Happy Joe’s Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday with Summer Festivities
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is transforming the celebration of America’s 250th birthday into a summer-long event.
Based in Davenport, Iowa, this restaurant chain, which has three in-house locations in Egypt, 35 franchises across the U.S., and nine international outlets, is offering special patriotic menus, family-oriented block parties, and sweepstakes to honor the country’s milestone anniversary.
Tom Sacco, who serves as CEO, president, and “chief happiness officer,” remarked that the campaign aligns with the brand’s foundational spirit. “Who better to host a birthday bash for your average American than Happy Joe’s? That’s really who we are,” he said in a conversation with FOX Business.
From May 15 to August 15, customers at participating locations who buy specialty pizzas and Mountain Dew can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of three $3,000 trips to Washington, D.C. in the Freedom Flyaway Sweepstakes. Interestingly, while the sweepstakes initially focused only on the D.C. trip, winners now have the option of receiving cash instead, allowing them to use it for what benefits their families most.
“If celebrating your kids means you can alleviate the financial stress from the past few years—like affording summer vacation or childcare—that’s genuinely a significant win,” Sacco explained.
The promotional campaign also includes weekly giveaways of Mountain Dew prize packs that feature items like a pickleball paddle, lawn chair, blanket, Happy Joe’s merchandise, and gift cards.
On June 29, Happy Joe’s is set to host an AMERICA250 Block Party featuring games, trivia, music, giveaways, and complimentary slices of red, white, and blue birthday cake pizza from 4-8 p.m.
Sacco mentioned that some venues would offer fun activities such as bounce houses, face painting, and patriotic quizzes related to U.S. history and Happy Joe’s own story. “We’ll make it enjoyable,” he added. “You can create a fun game atmosphere while still making it patriotic.”
The limited-time menu includes unique offerings like BBQ Brisket Pizza topped with Texas smoked brisket, pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce, along with BBQ Chicken Pizza and an American 250 Birthday Cake adorned with red, white, and blue frosting.
Sacco emphasized that Happy Joe’s is committed to what it’s known for: creating memorable dining experiences centered around birthdays and family gatherings.
“We don’t compete on price or discounts; we compete on the overall experience,” he said. “Pizza brings you in, but it’s the memories we create that keep you coming back.”
He also noted that this campaign allows them to celebrate a significant national milestone with families everywhere. “For me, the 250th is the biggest national celebration I can participate in,” Sacco expressed. “Happy Joe’s enables us to share that joy with countless guests and their families nationwide.”
