History of Pizza Hut in Timeline

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Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is an American multinational restaurant chain and international franchise founded in 1958. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, they are known for their pizza and operate nearly 20,000 restaurants globally as of 2023.

1938: Fair Labor Standards Act

The Fair Labor Standards Act, enacted in 1938, established minimum wage, overtime pay, and other labor standards in the United States.

May 31, 1958: First Pizza Hut Opens

The very first Pizza Hut restaurant opened its doors on May 31, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas, marking the beginning of a culinary journey.

1958: Pizza Hut Founded

In 1958, brothers Dan and Frank Carney, who were students at Wichita State University at the time, opened the very first Pizza Hut in Wichita, Kansas.

1959: Franchising Begins

Pizza Hut's rapid success led to the launch of its franchising model in 1959, just a year after its founding.

1963: Iconic Building Design

The distinctive Pizza Hut building design, a collaboration with Chicago architect George Lindstrom, was conceived in 1963, further solidifying the brand's identity.

1965: Pizza Hut produces its first television commercial

In 1965, Pizza Hut produced its inaugural television commercial, a humorous and engaging ad that would later become a classic.

November 19, 1966: Pizza Hut's first television commercial airs

Pizza Hut's first foray into television advertising occurred on November 19, 1966, with a memorable commercial titled "Putt-Putt to the Pizza Hut".

1966: Eastward Expansion

Pizza Hut crossed the Mississippi River in 1966 with the opening of its first restaurant in Athens, Ohio, marking a significant step in its expansion across the United States.

1969: Iconic Building Style Implemented

The iconic Pizza Hut building design, conceived in 1963, was finally put into practice in 1969, creating a visually distinct presence for the brand.

April 1970: Pizza Hut opens first Australian restaurant

Pizza Hut expanded its global reach in April 1970 by opening its first dine-in restaurant in Belfield, Australia.

1973: Pizza Hut opens in the UK

Pizza Hut expanded its reach to the United Kingdom in 1973, marking a significant step in its international growth.

1975: Applegate's Landing Experiment

Pizza Hut ventured into new territory in 1975 with Applegate's Landing, a new restaurant concept featuring Colonial-style exteriors, eclectic interiors, and an expanded menu that included hamburgers and bread pudding.

November 1977: PepsiCo Acquires Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut became a part of the PepsiCo family in November 1977, marking a significant moment in its corporate history.

1977: Acquisition by PepsiCo

A significant milestone occurred in 1977 when PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut, signaling the brand's growing value and potential in the fast food industry.

1984: Conception of Book It!

The Book It! program was conceived in 1984 by Pizza Hut executives as a way to motivate children, including one executive's son, to read more.

January 1985: Launch of the Book It! Program

Pizza Hut launched the Book It! reading-incentive program in January 1985 to encourage children to read. Students earn pizza rewards for reaching reading goals.

1985: Pizza Hut opens first store in South Korea

Pizza Hut's first foray into the South Korean market occurred in 1985 with the opening of its inaugural store.

1987: Pizza Hut uses "Makin' it great!" slogan

From 1987 to 1995, Pizza Hut's advertising slogan was "Makin' it great!", highlighting the quality and care put into their pizzas.

1989: Pizza Hut sponsors "Back to the Future Part II"

Pizza Hut engaged in a notable sponsorship deal in 1989 by partnering with the film "Back to the Future Part II", offering movie-themed sunglasses with pizza purchases and featuring their logo in the film.

1990: Pizza Hut partners with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II" video game

In 1990, Pizza Hut partnered with the NES game "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game", offering coupons for free pizza and featuring in-game product placement.

1991: Pizza Hut airs "The Pizza Head Show" commercials

From 1991 to 1999, Pizza Hut ran a series of commercials in the U.S. called "The Pizza Head Show", featuring a talking slice of pizza.

1993: Pizza Hut opens first outlet in Pakistan

Pizza Hut expanded its presence to Pakistan in 1993 with the opening of its first outlet in Karachi.

August 1994: PizzaNet Pilot Program

In August 1994, Pizza Hut embarked on a groundbreaking pilot program with Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), introducing PizzaNet, an early iteration of online pizza ordering that allowed customers to place orders directly from their computers.

1994: PizzaNet Launches

Pioneering the digital age, Pizza Hut launched PizzaNet in 1994, an early experiment in online ordering that showcased the brand's forward-thinking approach.

March 26, 1995: Stuffed Crust Delights Customers

Pizza Hut delighted pizza lovers on March 26, 1995, with the introduction of its now-iconic "stuffed crust" pizza, a culinary innovation that quickly gained popularity and became a customer favorite.

