Pi Day: A Little History and Local Offers
By Darren Nelson Content Writer for My Local Utah
National Pi Day is coming on March 14. Pi is a mathematical constant. It is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. In decimal form, the first three digits are 3, 1, and 4 — hence March 14 (third month, 14th day). So, why the national holiday? Well, pi also is pronounced the same as pie, and thus, has become a day to celebrate with a dessert pie or a pizza pie.
What is the big deal about pi? The Ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes is most credited to be the first to accurately calculate the value of pi. This number, with endless digits to the right of its decimal, is abbreviated to 3.14 for mathematical problem solving with circular objects. It is a foundational calculation used for mathematics and engineering throughout modern history. It’s a big deal to make our modern world possible. And it sounds like pie.
The first Pi Day celebration to catch the public’s attention took place at the Exploratorium (aka Shaw’s Place of Work), an interactive science museum in San Francisco. The event featured a circular parade and the eating of fruit pies. This pi party has become larger with each passing year, resulting in live webcasts and a virtual pi party. In 2009 it became recognized as an official national holiday with legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Adding more gravitas to this little holiday is that March 14 also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday.
So, pi and pie have been together for a while now. Since cookies and cakes get all the attention, it’s about time we give the pie some love. Getting something delicious to eat for a day commemorating mathematics simply adds up to a day worth celebrating.
We found some local Pi Day offers that will help celebrate while satisfying your taste buds. (With any special offer, it is recommended that you call ahead to verify that your location is participating.)
Here are the offers available this March 14:
Pies:
Kneaders Bakery: This Utah original bakery offers a slice of pie for only $1.50 with the purchase of any entree. Available March 12–13.
Brookey Bakes: This Ogden bakery is offering hand pies on Pi Day for only $3.14
Marie Callender’s: There is only one location left in Utah (1109 E. 3900 S., Salt Lake City) Get 4 mini-pot pies to go with salad and cornbread for $39.95.
Flake Pie Company: This South Jordan pie make has some yummy offerings for Pi Day.
Sprouts: Get an apple or vegan apple pie for just $3.14 (no coupon needed).
Whole Foods Market: Take $3.14 off any large pie from the bakery, while supplies last.
June Pie: This pie shop in Heber City is always ready to celebrate Pi Day
Veyo Pies and Bakery: This southern Utah bakery is an institution. Famous for pie.
Pizza Pies:
Papa Murphy’s: Get 31.4% off your online order of $20 or (code PIDAY
7-Eleven: -Special offer for 7-Eleven app users—get a large pizza for just $3.14 via app offer.
Sbarro: Join their “Slice Society” rewards program to receive a free NY XL slice with the purchase of a beverage.
Blaze Pizza: Download the Blaze App and get a pizza with unlimited toppings for $3.14 (only through the App). Available March 14 – April 12.
Pieology: Members of Pieology’s “Pie Life Rewards” program can save $3.14 off a purchase of $10 or more.
Papa John’s: Buy one large pizza, get a second large pizza for $3.14.
Pizza Pie Cafe: Buy one buffet with 2 medium drinks, get 2nd buffet for only $3.14. Check with your location to confirm. Available March 12 and 13.
Your Pie: Pie Rewards Members will receive an offer for $3.14 off one 10” pizza. Available March 14 – 16.
UPR and Lucky Slice: Drive through Utah Public Radio (Logan) and get a free slice of Pizza from Lucky Slice.
Other Pi Day Deals:
Cupbop: Buy one Cupbop bowl and get another for only $3.14.
ARUP – Donate blood on and get a pie.
Jamba Juice: Get a free small smoothie with the purchase of a large smoothie. Available for members of “My Jamba Rewards” can redeem online (via the app on the company’s website) or at an in-store location. Available March 13 and 14.
