Dining With Denise Neil

Wichita pizzeria owner breaks his No. 1 rule only once a year. It’s happening on Friday.

Once a year, Piatto owner Robert McMullin allows pineapple to infiltrate his restaurant. This year, it’ll happen on Friday, when he’ll serve an al pastor pizza with pineapple. Customers also can get Hopping Gnome Brewing Company’s pineapple kolsch to go with it.
Once a year, Piatto owner Robert McMullin allows pineapple to infiltrate his restaurant. This year, it’ll happen on Friday, when he’ll serve an al pastor pizza with pineapple. Customers also can get Hopping Gnome Brewing Company’s pineapple kolsch to go with it.

One day a year — and one day a year ONLY — Robert McMullin allows pineapple in his restaurant.

The owner of Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria at 1706 E. Douglas, who is well known for his deep-seated belief that pineapple does not under any circumstances belong on pizza, nonetheless allows the tropical fruit to infiltrate his restaurant once a year.

Urged by customers who don’t share his belief, he started the tradition on National Pizza Party Day back in 2018 and has continued it ever since. National Pizza Party Day 2022 happens on Friday, so McMullin is once again grudgingly making a pineapple allowance.

This year, the pizza he’s created is topped with a toasted chili sauce, al pastor, pineapple, queso fresco, cilantro and avocado creme. Those who order it on Friday can also try a Pineapple Kolsch beer from Hopping Gnome Brewing Company next door, and McMullin says the pairing is perfect.

In fact, he admitted to taste testing the pizza last week, and he described it as “GOOOOD.” Could his will be slipping?

Diners can get the pizza on Friday night only, when Piatto’s hours are 5 to 9 p.m. They can order it either at the restaurant or next door at Hopping Gnome.

Friday is National Pizza Party Day at Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria, and that’s the one day a year that pineapple is allowed on pizza.
Friday is National Pizza Party Day at Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria, and that’s the one day a year that pineapple is allowed on pizza. Courtesy

This story was originally published May 18, 2022 at 10:49 AM.

Denise Neil
The Wichita Eagle
Denise Neil has covered restaurants and entertainment since 1997. Her Dining with Denise Facebook page is the go-to place for diners to get information about local restaurants. She’s a regular judge at local food competitions and speaks to groups all over Wichita about dining.
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