1995: Closure of Last Applegate's Landing

After a run of about two decades, the last remaining Applegate's Landing restaurant in McPherson, Kansas, closed its doors in late 1995.

1995: Pizza Hut introduces "You'll love the stuff we're made of" slogan

Pizza Hut introduced the slogan "You'll love the stuff we're made of" in 1995, emphasizing the quality of their ingredients and the passion behind their pizzas.

1995: Donald and Ivana Trump appear in a Pizza Hut commercial

Pizza Hut's 1995 advertising campaign featured a memorable commercial starring Donald Trump and his then ex-wife, Ivana Trump, using their recent divorce as a humorous element.

1995: Ringo Starr and Rush Limbaugh appear in separate Pizza Hut commercials

Pizza Hut's 1995 advertising featured two notable figures: Ringo Starr in a commercial teasing a Beatles reunion (with The Monkees), and Rush Limbaugh promoting their "eating pizza crust first" campaign for stuffed crust pizzas.

1995: Stuffed Crust Innovation

The introduction of the stuffed crust pizza in 1995 was a testament to Pizza Hut's commitment to product innovation, a move that quickly resonated with customers.

1996: Celebrity Endorsement

In 1996, Pizza Hut launched a global advertising campaign featuring Formula One driver Damon Hill and commentator Murray Walker promoting stuffed crust pizza. The ad parodied Walker's flamboyant style.

May 30, 1997: Spin-off into Tricon

On May 30, 1997, PepsiCo spun off Pizza Hut, along with other restaurant brands, into a new entity called Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., paving the way for its future as part of Yum! Brands.

1997: Mikhail Gorbachev Commercial

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and his granddaughter appeared in a 1997 Pizza Hut commercial. The ad, filmed in Russia, aimed to raise money for the Perestroyka Archives and presented Pizza Hut as a global brand.

1999: Pizza Hut retires "You'll love the stuff we're made of" slogan

In 1999, Pizza Hut decided to retire the slogan "You'll love the stuff we're made of", making way for new branding and advertising campaigns.

1999: Pizza Hut appears in "Crazy Taxi" video game

Pizza Hut was featured in the 1999 Sega Dreamcast game "Crazy Taxi", serving as one of the destinations for players to deliver customers to.

1999: Pizza Hut ends "The Pizza Head Show" commercials

Pizza Hut's "The Pizza Head Show" commercials stopped airing in 1999, marking the end of an era for the quirky and memorable ad campaign.

2000: Pizza Hut Logo on Russian Rocket

In 2000, Pizza Hut's logo was featured on a Russian Proton rocket that launched the Zvezda module.

2001: Pizza Hut Reaches for the Stars

In a remarkable feat of culinary ingenuity, Pizza Hut developed a special pizza designed for delivery to the International Space Station in 2001. The pizza, vacuum-sealed and sized to fit the station's oven, was launched on a Soyuz spacecraft and enjoyed by astronaut Yuri Usachov in orbit.

May 22, 2002: Tricon Becomes Yum! Brands

Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., the parent company of Pizza Hut, underwent a name change in 2002, becoming Yum! Brands, a move that reflected its expanding portfolio of restaurant brands.

2002: Birth of Yum! Brands

Following a spin-off from PepsiCo, Pizza Hut became part of Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., which was later renamed Yum! Brands in 2002, marking a new chapter for the company.

2002: End of Book It! in Australia

The Australian version of the Book It! program came to an end in 2002.

2003: Yum! Brands launches WingStreet

In 2003, Yum! Brands launched WingStreet, incorporating existing Pizza Hut franchises with the goal of aggressive expansion.

2004: Pizza Hut Italian Bistro Unveiled

In 2004, Pizza Hut introduced "Pizza Hut Italian Bistro," an upscale concept designed to elevate the dining experience. This new format featured a more refined ambiance with a burgundy and tan color scheme and a menu that included dishes like penne pasta, chicken pomodoro, and toasted sandwiches.

2005: Pizza Hut operates 160 restaurants in 40 Chinese cities

By 2005, Pizza Hut had a significant presence in China, with 160 restaurants operating across 40 different cities.

October 2007: Criticism Over High Salt Content

Pizza Hut faced criticism in the UK in October 2007 for the high salt content in some of its menu items, exceeding recommended daily intake levels.

2007: Interactive Marketing Campaigns

In 2007, Pizza Hut ventured into interactive marketing by using mobile-phone SMS technology and their MyHut ordering site. They aired TV commercials with hidden words that viewers could text for coupons. They also launched the "MySpace Ted" campaign and the "Vice President of Pizza" contest, embracing social media and user-generated content.

