Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is a global restaurant brand specializing in pizza, operating as part of Yum! Brands, Inc. The company began in 1958 when brothers Dan and Frank Carney opened the first location in Wichita, Kansas, using a small loan from their mother. Within a year, Pizza Hut had already grown to six locations and started franchising, which set the foundation for its rapid expansion. By the early 1970s, Pizza Hut had become the largest pizza chain in the world by both sales and number of locations. A significant milestone in its history was its acquisition by PepsiCo in 1977, which accelerated its international reach. Over the years, Pizza Hut introduced several industry firsts, such as the recognizable red roof design, pan pizza, and pioneering online ordering.

As of November 2025, Pizza Hut operates about 19,500 restaurants in more than 110 countries, making it one of the most widely recognized names in the quick-service restaurant sector. Its locations span a variety of formats, including traditional dine-in restaurants, delivery and carryout units, and express kiosks in non-traditional settings. In the past five years, the brand has focused on adapting to changing consumer habits and economic pressures. While Pizza Hut’s global footprint remains substantial, its parent company is currently conducting a strategic review in response to franchisee bankruptcies in certain markets and a slowdown in global sales. Rather than pursuing aggressive new unit growth, the company is prioritizing the optimization of its existing locations and formats.

Pizza Hut’s established scale, brand recognition, and flexible store concepts continue to make it a significant presence in both established and emerging markets. Its current approach favors stability and adaptability, which can offer a reliable option for property owners and developers seeking a tenant with a proven track record and broad consumer appeal.