Hundreds of Pizza Hut Locations Set to Close in the U.S.

Pizza Hut is shuttering hundreds of its U.S. locations as its parent company, Yum! Brands, conducts a major strategic review of the struggling chain.

The company announced it will close 250 “underperforming” Pizza Hut restaurants in the first half of this year, representing roughly 3% of its national footprint, while continuing a formal review that could include selling the brand entirely.

This drastic move follows another quarter of declining sales, with same-store sales dropping 3% despite attempts to attract customers with value offerings like a new $5 pizza, highlighting the chain’s persistent struggles in a market dominated by rivals like Domino’s.

The contrast within Yum! Brands is stark, as sister chains Taco Bell and KFC are performing well, with Taco Bell’s sales soaring 7% due to successful menu innovation.

As Pizza Hut’s future remains uncertain, Yum! Brands’ overall stock price has risen, indicating investor confidence in the company’s broader portfolio even as it makes tough decisions about one of its most iconic brands.