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Last Updated:
2024-11-05 10:06:11

Pizza Hut

American multinational pizza restaurant chain
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut
American multinational pizza restaurant chain

Pizza Hut, founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, quickly expanded to 6 outlets within a year. Acquired by PepsiCo in 1977, it operates over 19,000 restaurants worldwide. Known for innovations like stuffed crust pizza and PizzaNet.

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1958-05-31
Opening of the First Pizza Hut

On May 31, 1958, brothers Frank and Dan Carney established the first Pizza Hut in Wichita, Kansas, using $600 borrowed from their mother.

1962
Carney brothers buy out Bender's interest

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

1963
Distinctive Building Style Designed

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.

1965-05-14
Opening of Putt-Putt to Pizza Hut

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.

1966
Pizza Hut's Expansion Eastward

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.

1967-08-22
World's Largest Pizza at Pizza Hut Grand Opening

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.

1968-08
Pizza Hut Enters International Market

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.

1969-08-22
Red Roof Adopted for Pizza Hut Restaurants

In 1969, Pizza Hut adopted the iconic red roof design for its restaurants. This distinctive feature became a recognizable symbol for the chain.

1970-08-22
Sandwiches Added to Pizza Hut Menu

On August 22, 1970, Pizza Hut expanded its menu by adding sandwiches to the existing offerings of thin 'n crispy® pizza, salad, beer, and soft drinks.

1971-08-22
Pizza Hut Becomes Top Pizza Restaurant Chain Worldwide

On August 22, 1971, Pizza Hut achieved the milestone of becoming the number one pizza restaurant chain globally in terms of sales and number of restaurants.

1972
Pizza Hut Goes Public on NYSE

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.

1975-08-22
Pizza Hut restaurants open in Japan and England

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

1976-08-22
Introduction of Thick'n Chewy® pizza and filming at Chatsworth, CA Pizza Hut

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'.

1977-08-22
100th international Pizza Hut restaurant opens in Australia

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

1979-08-22
Merger of Pizza Hut Inc. with PepsiCo Inc.

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

1980-08-22
Fundraising for Easter Seals

Pizza Hut raised $342,000 for Easter Seals from a national promotion.

1982-08-22
Expansion of Pan Pizza

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

1984
Pizza Hut Delivers Pizza in Space

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.

1986-08-22
Opening of 5,000th Pizza Hut Restaurant in Dallas, Texas

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

1988-08-22
Introduction of Hand-Tossed Traditional Pizza

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

1989-08-22
Pizza Hut celebrates 30th anniversary

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

1990-08-22
Pizza Hut opens 1,000th international unit in Welland, Ontario, Canada

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.

1991
Pizza Hut sales reach $5.3 billion

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.

1992-08-22
Kamran Atri sets Guinness World Record for Longest Time Waiting Tables

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.

1993-08-22
Introduction of BIGFOOT Pizza by Pizza Hut

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

1994-08-22
Pizza Hut delivers 600 large pepperoni pizzas to U.S. service personnel in Mogadishu, Somalia

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.

1995-03-26
Introduction of 'Stuffed Crust' Pizza

On March 26, 1995, Pizza Hut introduced the 'Stuffed Crust' pizza, where the outer edge was wrapped around a cylinder of mozzarella cheese. This innovation quickly became one of their most popular products.

1995-04-13
Pele kicks a ball through the door of Pizza Hut restaurant number 10,000

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.

1995-08-22
Pizza Hut launches 'You'll Love The Stuff We're Made Of' campaign

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.

1996-08-22
Creation of Deliver Me Home Program

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

1997-05-30
Spin-off of Pizza Hut by PepsiCo

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.

1997-08-22
Pizza Hut launches meatier pepperoni

In August 1997, Pizza Hut introduced a meatier version of their pepperoni topping for their pizzas.

1998-08-22
Pizza Hut celebrates 40 years

On August 22, 1998, Pizza Hut celebrated its 40th anniversary of making and serving great pizza.

