pizza hut closing stores: Pizza Hut closing locations: Pizza Hut to shut 250 US locations as Yum! Brands weighs future of iconic chain

Pizza Hut is preparing to close hundreds of locations across the United States as its parent company looks carefully at the future of the once-dominant pizza brand. The move comes at a time when sales are declining and competition is increasing in the crowded fast-food pizza market. Very good! Brands confirmed the closures in its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, explaining that they were part of a broader effort to resolve long-standing performance issues at the Pizza Hut business, The Independent reported.

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Why is Pizza Hut closing 250 stores?

Very good! Brands said the closures will focus on underperforming Pizza Hut locations and are expected to close in the first half of 2026. The 250 restaurants represent approximately 3 percent of Pizza Hut’s total U.S. footprint.

Although the company did not specify which locations would be closed, CFO Ranjith Roy said the decision was aimed at improving overall performance. Very good! Brands declined to comment further while it continues its strategic review.

What is Yum? Are there any brands considering Pizza Hut?

In November, Yum! CEO Chris Turner announced that the company had launched a “formal review of strategic options” for Pizza Hut, including the possibility of selling the chain. During Wednesday’s earnings call, Yum! He said he could not discuss details of the review, which is expected to conclude later this year, according to a report by The Independent. The review compares well with Pizza Hut, especially other Yum! Brands like Taco Bell continue to attract customers with frequent menu innovations.

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How is Pizza Hut’s financial performance?

Pizza Hut’s difficulties were also reflected in its latest sales figures. Same-store sales at U.S. locations fell 3 percent in the fourth quarter and fell 5 percent for the full year, according to Yum! Earnings of brands have been announced.

Although it operates nearly 20,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries around the world, Pizza Hut relies heavily on the U.S. market, which accounts for nearly half of its sales. The chain currently has approximately 6,500 locations in the United States, according to a report by The Independent.

The company has faced turbulence before. In 2020, one of Pizza Hut’s largest franchisees filed for bankruptcy and closed 300 stores, according to a report by The Independent. This signaled deeper structural challenges for the brand.

An old brand facing modern challenges

Founded in 1969, Pizza Hut quickly rose to prominence and became the world’s top pizza chain in terms of sales by 1971. PepsiCo expanded its restaurant division into Yum! He acquired the brand in 1977 before separating it as a company. brands in 1997.

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FAQ

When will Pizza Hut closures occur?

250 underperforming locations are expected to close in the first half of 2026.

How nice! Brands that sell Pizza Hut?

The company is reviewing strategic options, including a possible sale, but no decision has been announced.