Yum Brands Expands Pizza Hut Classic Retro Decor to 155 U.S. Locations
YUM•Yum Brands is retrofitting 155 Pizza Hut restaurants with 1980s-90s décor, including red vinyl booths, Tiffany-style lamps and salad bars, spanning 20+ states led by Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and Georgia. Pizza Hut U.S. same-store sales slid 4% and operating profit dropped 14%, prompting $37 million in strategic review charges.
1. Nationwide Retro Expansion
Pizza Hut Classic is rolling out at 155 locations across more than 20 states, led by Kansas-based franchisee Daland Corporation’s conversion of 38 of its 93 restaurants. Each site features red vinyl booths, stained-glass pendant lighting, arcade games, salad bars and plastic checkered tablecloths evoking the 1980s-90s dine-in era.
2. Customer Engagement and Nostalgia Appeal
Existing retro sites have drawn visitors from beyond local markets, with some customers traveling across state lines to experience the vintage décor. The restored restaurants also display materials for Pizza Hut’s Book It program, which returns this summer to reward student reading goals with free personal pan pizzas.
3. Performance Challenges and Strategic Review
Pizza Hut U.S. same-store sales declined 4% in the most recent quarter and operating profit dropped 14%, prompting Yum Brands to record $37 million in charges and explore strategic options for the chain. The Classic format aims to differentiate the brand by emphasizing a sit-down dining experience over delivery and carryout.
