Pizza Hut

The first Pizza Hut restaurant was established on May 31, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas.

Dan and Frank Carney, along with Bender, opened the first pizza restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. They rented a small building and purchased secondhand equipment to make pizzas. On the opening night, they gave away pizza to encourage community interest.

In 1959, Pizza Hut was incorporated in Kansas. Dick Hassur opened the first franchise unit in Topeka, Kansas.

In 1962, the Carney brothers bought out John Bender's interest in Pizza Hut, solidifying their control over the company's direction and growth.

In 1963, Chicago architect George Lindstrom designed Pizza Hut's distinctive building style, which became a recognizable feature of the chain's restaurants. This design element contributed to the brand's identity and visual appeal.

On May 14, 1965, the transition from Putt-Putt to Pizza Hut began, marking a significant shift in the establishment's focus from miniature golf to pizza.

In 1966, Pizza Hut expanded its reach beyond Middle America by opening a location in Athens, Ohio, marking the brand's venture into the eastern regions of the United States. This move demonstrated Pizza Hut's potential for nationwide coverage.

On August 22, 1967, a Pizza Hut restaurant was built in just five days by franchisees at the Oklahoma State Fair. The grand opening featured the world's largest pizza, measuring 6 feet in diameter, served at the Fort Worth, Texas Pizza Hut® restaurant.

In August 1968, Pizza Hut made its entry into the international market with the opening of a restaurant in Canada. The chain quickly gained popularity, serving a million people a week across its 310 locations.

In 1972, Pizza Hut went public on the New York Stock Exchange after opening its 1,000th store. The company's expansion and success led to its listing on the stock exchange, marking a significant milestone in its growth and popularity.

On August 22, 1973, Pizza Hut, Inc. was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PIZ.

In 1975, Pizza Hut opened its restaurants in Japan and England.

On August 22, 1976, Pizza Hut introduced the Thick'n Chewy® pizza and the Chatsworth, CA restaurant was used in the filming of 'The Bad News Bears'.

In 1977, the 100th international Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in Australia, marking a milestone as the entire system reached 2,000 restaurants.

Pizza Hut Inc. stockholders overwhelmingly approved the merger with PepsiCo Inc. for an undisclosed sum.

Pan Pizza was introduced throughout the system as Pizza Hut opened more than 4,000 restaurants.

Pizza Hut introduces Personal Pan Pizza® with a five-minute guarantee system-wide.

Pizza Hut made history by becoming the first restaurant to deliver pizza in space. This innovative move showcased their commitment to pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences.

The Book It! reading-incentive program, sponsored by Pizza Hut since January 1985, rewards students with a free Personal Pan Pizza for reading books based on goals set by teachers.

On August 22, 1986, Pizza Hut celebrated the opening of its 5,000th restaurant in Dallas, Texas.

On August 22, 1988, Pizza Hut introduced Hand-Tossed Traditional Pizza throughout its system.

Pizza Hut marks its 30th anniversary with over 6,000 restaurants and delivery units globally.

Pizza Hut reached a milestone by opening its 1,000th international unit in Welland, Ontario, Canada. This marked a significant expansion of the popular pizza chain's global presence.

In 1991, Pizza Hut's sales reached $5.3 billion worldwide, with the delivery operation alone contributing $1.2 billion. The company's focus on health awareness and vegetarian options led to increased sales.

Kamran Atri, assistant manager at Pizza Hut in Leesberg, VA, sets a new Guinness World Record by waiting tables for 136 hours straight at the restaurant. He also donates $1,200 in tips to the Loudoun County Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

Pizza Hut introduces BIGFOOT Pizza, a large pizza cut into 21 slices, measuring two square feet.

Pizza Hut achieved its fastest and farthest delivery by sending 600 large pepperoni pizzas on a 24-hour flight from Dover Air Force Base to U.S. service personnel in Mogadishu, Somalia.

On April 13, 1995, soccer legend Pele made a memorable appearance by kicking a ball through the door of Pizza Hut's 10,000th restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In August 22, 1995, Pizza Hut introduced the 'You'll Love The Stuff We're Made Of' campaign to promote their products and attract customers.

On August 22, 1996, Pizza Hut established the Deliver Me Home program, enhancing their delivery services.

On May 30, 1997, PepsiCo spun off Pizza Hut, along with Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken, into a new company named Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc.

Pizza Hut introduced 'The Sicilian Pizza' with a flavorful crust containing garlic, basil, and oregano baked into it.

Pizza Hut introduced The Big New Yorker Pizza, a 16 inch pizza with a sweeter, savory sauce, 100% real cheese cut into 8 big foldable slices, bringing New York-style pizza across America.

On August 22, 2001, Pizza Hut introduced The Insider pizza, which featured a unique 'ooey, gooey' six-cheese blend sandwiched between two thin crusts with tangy sauces. This new pizza offering added to Pizza Hut's menu innovation and customer appeal.

In 2005, Pizza Hut purchased the naming rights for the Major League Soccer club FC Dallas' stadium, which was then named Pizza Hut Park.

On April 1st, 2008, Pizza Hut temporarily rebranded as 'Pasta Hut' as an April Fools' Day prank, introducing a pasta lineup to surprise and amuse customers. The playful gesture showcased Pizza Hut's sense of humor and creativity.

In 2009, Pizza Hut experienced a decline in sales by 12% due to the surge in popularity of takeout and frozen pizza over dine-in offerings, exacerbated by the impact of the Great Recession.

In 2015, select Pizza Hut locations in the UK experimented with adding cocktail bars to attract younger customers. Despite offering a unique dining experience with cocktail specials, the concept did not sustain financial success.

Domino's overtook Pizza Hut as the pizza industry leader in 2017 due to its focus on delivery convenience.

Pizza Hut celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2018, marking significant milestones in its history.

Pizza Hut will celebrate its 60th anniversary next month and has highlighted some of its key historical moments.