Pizza Hut Set Close Hundreds of “Underperforming” Stores

(Undated) — Pizza Hut is closing hundreds of “underperforming” locations nationwide. According to parent company Yum Brands, which also owns KFC and Taco Bell, it will shutter about 3% of Pizza Hut’s U.S. locations, or some 250 stores, in the first six months of 2026. Last year, Yum Brands said it conducted a formal review of options for the brand, which has struggled to compete “in a crowded pizza market.” The company did not disclose which Pizza Hut locations around the U.S. were being targeted for closure. Pizza Hut’s familiar red roof debuted in 1969. PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut in 1977 but spun off its restaurant division, which became Yum Brands, in 1997.