I Pine for Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza, the Culinary Relic of My Iowa Youth | Bon Appétit

"Founded in 1972 by a man named Joe Whitty 'not unhappy,' the primarily Midwest chain offers a signature Canadian bacon and sauerkraut pie ('Sounds unique, tastes great!' the website says reassuringly) and a BLT pizza that my father loves, which features more Canadian bacon, plus lettuce, tomato, and a mayo drizzle on top. But its crown jewel—and best seller—is the Taco Joe pizza. The taco pizza is a textural experience. It’s crispy on the bottom and puffed around the edges, blistered with a thin layer of tomato paste. Above that, refried beans, cheese, and tomato sauce melt together into a gooey sameness. Then there’s seasoned ground beef and sausage topped with crunchy lettuce and cubed tomato. And, over everything, a blanket of crispy slightly crushed tortilla chips." - ByAnn Friedman