Advice by the Slice

Lunchtime in the pizza business is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most underutilized windows for growth. For many pizzerias, the hours between 11 AM and 2 PM are the quietest of the day, yet they represent a huge opportunity. One easy way to turn that downtime into drive-time? Add a Calzone Lunch Special.

Why Calzones?

Calzones are one of those magic menu items: low-risk, high-reward. They use ingredients you already have on hand, appeal to a wide variety of customers, and travel exceptionally well for takeout and delivery. Plus, they hit the sweet spot of comfort food and portability, a win for busy lunch crowds.

Here’s why they make sense:

• Ingredient overlap with your current menu (less overhead)
• Highly customizable (cheese lovers, meat fans, veggie-only, you’ve got them all covered)
• Perfect for grab-and-go or delivery ( they travel better than pizza slices)
• Visually appealing (a golden, folded pocket of deliciousness)

The Power of a Bundle

It’s not just about adding calzones, it’s about presenting them the right way. A smart lunch special feels like a deal, adds value for the customer, and quietly increases your average ticket size.

Try bundling your calzone with:

• A fountain drink or bottled soda
• A side salad, chips, or a cookie
• A limited-time dipping sauce to create urgency

You’ll offer more perceived value without overextending your kitchen, and you'll give customers a complete meal solution during their tight lunch breaks.

Make It Easy to Order

With Adora POS, you can automate this special so it only appears during lunch hours, track how it’s performing, and even target returning lunch customers with personalized offers. Want to go further? Use SMS or email campaigns to drive awareness and maybe even offer a “Buy 5, Get 1 Free” punch card to build loyalty.

The Big Picture

Running a lunch special isn’t just about filling a few extra seats; it’s about optimizing underused hours to drive growth. A Calzone Lunch Special is:

• Simple to execute
• Built for upselling
• Perfect for digital marketing
• Great for diversifying your revenue streams

Final Slice of Advice

Small changes lead to big results. If your lunch service is quiet, consider folding in a calzone special. It's an easy win that adds depth to your menu and value to your bottom line.