Papa John’s is adding a touch of luxury to its menu with the U.S. debut of the Croissant Pizza, but there’s a twist—this indulgent new item will only be available for one day and exclusively to Papa Rewards members.
The Croissant Pizza first launched in the United Arab Emirates, where it quickly became a sensation thanks to its buttery, flaky croissant-style crust. Papa John’s describes it as the perfect blend of two fan favorites: classic pizza topped with fresh ingredients and the light, pastry-like texture of a croissant base. By combining these elements, the brand aims to deliver a premium twist on a global comfort food.
According to a report from Business Wire, Shivram Vaideeswaran, Senior Vice President of Brand at Papa John’s, said the Croissant Pizza reflects the company’s ongoing mission to innovate and deliver unique experiences. “This exclusive drop is our way of celebrating our Papa Rewards members with something truly special. 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,” Vaideeswaran noted.
He emphasized the company’s commitment to its long-standing slogan: Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. By elevating its classic recipe with a croissant crust, Papa John’s aims to create a product that feels both familiar and surprising at the same time.
The Croissant Pizza will be available on Tuesday, September 10, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. local time, exclusively for Papa Rewards members. Customers can claim one complimentary Croissant Pizza for carry-out only at participating locations, while supplies last. Each member is limited to one pizza.
This timed promotion marks not just the U.S. introduction of a globally inspired menu item, but also a nod to the brand’s focus on loyalty. The Papa Rewards program has been a cornerstone of the company’s customer engagement strategy, offering points, discounts, and now, exclusive access to limited-edition products.
To celebrate the international launch, Papa John’s has also partnered with fashion designer KidSuper to unveil a special Papa John’s x KidSuper Hot Bag. Inspired by the pizza’s braided, flaky crust, the custom bag even made its debut on the runway at Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show. The bag features a crescent-shaped zipper and a design that mimics the pastry-like layers of the Croissant Pizza.
Fans in the U.S. will have the chance to win one of these limited-edition delivery bags through an online giveaway. Starting September 10, Papa John’s will announce entry details on its official Instagram account. This fashion-food collaboration underscores how Papa John’s is extending its reach beyond pizza boxes and into lifestyle branding.
The Croissant Pizza launch comes at a time when fast-food and fast-casual restaurants are increasingly experimenting with global food trends to entice adventurous eaters. From Taco Bell’s fusion menu items to McDonald’s rotating “international favorites,” global flavors are becoming a key battleground in the fight for younger, trend-savvy customers.
By positioning the Croissant Pizza as both exclusive and free, Papa John’s taps into two powerful consumer motivators: scarcity and value. Limited-time offers often generate buzz and encourage quick action, while the reward of a complimentary product reinforces customer loyalty.
Papa John’s hopes the Croissant Pizza will resonate with American pizza lovers in the same way it did with diners in the UAE, while also sparking curiosity and social media chatter. Whether it becomes a permanent menu fixture or remains a one-day culinary experiment remains to be seen.
For now, pizza fans in the U.S. will have just two hours on September 10 to get a taste of this flaky, buttery innovation—proof that sometimes, indulgence comes with a deadline.
