National Survey Finds Giving Up Pizza Harder Than Facebook

Sbarro Survey Reveals Americans' Biggest Cravings for 2013; Iconic Italian Eatery Introduces Lower Calorie Skinny Slice™ to Help America Satisfy Pizza Fix

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Sbarro

Jan 10, 2013, 10:00 ET

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As of today, most Americans will hit the crucial ten day threshold, the moment where resolutions begin to waver and people succumb to their cravings. And when it comes to making sacrifices in 2013, most say it would be easier to give up social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for the entire year than favorite foods such as pizza, potato chips and french fries[1]. Of the 1,000 individuals surveyed, 39 percent expressed difficulty giving up pizza and other favorite foods versus only 25 percent for social media platforms like Facebook.

"In today's social media-driven world, it seems like we can't live without constantly posting or Tweeting. However, when it comes to choosing between pizza or Facebook, the people's choice is pizza. So of course it's no surprise that as a society we find it so hard to give up our food cravings – and the reality is that cutting out favorite foods entirely doesn't need to be the answer," said Lyssie Lakatos, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and one half of the Nutrition Twins®.

Food Cravings and Resolution Fall-Off
When asked about food cravings, about half (48 percent) of Americans crave pizza within 15 days of their resolution, and four in ten (40 percent) of Americans who didn't fulfill a resolution to eat healthier last year blame pizza for their slip-ups. When it comes to food slip-ups, most Americans (79 percent) attribute them to pizza (40 percent) and fried foods (39 percent).

"Today, you can find great food options when you're craving pizza like the new Sbarro Skinny Slice™ that's only 270 calories per slice and topped with better-for-you ingredients," said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro.

About the Sbarro Skinny Slice™
Bringing a new better-for-you mealtime option to pizza lovers everywhere, Sbarro is introducing its Sbarro Skinny Slice™. Launched in January, the Skinny Slice is being served across Sbarro eateries throughout the United States.

"We created the Skinny Slice as a delicious menu option for our guests looking for a great meal or snack that is both low in calories and satisfies that fix for pizza done the Sbarro way," said Greco. "Our new Skinny Slice will help pizza lovers everywhere answer their cravings without any guilt."

Only 270 calories per slice, the Skinny Slice is prepared with delicious, premium ingredients including Roasted Red and Green Bell Peppers, Portobello Mushrooms and sweet, Caramelized Onions topped with a sprinkling of Mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses.

"What I like about the Skinny Slice is that it satisfies cravings without expanding your waistline – not to mention it's topped with delicious, better-for-you ingredients," added Tammy Lakatos, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and the other half of the Nutrition Twins®.

Methodology
The Sbarro and Kelton Research study surveyed 1,000 Americans. The study was conducted as an online survey of the general population that was implemented between the dates of December 27, 2012 through January 1, 2013.

About Sbarro
Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category. Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries. An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, drinks and desserts. Sbarro is headquartered in Melville, NY. For more information, visit www.sbarro.com.

[1] The Sbarro and Kelton Research general population study surveyed 1,000 Americans. The survey was issued between the dates of December 27, 2012 through January 1, 2013.

SOURCE Sbarro