# Pan-Baked Pizza Crusts The New Pan Pizza Option at Papa John's Features a Thick Crust By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-04-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pan-pizza References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2016/04/papa-johns-testing-new-pan-pizza.html) Papa John's recently began testing a new Pan Pizza at select locations in Kentucky. As of right now, chains such as Domino's, [Pizza Hut](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-hut-handcrafted-crust) and [Little Caesars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-caesars-bacon-crust-pizza) already offer pan-baked pizzas. Now Papa John's is testing out the thicker crust option with its own take on the dish. The new crust option consists of a pizza that has been pan-baked to produce a thick and crunchy crust. The new pizza is similar to a dish that the chain introduced back in 2005 called the '[Papa's Perfect Pan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papa-murphys-papas-picks) pizza.' While the original pizza was discontinued in 2009, the new version of the dish is expected to become a regular menu fixture. To promote the new dish, the chain is offering a large pan pizza with three toppings for just $10. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Pan-baked Pizza:** Opportunity for pizza chains to introduce thick and crunchy crust options for customers. - **Fast Food Menu Innovation:** Opportunity for fast food chains to test and introduce new menu items to attract customers. - **Value Menu Offerings:** Opportunity for fast food chains to offer promotional deals to entice customers to try new menu items. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains such as Papa John's, Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars can experiment with menu innovation to stay competitive. - **Restaurant Franchises:** Restaurant franchises can explore new crust options to set themselves apart in the crowded pizza market. - **Food Delivery Services:** Food delivery services can help fast food chains promote new value menu offerings to increase sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [New York-Style Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-style-crust-pizza.md) - [Cheese-Baked Crust Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-parm-pizza.md) - [Crisped Cheddar Crust Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheddar-crust-pizza.md) - [Savory Cheese-Seasoned Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlic-5cheese-crust-pizza.md) - [Pepperoni-Crusted Pizza Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepperonicrusted-papadia.md) - [Crust-Free Pizza Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papa-bowls-1.md) - [Pepperoni-Filled Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-pepperoni-stuffed-crust-pizza.md) - [Extra-Cheesy Pepperoni-Packed Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-pepperonistuffed-crust-pizza.md) - [Cup-Shaped Pepperoni Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papa-johns-1.md)