Sbarro marks 70 years with global growth push and $2 slice promo

Sbarro is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a new campaign, limited-time slice deal and a report of continued global expansion from its Columbus, Ohio headquarters. The milestone highlights how the chain is leaning on its Brooklyn roots while broadening ordering options and restaurant formats worldwide.

Why it matters: - Sbarro is using its 70th anniversary to reinforce its position as the global leader in authentic New York pizza-by-the-slice. - The celebration also signals continued expansion, with more than 850 restaurants in 35 countries and more than 100 new locations opened annually for the past four years. - The brand’s anniversary push pairs nostalgia with a sales tactic aimed at both loyal customers and first-time guests.

What happened: - Sbarro launched its "70 Years – One Iconic Slice" campaign on August 17, 2026. - The company is marking 70 years since its founding in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro. - Sbarro is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. - The chain said it operates restaurants in airports, convenience stores, travel centers, shopping centers, universities, military bases, casinos and other high-traffic destinations. - Participating restaurants are offering any XL NY slice for $2 with any combo purchase from August 17 through October 17.

The details: - Sbarro began as a neighborhood Italian salumeria in Brooklyn, New York, before expanding across the New York metropolitan area. - The current menu includes pizza, pasta, stromboli, salad and more. - Each pizza starts with made-from-scratch, hand-stretched dough. - The slice is topped with San Marzano-style tomato sauce and freshly shredded 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese prepared throughout the day. - Sbarro says every pizza is baked fresh in each restaurant. - The brand has expanded recent operations into Chile, Panama, Colombia and Poland. - Online ordering and carryout options have expanded alongside the slice business to support whole XL pizzas for family meals, celebrations and group occasions. - Investments in modern kitchen equipment, operational efficiencies and restaurant technology are aimed at improving consistency and speed. - Sbarro says those investments also support franchisees around the world. - The company’s website is more information.

Between the lines: - The anniversary message is built around a familiar brand formula: emphasize origin story, product consistency and convenience while pointing to international growth. - The $2 slice offer suggests Sbarro is using the milestone to drive traffic during the promotion window rather than relying on brand awareness alone. - The focus on flexible formats and restaurant technology shows how the chain is adapting a legacy food concept to travel and grab-and-go settings. - CEO David Karam framed the strategy as preserving the iconic recipe while continuing to find new ways to serve guests.

What's next: - Sbarro said it expects to keep growing its global footprint through company-owned and franchised restaurants. - The company is positioning itself for continued expansion with flexible restaurant formats, franchise partnerships and ongoing technology upgrades. - The anniversary campaign runs through October 17, giving the brand a near-term window to convert celebration into sales.

The bottom line: - Sbarro is turning a 70-year milestone into a global brand refresh, using its signature slice, new market openings and a limited-time deal to keep the concept relevant across generations.