2007: Criticism of Book It!

In 2007, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood criticized the Book It! program, claiming it promoted junk food in schools and exploited children.

2007: Pizza Hut retires "Gather 'round the good stuff" slogan

In early 2007, Pizza Hut decided to retire its long-standing advertising slogan, "Gather 'round the good stuff", marking a shift in its branding strategy.

April 1, 2008: "Pasta Hut" April Fools' Day Prank

On April 1, 2008, Pizza Hut pulled an April Fools' Day prank by changing its name to "Pasta Hut" in advertising and even temporarily changing the logo on its Dallas headquarters.

May 9, 2008: "The Natural" Pizza Debuts

Catering to the growing demand for healthier options, Pizza Hut launched "The Natural" pizza on May 9, 2008. This new offering, featuring natural ingredients, was initially available in Seattle, Denver, and Dallas.

October 2008: "Pasta Hut" UK Promotion

In October 2008, Pizza Hut UK replicated the "Pasta Hut" campaign as a PR stunt, temporarily rebranding ten locations in London.

2008: Pizza Hut introduces "Now You're Eating!" slogan

Pizza Hut adopted a new advertising slogan, "Now You're Eating!", in 2008, aiming to create a more energetic and engaging brand image.

2008: Start of Salt Reduction Initiative

Pizza Hut began a salt reduction initiative in 2008 to lower sodium levels in its food to align with healthier eating guidelines.

2008: Pizza Hut expands in China with "Pizza Hut Express"

Pizza Hut expanded its presence in China in 2008 by introducing "Pizza Hut Express", a concept with locations in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

October 27, 2009: "The Natural" Discontinued in Dallas

Pizza Hut's experiment with "The Natural" pizza in the Dallas market came to an end on October 27, 2009, when the company discontinued the offering in that region.

2009: Pizza Hut launches "Your Favorites. Your Pizza Hut" slogan

In 2009, Pizza Hut introduced the advertising slogan "Your Favorites. Your Pizza Hut", emphasizing the customizable nature of their menu and appealing to customer preferences.

2010: Salt Reduction Initiative

Between 2008 and 2010, Pizza Hut reduced salt content across its menu by over 15% to comply with UK Food Standards Agency targets.

2010: Book It! 25th Anniversary

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

2010: Pizza Hut removed from "Crazy Taxi" re-release

When "Crazy Taxi" was re-released in 2010 for Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, Pizza Hut and other product placements were removed and replaced with generic locations.

March 31, 2011: Canadian Operations Seek Bankruptcy Protection

Pizza Hut faced challenges in Canada on March 31, 2011, when Priszm, the operator of Pizza Hut restaurants in the country, filed for bankruptcy protection in Ontario and British Columbia.

2012: Pizza Hut uses "Make it great" slogan

From 2012 to 2016, Pizza Hut's advertising slogan was "Make it great", a play on their earlier slogan, "Makin' it great!", used from 1987 to 1995.

2012: Pizza Hut opens and closes a standalone store in Texas

Pizza Hut experimented with a standalone store in Denton, Texas, in 2012. However, the venture was short-lived, and the store closed the following year.

July 14, 2014: Pizza Hut launches in Mongolia

Pizza Hut officially launched in Mongolia on July 14, 2014, under the operation of "Tavan Bogd Foods Pizza" LLC.

July 2014: Class Action Lawsuit by Delivery Drivers

In July 2014, Pizza Hut faced a class-action lawsuit filed by delivery drivers in the US alleging inadequate reimbursement for vehicle expenses, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

November 19, 2014: Rebranding for Growth

In an effort to revitalize sales, Pizza Hut underwent a significant rebranding initiative starting on November 19, 2014. This involved expanding the menu, introducing new crust flavors, and redesigning employee uniforms to refresh the brand's image.

2014: Curbed.com Report on Traditional Units

In 2014, Curbed.com published a report highlighting the prevalence of Pizza Hut's traditional building style, noting that over 6,000 units with the iconic shingled roofs and trapezoidal windows still existed despite the brand's shift towards delivery.

November 2015: Dismissal Attempt Fails

Pizza Hut's attempt to have the delivery driver lawsuit dismissed failed in November 2015.

2015: Investment in London Branches and Cocktail Bars

Facing a decline in profits, Pizza Hut announced in 2015 a significant investment plan for its London branches. As part of this strategy, the company revealed plans to introduce cocktail bars in its London locations, aiming to attract a younger demographic and regain its market share.

