In a time of increased tensions between Israel and Iran, an interesting theory dubbed the “Pizza Index” has resurfaced on social media. The theory surmises that rising numbers of pizza deliveries in the vicinity of the Pentagon signify escalating crises or secret operations in progress.
A specialized X (once Twitter) handle monitoring pizza orders from restaurants around the US Department of Defense reports to have seen a significant spike in orders shortly before Israel’s recent strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites.
“Huge Surge in Activity” Near the Pentagon
The profile posted a chart purportedly comparing delivery traffic, stating, “All pizza places close to the Pentagon have seen a HUGE spike in action.” A subsequent post included, “With time remaining before closing, District Pizza Palace, not far from the Pentagon, has a huge influx of traffic.”
Even a Domino’s location close to the White House was referred to, the profile stating “high-levels of traffic above average.”
What is the ‘Pizza Index’?
The ‘Pizza Index’ theory states that high-level military or intelligence action tends to involve long hours of night work, keeping the staff at the desk. To avoid hunger during the crisis, staff resort to convenient foods such as pizza, increasing the delivery activity around command centers.
Basically, observers believe that an upsurge in pizza orders may be a sign of ready military action or national crises in the making behind closed doors.
An Ancient Theory with Roots of History
While it might seem weird, the idea isn’t old. The Telegraph reported that pizza deliveries in Washington DC increased overnight before Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990. Local Domino’s franchisee Frank Meeks later said he noticed similar increases preceding major Operation Desert Storm missions. Meeks thought pizza orders acted as an unconscious early warning system for military operations.
Public Interest In The Middle Of Actual Conflict
Though there is no official word to support these allegations, the obsession of the internet with odd trends continues. As Israel and Iran keep firing threats and missiles at each other, the revival of the ‘Pizza Index’ proves a mix of worry, humor, and amateur detective work in international conflict.
Whether it is mere coincidence or an offbeat understanding of military mindsets, the “Pizza Index” is once again trending on the internet.