Pizza Hut, renowned for its delicious pizzas and iconic red-roofed restaurants, holds a special place in the hearts of pizza lovers worldwide. However, there are numerous intriguing aspects of this beloved pizza chain that often go unnoticed, including:
1. Humble Beginnings
In 1958, Pizza Hut was founded by two college students, Dan and Frank Carney, in Wichita, Kansas. They kickstarted their pizza venture with a modest $600 loan from their mother, setting the stage for a remarkable success story.
2. The Iconic Hut Design
Pizza Hut’s distinctive architecture, featuring a red-roofed hut, became the brand’s trademark. This design choice added an element of charm and recognition to their restaurants across the globe.
3. Started as a College Venture
Pizza Hut was founded by two brothers, Dan and Frank Carney, who were still in college. In 1958, while attending Wichita State University, they borrowed $600 from their mother to open a pizza place. The name “Pizza Hut” was inspired by the former bar they rented to establish their first location.
4. Rapid Expansion
Within a year of opening the first Pizza Hut in Wichita, Kansas, the Carney brothers incorporated the business and ventured into franchising. Their friend Dick Hassur became the first franchise owner, opening a location in Topeka, Kansas. Hassur’s success as a franchisee led to the expansion of Pizza Hut across the country.
5. Pizza Pete the Mascot
Before the iconic red roof logo was adopted in 1969, Pizza Hut had a mascot named Pizza Pete. This mustachioed cartoon character, wearing a chef’s hat, neckerchief, and apron, served as the face of Pizza Hut in its early days. Although Pizza Pete was eventually phased out, his presence remained in advertisements, bags, and cups throughout the 1970s.
6. Pizza Hut Perfume
In 2012, Pizza Hut made headlines with its limited-edition perfume that captured the scent of “fresh dough with a bit of spice.” The fragrance was offered to fans through contests and giveaways, with packaging resembling mini pizza boxes. It became a unique collector’s item for pizza enthusiasts.
7. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Connection
Pizza Hut struck gold with a partnership with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While Domino’s appeared in the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film in 1990, Pizza Hut featured prominently in the VHS release with ads. Pizza Hut also invested millions in marketing campaigns during the “Coming Out of Their Shells” concert tour and album release. The collaboration continued until the release of the 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film.
8. Pizza Hut Easy-Bake Ovens
Children of the ’70s were delighted by Pizza Hut Easy-Bake ovens, miniature toy ovens shaped like Pizza Hut restaurants. These ovens allowed kids to bake tiny pizzas using a 60-watt light bulb for heating.
9. Star-Studded Vintage Commercials
Pizza Hut’s vintage commercials featured various celebrities. A young Elijah Wood made his debut by flinging potato salad at a co-star, while Ringo Starr and the Monkees marveled at stuffed-crust pizza. Former Soviet statesman Mikhail Gorbachev even appeared in a Russian Pizza Hut commercial alongside his granddaughter.
10. The BOOK IT! Program
Pizza Hut initiated the BOOK IT! program in 1984, which aimed to encourage children to read by rewarding them with recognition and, of course, pizza. First Lady Barbara Bush even hosted a reading-themed pizza party at the White House in 1989. Today, the program is the longest-running corporate-supported reading program in the United States and has reached over 60 million children.
11. Innovators of Pan Pizza
Pizza Hut introduced pan pizza in 1980, nine years ahead of their competitor, Domino’s. The company also pioneered personal pan pizzas in 1983, which remain a cherished reward for participants in the BOOK IT! program and a popular option at smaller Pizza Hut cafes.
12. Embraced Online Ordering Early
In 1994, Pizza Hut and The Santa Cruz Operation launched PizzaNet, an innovative online ordering program that allowed customers to place orders via the internet. This pioneering effort was ahead of its time and garnered attention from the Los Angeles Times. Remarkably, the PizzaNet website is still functional today.
13. Pizza in Space
Pizza Hut made history in 2001 by becoming the first company to deliver pizzas to space. The pizza recipe underwent rigorous testing to ensure it remained edible in space conditions. In addition, Pizza Hut paid a significant sum to display a 30-foot-wide ad on a rocket in 1999, further solidifying its extraterrestrial presence.
14. A Lunar Advertising Dream
Pizza Hut’s former CEO, Mike Rawlings, once entertained the idea of projecting the Pizza Hut logo on the moon using lasers. However, this ambitious plan proved unfeasible due to the enormous size required and the astronomical costs involved.
15. Pizza Marriage Proposal Packages
In 2012, Pizza Hut offered engagement packages for romantic proposals. For $10,010, the package included a $10 dinner box, a limo, a ruby ring, fireworks, flowers, and a photographer. Only ten of these packages were made available, providing a unique and memorable way to pop the question.
Is Pizza Hut Better Than Other Pizza Joints?
Pizza Hut may stand out as a better option compared to Papa John’s, Domino’s, or California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) for the following reasons:
Menu Variety and Customization
Pizza Hut offers an extensive menu with a wide range of pizza options, including classic, specialty, and customizable pizzas. They also provide various crust options, such as pan, hand-tossed, and thin crust, allowing you to tailor your pizza to your liking. Additionally, Pizza Hut offers a variety of side dishes, pasta, salads, and desserts, providing a well-rounded dining experience.
Signature Pan Pizza
Pizza Hut’s signature Pan Pizza is a favorite among pizza enthusiasts. With its thick, golden crust and delicious toppings, it offers a unique and satisfying pizza experience that sets Pizza Hut apart from its competitors.
Global Reach and Brand Recognition
Pizza Hut has a global presence, making it easily accessible in many countries around the world. Its widespread popularity and brand recognition are testaments to the quality and consistency of its offerings.