The familiar pizza chain was completely renewed

One stays. The Hangover has received a facelift, but its basic essence remains unchanged. Classic pizza

Classic Pizza has made the most radical reform in its 30-year history. The pizza list has been drastically reduced and the pizza recipes have been updated. In addition to this, the pizza base, sauce and cheese have changed.

Classic Pizza brand and customer experience director Ville-Eemeli Junnola says that the sourdough base was worked on for a long time so that it has the desired structure and airiness.

The tomato sauce uses San Marzano tomatoes picked from southern Italy, which are used to make a freshly squeezed, uncooked sauce. The cheese, on the other hand, is a homemade mixture of gouda and mozzarella. Junnola describes that the cheese mixture has flavor and elasticity.

Classic Pizza’s list of 30 pizzas has been reduced to 12 pizzas. Junnola says that consumer research has confirmed that too long a list does not add value.

– Less is more. So less is more, says Junnola.

However, he admits that the reform has not been to the liking of all long-term customers.

– Big changes arouse emotions. We listen to customer feedback with a sensitive ear.

Restel bought Classic Pizza in 2022, which gave impetus to a new phase of development. Junnola reminds that the market for premium pizzas has changed in 10–15 years. According to Junnola, the competition is tough, and standing out requires new methods.

But absolutely everything old has not been given up. There are still a few classics on the list.

– For example, we won’t touch Hangover, it can’t be removed, says the kitchen operations manager Sami Toijanen.

The Hangover has been in the selections for 30 years and, according to Toijanen, is a downright sacred thing for many. Although the hangover has not been removed, its recipe was slightly changed. The pizza has new salami and self-pickled jalapenos.

In addition to Hangover, the most popular pizzas such as Pollo Barbecue (now Pollo Sunshine) and vegetarian pizza Verde remained.

Toijanen emphasizes that the toppings of the pizzas have not only been changed, but higher quality equivalents have been sought for them.

– Like Pollo Sunshine ham, Hangover salami, Calabrian salami and fresh pineapple. We also do more and more ourselves, Toijanen lists.

He laughs that the menu still has What ever pizza, so customers can still order their old favorites as well.

According to Junnola, the pizza & bubbles concept is still at the core of the pizzeria. Since the beginning, the restaurant’s trademark has been more affordable champagne than usual, which is made possible by its own import.

In addition to the menu, the wine list has also been renewed. A long-time professional in the beverage industry Liisa Tirronen has curated the entire wine list.

According to him, the theme of the wine choices has been from the Northern Italian Alps to the orange groves of Sicily. All the wines on the new list are Italian. Champagne is the only non-Italian drink on the wine list.

– We wanted to choose wines that have their own voice and story. The wine list has been made to suit pizzas and customers’ tastes. It is proudly itself, says Tirronen.

He reminds us that Italy has the most original varieties, grapes grow the size of a boot.

– Why do anything other than carefully choose wines from one country? We made a conscious choice and left out the Riesling.

In addition to pizzas, the menu includes renewed starters and desserts. Toijanen says that they want to encourage customers to eat three courses.

– We are not a pizzeria, but a pizza restaurant. For starters, we brought Italian classics.

Restel’s regional manager Marjo Mäkelä is pleased to notice that the customers have found the appetizers.

– The table party may take several appetizers and share them among themselves, says Mäkelä.