Petition launched to bring back Heinz ketchup to Kennywood

Sometimes, you just have to take a stand.

In an effort to get Heinz ketchup back at Kennywood Park, Will Koz — at least that’s the username — is doing just that.

Koz launched a Change.org petition to restore the park’s condiment situation.

“In the past few months Kennywood Park has made the switch from our beloved Heinz Ketchup to the dreaded HUNT’S! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!,” Koz writes. “Blasphemy!!! … So help me sign this petition and bring back the tradition of Heinz Ketchup at our beloved Kennywood Park! Remember nothing taste like Heinz!”

Diana Greis with ICF Next, the public relations firm representing Heinz, told the Tribune-Review that Kennywood had been using Heinz but switched to Hunt’s sometime in the past few months.

Kennywood spokesman Nick Paradise said negotiations with Heinz “just didn’t work out.” However, he doesn’t think that should stop anyone from having a great time at Kennywood.

“We know our guests will continue to enjoy (our attractions) regardless of what condiments are offered here,” Paradise said. “Kennywood is also unique in being one of few amusement/theme parks or major entertainment venues that allows guests to bring their own food, so those that feel strongly about this are welcomed to include their own ketchup in their picnic basket for their next visit.”

Koz’s petition is starting to take off. More than 1,200 people have signed the petition, which started over the weekend. The current goal is 1,500 signatures. Of course, what will happen when it reaches its goal is unclear.

But some of the reasons for signing are quite strong — and humorous.

Shawnna Plance writes, “Hunts ketchup has no place in Pittsburgh!!”

“Steelers land represents a team playing in Heinz Field,” Nicholas Talotta points out.

Just one day removed from Memorial Day, Ceil Hrivnak writes, “It is totally unpatriotic to not have Heinz Ketchup at Kennywood Park!!!”

Clayton Cova doesn’t mince words, saying “Kennywood is being a jagoff.”

Emily Escalante’s advice for the park is simple: “C’mon, Kennywood. Do better,” while L C Stiller puts it bluntly: “Hunts is yucky.”

The park isn’t having a good public relations season so far. Things got off to an uncomfortable start when it was reported the cheese changed at The Potato Patch. Luckily for fans, Kennywood revealed it was only testing out a new recipe and quickly restored the beloved cheese sauce.

Then, last week, it surfaced — via a Twitter post — that the park switched from Heinz Ketchup to Hunt’s.