2015: Pizza Hut's logo appears in "Back to the Future Part II"

Pizza Hut's logo was featured in the 1989 film "Back to the Future Part II", set in the year 2015, showcasing a futuristic vision of the brand.

2015: Pizza Hut reaches 1,903 restaurants in China

Pizza Hut's presence in China continued to grow, reaching a milestone of 1,903 restaurants by 2015.

2015: Closure of Manhattan's Oldest Pizza Hut

The year 2015 saw the closure of the longest continuously operating Pizza Hut restaurant, which held a special place in the Aggieville District of Manhattan.

December 2016: Lawsuit Settled

The lawsuit, Linkovich v. Capital Pizza Huts, Inc., et al., was settled through arbitration in December 2016, resulting in Pizza Hut paying damages.

2016: Pizza Hut adopts "No one outpizzas the hut" slogan

Pizza Hut's current advertising slogan, "No one outpizzas the hut", was introduced in 2016, emphasizing the brand's confidence and dominance in the pizza industry.

2016: Allegro Funds acquires Pizza Hut Australia

Private equity firm Allegro Funds, along with a local management team, purchased the master franchise agreement for Pizza Hut Australia from Yum! Brands in 2016.

2017: Recognized as Influential Brand

Pizza Hut's global impact was acknowledged in 2017 when Richtopia, a UK-based company, placed the brand at number 24 on its list of the 200 Most Influential Brands in the World.

August 2018: Pizza Hut operates 324 franchises in South Korea

By August 2018, Pizza Hut had established a strong presence in South Korea, with 324 franchises operating throughout the country.

2018: Pizza Hut expands to Ethiopia

Pizza Hut furthered its global expansion by opening in Ethiopia in 2018.

January 2019: Expansion of Beer Delivery

In January 2019, Pizza Hut made a strategic move to enhance its delivery services by announcing the expansion of beer delivery to 300 locations across the United States, with plans to increase that number to 1,000 by the middle of the year.

March 2019: The P'Zone Returns

After a hiatus of several years, Pizza Hut delighted fans of its popular P'Zone in March 2019 by announcing its return to the menu, bringing back a beloved and indulgent treat.

June 25, 2019: Return to Classic Branding

On June 25, 2019, Pizza Hut announced the return of its classic logo and the familiar red roof design, elements that were a mainstay of the brand's identity from 1976 to 1999.

August 7, 2019: Closure of Dine-in Restaurants Announced

As part of a strategic shift, Pizza Hut announced on August 7, 2019, its plan to close approximately 500 dine-in restaurants in the US by mid-2021, signaling a focus on delivery and carry-out services.

March 2020: Pizza Hut Hong Kong partners with IKEA

In March 2020, Pizza Hut Hong Kong and IKEA collaborated on a pizza-themed side table called SÄVA, packaged like a pizza box and suggesting customers order a Swedish meatball pizza.

August 18, 2020: Impact of NPC International Bankruptcy

Pizza Hut faced further challenges on August 18, 2020, when NPC International, one of its largest franchisees, declared bankruptcy. This development led to the announcement of plans to close up to 300 Pizza Hut restaurants.

March 2021: Flynn Restaurant Group Acquires NPC Locations

In a positive turn of events, Flynn Restaurant Group stepped in to acquire 937 Pizza Hut locations from the bankrupt NPC International in March 2021, ensuring the continuation of these restaurants under new ownership.

2021: Pizza Hut releases "nothing but the stuffed crust"

In 2021, Pizza Hut celebrated 25 years of stuffed crust pizza with a unique menu item: "nothing but the stuffed crust" - a ring of dough filled with cheese.

June 2023: Allegro Funds sells Pizza Hut Australia to Flynn Restaurant Group

In June 2023, Allegro Funds sold its ownership of the Pizza Hut Australia master franchise agreement to US-based Flynn Restaurant Group.

2023: Global Expansion

By 2023, Pizza Hut had significantly expanded its global presence, operating an impressive 19,866 restaurants worldwide.

2023: Pizza Hut UK introduces Beyond Meat Pepperoni

In 2023, Pizza Hut restaurants in the UK incorporated Beyond Meat Pepperoni into their menus, offering vegan-friendly options like the Big New Yorker with vegan cheese.

May 2024: Pizza Pan Group fined for spam marketing

In May 2024, Pizza Hut's Australian franchisee, Pizza Pan Group, faced a AU$2.5 million fine for violating Australian spam laws by sending over 10 million spam messages.

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