During a road trip or even on a lunch break, Pizza Hut’s iconic red roof is a welcome sign. This means the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, complete with creamy pastas and fresh salads. And don’t even get us started on the pure, cheesy goodness of stuffed crust! Maybe dessert is your favorite, and Pizza Hut’s mini Cinnabon rolls stole your heart.
Despite all the happy memories we have of sitting in a Pizza Hut booth and chowing down on a slice of ‘za, there’s bad news. Pizza Hut is closing down some of its dine-in locations. We aren’t ready to say goodbye to one of our favorite pizza chains.
See how Pizza Hut fared in our delivery taste test.
Does this mean no more Pizza Hut?
Thankfully, no! Although Pizza Hut is planning to close up to 500 dine-in stores, there are still thousands of stores that will remain open. The number of Pizza Hut locations may fall to 7,000 in the next two years. Some of these will be full-service dine-in restaurants while others will be Pizza Hut Express locations.
Basically, what we’re hearing is that we might need to take more of a trek, but we can still get our hands on a slice or two from Pizza Hut. If you’re feeling nostalgic, visit the Pizza Hut museum on Wichita State’s campus in Kansas.
What’s Pizza Hut going to do next?
In the future, Pizza Hut will start focusing on carryout and delivery systems. Pizza Hut now delivers through GrubHub, so you can get delicious pizza without leaving your house. Although we’re sad this era of Pizza Hut is partly coming to a close, we’re excited to see changes this chain will bring.
Are you craving a bowl of pasta or a slice form Pizza Hut? Make our copycat recipe for Pizza Hut’s Cheese Sticks or try your hand at re-creating a piping-hot bowl of Pasta Cavatini.
Keep Tabs on Our Pizza Hut Copycat Recipes
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Get Meatball Pizza Recipe Here
Dazzle your family and friends with pizzas fresh off the grill. We top them with Asiago, Parmesan, veggies and fresh basil. Pile on the toppings you love. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Get Grilled Garden Pizza Recipe Here
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results usually are a big hit, as was the case with these super fast breadsticks. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Get Savory Biscuit-Breadstick Recipe Here
A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super-fast and super-easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Get Big Kahuna Pizza Recipe Here
My sister-in-law used to own a pizza restaurant and gave me this awesome recipe that features ground beef, cheddar and thousand island dressing. We like it on whole-wheat crust. —Katie Buckley, Wyoming, Delaware
Get Favorite Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe Here
When I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
Get Chicken-Pepper Alfredo Recipe Here
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Get Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe Here
My fun twist on typical pizza is an excellent way to use up leftover pesto. And since it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and black beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get Chicken Pizza Recipe Here
I received the recipe for these yummy baked chicken wings from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Get Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe Here
This is so much fun to do with company on a summer night. Each person can adjust the ingredients as they see fit. The dough is easy to work with and grilling it gives the crust deliciously different flavor.—Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Get BBQ Chicken Pizzas Recipe Here
Here's a lighter, scrumptious twist for pizza night. It makes good use of convenience items and keeps everyone's taste buds happy with help from nutty-flavored fontina cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. —Brittney House, Lockport, Illinois
Get Effortless Alfredo Pizza Recipe Here
These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. It's a good thing the recipe makes a big batch, because people can rarely eat just one. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Get Cinnamon Twists Recipe Here
Fans of spicy chicken wings will love this rendition that turns it into pizza. Serve it up with blue cheese dressing and crisp celery, just like the tasty original. —Shari DiGirolamo, Newton, Pennsylvania
Get Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe Here
Although this pizza doesn't have sauce, it gets unforgettable flavor from a blend of cheeses, vegetables and garlic. Using frozen bread dough appeals to folks who don't care to bake. —Davis Johns, Hurst, Texas
Get Four-Cheese Pizza Recipe Here
When you're in a hurry to make dessert, here's a "mix of mixes" that's so convenient and quick. The result is a big pan of very rich, fudgy brownies. Friends who ask me for the recipe are amazed that it's so easy. —Denise Nebel, Wayland, Iowa
Get Triple Fudge Brownies Recipe Here
I love this recipe because the crust is so flavorful—tomato juice replaces most of the oil. It's one of my kids' favorite meals! —Karen Shipp, San Antonio, Texas
Get Veggie Pizza with Herbed Tomato Crust Recipe Here
Our daughter, Stephanie, makes this pizza for her dad whenever he has a craving for it. Meat eaters will definitely get their fill with a slice of this deep-dish delight.—Nancy Jo Leffler, DePauw, Indiana
Get Dad's Favorite Pizza Recipe Here
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes—and one that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragout
The post Pizza Hut Is Closing up to 500 Dine-In Locations appeared first on Taste of Home.
Sophia Lo