US Pizza considers name change to 'Kita Pizza' amid boycott calls

FACING mounting pressure from consumers boycotting brands perceived as supportive of Israel, local pizza chain US Pizza is considering changing its name to Kita Pizza.

The company announced the proposed name change on social media, stating that the transition would depend on the post garnering 10,000 likes.

At the time of this report, the post had amassed over 1,800 likes, accompanied by an image featuring the US flag, the Malaysian flag, and the Palestinian flag.

US Pizza also unveiled a promotional discount and pledged to donate RM1 from every bill towards humanitarian efforts in Palestine.

"Don't worry, US Pizza does not pay royalties to the US," the company assured its customers.

Social media users reacted to the proposed name change with mixed responses.

Many suggested the alternative name MY Pizza, implying to Malaysia.

It was reported that US Pizza, founded by American pizza maker Donald Duncan in the 1990s, established its first Malaysian outlet in 1997. In 2015, Malaysian entrepreneur Jeremy Hiew acquired the brand. US Pizza currently operates 100 outlets across Malaysia and Indonesia.

The brand has reportedly become a target of boycotts due to its perceived ties to the United States, which has been allegedly slammed for its support of Israel amidst the ongoing violence in Palestine.

Since the latest genocide began on Oct 7, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 6,000 children, according to Palestinian authorities.