurants. Pepsico purchased restaurants to ensure that they would have Pepsi products. To this day, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut carry Pepsi products. Pepsi also bought a small hamburger chain called "Hot and Now", with ideas of expansion. Of course, Pepsi was also aggressively trying to get space in other restaurants, too.

Coke fought back. They went to their accounts who were being courted by Pepsi, and pointed out that by buy Pepsi products, they were FUNDING their competition. That was a winning pitch, and most restaurants and chains stuck with Coca-Cola products. Pepsico wisely realized that Coke was going to use those arguments forever, and Pepsi spun them off, and now we have YUM.

[JimRed]

Our local Irish pub serves Irish nachos: kettle chips toasted with bacon, green onions and a couple of cheeses. Yum!

[Pocketdoor]

Hey! Wake up! I’m pretty sure you can still get the Enchirito. I had one like 10 years ago... its not on the menu anymore but just ask. I think its just a beef burrito with enchilada sauce and cheese.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

You’re my hero!