1999-08-22
Launch of 'The Sicilian Pizza' by Pizza Hut

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

2000-08-22
Launch of The Big New Yorker Pizza

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.

2001-08-22
Introduction of The Insider pizza by Pizza Hut

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.

2002-05-22
Tricon Global Restaurants Becomes Yum! Brands

On May 22, 2002, Tricon Global Restaurants changed its name to Yum! Brands.

2003
Introduction of Twisted Crust pizza by Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut launched Twisted Crust pizza featuring a unique breadstick crust surrounding a traditional Pizza Hut pizza, offering a new dining experience.

2004
Pizza Hut Italian Bistro

In 2004, Pizza Hut unveiled the upscale concept of 'Pizza Hut Italian Bistro' at 50 U.S. locations. It featured a menu with new items like penne pasta, chicken pomodoro, and toasted sandwiches, and had a different burgundy and tan motif compared to traditional Pizza Hut locations.

2005
Naming of FC Dallas' Stadium Pizza Hut Park

In 2005, Pizza Hut purchased the naming rights for the Major League Soccer club FC Dallas' stadium, renaming it Pizza Hut Park.

2007-10
Criticism of Pizza Hut in the UK for high salt content

In October 2007, Pizza Hut faced criticism in the UK for the high salt content in its meals, exceeding recommended daily amounts.

2008-04-01
Pizza Hut's April Fools' Day Pasta Hut Prank

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.

2008-05-09
The Natural Pizza by Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut introduced 'The Natural' pizza featuring natural ingredients in Seattle, Denver, and Dallas. It was later discontinued in the Dallas market on October 27, 2009.

2009
Decline in Pizza Hut's Sales

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.

2010
25th anniversary of Book It! program

The Book It! program celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010.

2011-03-31
Priszm Goes Bankrupt

On March 31, 2011, Priszm, the owner of Pizza Hut in Canada, filed for bankruptcy protection.

2014-07-14
Official opening of Pizza Hut in Mongolia

On July 14, 2014, 'Tavan Bogd Foods Pizza' LLC officially opened Pizza Hut in Mongolia, operating under three concepts: Restaurant, Delivery, and Express, serving in 13 areas.

2014-11-19
Pizza Hut Rebranding

On November 19, 2014, Pizza Hut initiated a rebranding effort to boost sales by expanding the menu and redesigning employee uniforms.

2015
Pizza Hut's Cocktail Bar Concept in the UK

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.

2016-12
Resolution of lawsuit against Pizza Hut

In December 2016, the lawsuit, Linkovich v. Capital Pizza Huts, Inc., was decided by arbitration, with Pizza Hut paying damages.

2017
Domino’s Overtakes Pizza Hut as Pizza Industry Leader

In 2017, Domino’s surpassed Pizza Hut to become the leading pizza franchise, marking a significant shift in the industry. Pizza Hut's market share dropped below 14%, a drastic decline from its peak of 25% in 1995.

2018-04-30
Pizza Hut Turns 60

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

2019-06-25
Return of Classic Pizza Hut Logo and Design

On June 25, 2019, Pizza Hut announced the return of the logo and red roof design used from 1976 to 1999.

2019-08-07
Closure of 500 Pizza Hut Dine-In Restaurants

On August 7, 2019, Pizza Hut announced plans to close about 500 dine-in restaurants in the US by mid-2021.

2020-08-18
Closure of 300 Pizza Hut Restaurants

On August 18, 2020, Pizza Hut announced the closure of up to 300 restaurants following the bankruptcy of NPC International.

2021-03
Flynn Restaurant Group Acquires NPC International

In March 2021, Flynn Restaurant Group acquired NPC International, which owned 937 Pizza Hut locations.

2022-03
Pizza Hut Official Quick Service Restaurant for Supercars Championship

In March 2022, Pizza Hut signed a sponsorship deal to be the official Quick Service Restaurant for the Supercars Championship.

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Pizza Hut
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