History of Pizza Hut
Founding and Early Years (1958-1969):
1958: Pizza Hut was founded on June 15, 1958, by two brothers, Dan and Frank Carney, in Wichita, Kansas. They borrowed $600 from their mother to start the business.
The first Pizza Hut was a small building with just 25 seats.
The name "Pizza Hut" was chosen because the sign they purchased had space for only eight letters.
Expansion and Franchising (1960s-1970s):
The first franchise unit opened in Topeka, Kansas, in 1959.
By 1966, Pizza Hut had grown to 145 locations.
In 1967, the iconic red-roof design of Pizza Hut restaurants was introduced.
Pizza Hut went public in 1972 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
By the end of the 1970s, Pizza Hut had over 4,000 locations worldwide.
Acquisition by PepsiCo (1977-1997):
1977: PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut, expanding its global reach and resources.
During the 1980s, Pizza Hut continued to innovate, introducing the Personal Pan Pizza in 1983 and the "Pan Pizza" in 1980, which became very popular.
By the 1990s, Pizza Hut had become the largest pizza chain in the world.
Spin-off and Modern Era (1997-Present):
1997: PepsiCo spun off its restaurant division, including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC, into a new company called Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., which later became Yum! Brands, Inc. in 2002.
In the 2000s, Pizza Hut continued to expand its menu with items like stuffed crust pizza, WingStreet wings, and pasta dishes.
Pizza Hut has embraced digital ordering and delivery, launching online ordering in 1994 and a mobile app in the 2010s.
The brand has also focused on international expansion, with thousands of locations in over 100 countries.
Recent Developments:
Pizza Hut has experimented with various concepts like express formats and upscale "Pizza Hut Italian Bistro" locations.
The company has also committed to sustainability initiatives, including responsible sourcing and waste reduction.
Key Innovations:
Pan Pizza (1980): A thick and crispy crust that became a hallmark of the brand.
Stuffed Crust Pizza (1995): Pizza with cheese baked into the crust, a significant innovation that boosted sales.
Personal Pan Pizza (1983): An individual-sized pizza that catered to lunch crowds and personal preferences.
Marketing and Cultural Impact:
Pizza Hut has been known for its memorable advertising campaigns and partnerships with pop culture entities, including movie tie-ins and sports sponsorships.
The company has also made significant charitable contributions, including literacy programs and disaster relief efforts.
Pizza Hut remains a leading player in the global pizza market, known for its innovations, extensive menu, and widespread presence.
6 сен 2024
