After making waves in international markets and capturing the attention of food enthusiasts abroad, Papa Johns is officially bringing its highly celebrated Croissant Pizza to the United States. But there’s a twist: this indulgent, pastry-inspired pizza will only be available for one day, making its debut as an exclusive treat for members of the Papa Rewards loyalty program.
The Croissant Pizza, known for its buttery, flaky crust that mimics the delicate layers of a classic French croissant, is the brand’s latest innovation designed to marry global culinary influences with the familiar flavors American consumers love. Papa Johns has long positioned itself as a pioneer in the pizza category, embracing bold experimentation and introducing menu items that go beyond the ordinary. With the Croissant Pizza, the brand continues its mission of “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.®,” while giving its most loyal fans a truly elevated dining experience.
A Celebration of Loyalty and Innovation
The limited-time U.S. launch is intended as a celebration of Papa Johns’ dedicated Papa Rewards members. “This exclusive drop is our way of celebrating our Papa Rewards members with something truly special,” said Shivram Vaideeswaran, Senior Vice President of Brand at Papa Johns. “As a brand built on innovation, craftsmanship and quality, we’re always looking to global food culture for inspiration—and turning it into new and delicious experiences that stand out. We’re proud to bring together two beloved icons into one craveable, elevated product that reflects our commitment to Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.®”
The Croissant Pizza first made its debut in the United Arab Emirates, where it quickly became a sensation. International consumers praised its unique crust—a departure from the traditional hand-tossed or thin-crust bases typically associated with pizza. By incorporating the flaky, layered texture of a croissant, Papa Johns created a hybrid product that feels indulgent yet approachable. The result is a pizza that is light and airy, while still delivering the savory satisfaction fans expect from Papa Johns.
An International Hit Comes Stateside
The success abroad has set the stage for a high-profile U.S. debut. For one day only—on September 10—Papa Rewards members will have the opportunity to try the Croissant Pizza free of charge at participating locations.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: September 10, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time
- Availability: Complimentary Croissant Pizza, one per customer, carry-out only, while supplies last
- Eligibility: Papa Rewards members exclusively
This approach not only builds excitement but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to rewarding customer loyalty. By offering this as a limited-time, members-only experience, Papa Johns is creating a sense of exclusivity that elevates the launch beyond a standard menu rollout.
Fashion Meets Food: The Papa Johns x KidSuper Collaboration
Papa Johns has also tapped into the worlds of fashion and culture to highlight the international significance of the Croissant Pizza. In partnership with designer KidSuper, the company unveiled a custom creation—the Papa Johns x KidSuper Hot Bag.
The bag draws direct inspiration from the pizza itself, featuring a braided design and a crescent-shaped zipper that mimics the layered texture of croissant pastry. Its debut took place on one of the most prominent stages in fashion: the Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) runway. By aligning the Croissant Pizza with high fashion, Papa Johns demonstrated that this is more than just a new menu item—it’s a cultural statement.
The playful collaboration between Papa Johns and KidSuper emphasizes the brand’s ambition to connect with younger, trend-savvy audiences who value creativity and innovation across industries. In an era where food, fashion, and social media often intersect, this kind of partnership helps Papa Johns reinforce its brand identity as modern, relevant, and culturally in tune.
For U.S. fans, the excitement doesn’t stop at the pizza itself. Starting September 10, Papa Johns will launch a giveaway campaign on Instagram, giving lucky participants the chance to win their very own limited-edition Papa Johns x KidSuper Hot Bag. This social media-driven activation is designed to extend the buzz of the Croissant Pizza launch, ensuring that the conversation continues well beyond the initial one-day event.
Redefining the Pizza Experience
What makes the Croissant Pizza stand out is not only its crust but also what it represents for Papa Johns as a brand. By experimenting with globally inspired concepts and premium culinary techniques, Papa Johns is positioning itself as a company that goes beyond the traditional pizza playbook. It’s no longer just about delivering a hot, cheesy meal—it’s about offering an experience that feels new, adventurous, and aspirational.
The move also signals a growing trend within the food industry: the blending of comfort food with elevated, gourmet twists. Just as cronuts, sushi burritos, and ramen burgers once defined waves of food innovation, the Croissant Pizza brings novelty to the pizza category. It demonstrates how food brands can adapt international influences into local markets in a way that excites both loyalists and new customers.
A Moment of Connection
In many ways, the Croissant Pizza launch is as much about community as it is about food. By limiting the availability to Papa Rewards members, Papa Johns is creating a shared moment for its most loyal fans—a moment where they can feel recognized and part of something exclusive. The limited-time nature adds a sense of urgency and excitement, ensuring that those who participate will remember the experience as unique.
