The best way to spread Christmas cheer is eating pizza for all to hear!

With a swirl of ranch dressing, a dollop of red sauce, and a dusting of Parmesan Herb Shake, the holidays have arrived at Hideaway Pizza. Starting the first week of November, Hideaway restaurants in Oklahoma and Arkansas will be decking the halls with the annual “Happy Hideaways” pizza box, collector cup, and t-shirt. 

The holiday box is the fourth in a series of exclusive, limited-time-only items intended to provide an annual creative platform for local artists. The 2020 “Happy Hideaways”  theme, created by Oklahoma artist and Norman resident Joshua Boydston, depicts a pizza-loving narwhal and a familiar elf, named Buddy, strolling through the North Pole. 

“Transforming the mascot of a pizza place into a beloved character from one of my favorite holiday movies sounds like one of those made-up jobs an eight-year old says at Career Day. Second grade Joshua would be very proud,” said Boydston. “Fundamentally, Kahuna and Buddy both are so devoted to delivering joy to people — be that pizza or properly-functioning jack-in-the-boxes — with a smile on their face.”

Reimagining the Hideaway mascot, Kahuna, and depicting him in a beloved holiday film came easy to a graphic designer used to working on collaborations. Boydston’s work has featured on concert posters and album covers for musicians, as well as projects with events, businesses and organizations like Norman Music Festival, Guestroom Records, Wheeler Criterium, Curbside Chronicle/Homeless Alliance and more.

“Everyone has holiday traditions, and seeing Kahuna come to life every winter through the eyes of a local artist is one of our favorites,” said Brett Murphy, Hideaway Pizza Co-Owner. “Many people grab a pizza to share with friends and family during the holidays; we like to think that this artwork brings everyone a little extra cheer.”