Owning a pizza restaurant is a wonderful venture. You get to serve a variety of patrons and play host to people who just love a great slice. Common pizza toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, olives, and extra cheese may be your mainstays, but they don't have to be your only offerings. Here are some pizza toppings you should add to your menu and just why you need them.

Arugula

Arugula is actually an herb from the mustard family, and this pungent, beautiful green topping is a must-have for your pizza restaurant. Here's why: it has a delicious, bean-like flavor that goes perfect with all your other veggie toppings, and lots of meaty ones, too. Arugula is appealing when placed fresh on top of a slice and can appeal to the healthier crowd at your establishment.

If you really want to knock your customers' socks off, add pine nuts as topping request as well. Arugula and pine nuts served together on a plain cheese pizza can be pure heaven and a change-up from all the classic flavors.

Bleu Cheese

Bleu cheese crumbles (or Gorgonzola, the Italian version of this moldy cheese) can make a pizza more flavorful and robust. It's excellent served with a chicken-based pizza or can be used to add a tangy, pungent flavor to classic veggie slices. Why you need it: this unique pizza topping is cost-effective and versatile. You can use it to adorn your salad bar as well as have it melted on other sides you offer, including french fries, chicken wings, and more.

Smoked Salmon

There should always be at least one pizza topping that makes customers do a double-take, and smoked salmon may just be it. Served on a garlic-Alfredo thin crust or BBQ pizza, smoked salmon adds color and a fresh new twist on classic pizza. If you were thinking anchovies would bring in the crowds, guess again: salmon is where it's at. You can even make a whole new specialty pizza based around this super healthy fish if you want.

Banana Peppers

Banana peppers on a pizza is not only colorful, it adds a tangy, crunchy bite that your customers have been looking for. Similar to a caper but not near as aggressive, the banana pepper can be added to any style of pizza. Why add it? You can use banana peppers in the sandwiches you serve as well as add it to your salad bar to please your patrons' taste buds, so you're not just limited to pizza toppings.

For more information, contact companies like Original Italian Pizza Pa.