US Pizza Says It'll Change Its Name To 'KITA Pizza' If It Gets 10K Likes On Facebook
The local pizza chain recently clarified that the 'US' in its brand name does not refer to the United States.
By May Vin Ang — 20 Nov 2023, 01:01 PM
US Pizza Malaysia has announced that it will change its name to 'KITA Pizza' if its social media post receives 10,000 likes and comments
The local pizza chain suggested the name change amid an ongoing trend of boycotts for brands perceived to be supporting Israel in the Israel-Palestine war.
"Do you want us to change names?" it asked in a Facebook post featuring the United States, Malaysia, and Palestine flags on Saturday, 18 November.
Earlier, a US Pizza branch raised eyebrows on social media by clarifying that the 'US' in its brand name does not refer to the United States
In a notice that went viral, Wealth Link Freedom Sdn Bhd, the company operating the US Pizza outlet in Taman Prima Saujana, Kajang, Selangor, emphasised that it is a local, Muslim-owned business.
"Kindly be informed that US Pizza refers to the word 'us' ('kita' in Malay). It is totally a local incorporated company.
"For the US Pizza outlet at Taman Prima Saujana, Kajang, Selangor, it is a Muslim business entity. This company belongs to my family and myself.
"We would like to welcome you all to our restaurant and enjoy our foods offered," said the company's chief executive officer, Mohd Sobree Ali.
Sobree confirmed that the notice was originally posted by his son on his personal social media account last week in response to the wave of boycotts
However, according to Malaysiakini, they retracted the notice after it went viral because the explanation had yet to be discussed with the franchise's headquarters.
Sobree told Malaysiakini that even though he has yet to clear the issue with the head office, he does interpret the 'US' in the brand name as the pronoun 'us' to welcome all people to his restaurant.
As of writing, the US Pizza Facebook post has garnered over 1,400 likes and 400 comments
Supporting the move, some netizens have also suggested 'MY Pizza' and 'Pizza Kita' as alternatives for the brand's name change.
In another Facebook post, the pizza chain said it is running a buy-one-free-one promotion, highlighting that 'US' could also stand for 'untuk semua (for everyone)'.
It also said RM1 from every receipt will be donated to a reputable Palestinian humanitarian aid organisation.
"Don't worry! US Pizza does not pay royalties to the United States," it further assured.
The promotion is valid for dine-in only and will continue until 30 November.
