Rhode Island's Pizza Strips: A Local Classic Explained

Hotline Pizza's Eli Rumbarger shares the history and appeal of this unique regional dish.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:07am

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A grid of brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen-style illustrations of a single Rhode Island pizza strip, conceptually representing the unique regional dish's enduring cultural significance.The iconic Rhode Island pizza strip, a beloved local specialty, is celebrated in this vibrant pop art-inspired illustration.Providence Today

Rhode Island pizza strips are a distinctive local specialty consisting of a focaccia-like crust topped with tomato sauce and served at room temperature. This unique regional dish has origins dating back decades in the Providence area.

Why it matters

Pizza strips are a beloved part of Rhode Island's culinary identity, representing the state's distinct food culture and traditions. As more national chains expand, preserving these hyperlocal specialties is important for maintaining a sense of community and pride.

The details

The pizza strip crust is thicker and more focaccia-like compared to traditional pizza, and the sauce is applied directly to the dough rather than using cheese as a base. They are served at room temperature, making them a convenient and portable snack or meal. Hotline Pizza in Providence is known for its take on the classic Rhode Island pizza strip.

  • The pizza strip dish has origins dating back decades in the Providence area.

The players

Eli Rumbarger

An employee at Hotline Pizza in Providence, known for their take on the classic Rhode Island pizza strip.

Hotline Pizza

A Providence-based restaurant that is known for its version of the traditional Rhode Island pizza strip.

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What they’re saying

“It originated back in the day,”

— Eli Rumbarger, Employee, Hotline Pizza

The takeaway

Rhode Island's pizza strips represent a unique regional food tradition that has endured for decades, showcasing the state's distinct culinary identity and the importance of preserving hyperlocal specialties in the face of national chain expansion.