Pizza Hut Pilots New Restaurant Design in Plano, Texas

Rhea-AI Summary

Pizza Hut has unveiled an innovative restaurant design concept in Plano, Texas, featuring digital and technology innovations including self-service kiosks, pick-up cabinets, and the first Hut 'N Go drive-thru menu in the U.S. The new location incorporates sustainability features such as energy-efficient lighting, auto lift fryers, and an Energy Management System. Already operational in over 80 markets globally with nearly 2,000 locations, this format has shown increased transactions and in-restaurant traffic compared to previous designs. The restaurant includes an open kitchen concept and replaces a 25-year-old Pizza Hut location at 8605 Ohio Dr.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

This pilot launch of Pizza Hut's modernized restaurant design represents a significant strategic shift in their operational model. The integration of digital ordering systems, self-service kiosks and drive-thru capabilities aligns with current consumer preferences for convenience and contactless options. The concept has already proven successful in 80 global markets with nearly 2,000 locations, demonstrating increased transaction volumes and foot traffic.

The sustainability features and digital innovations position Pizza Hut to better compete with fast-casual restaurants and delivery-focused competitors. The open-kitchen concept and modernized aesthetic could help revitalize the brand's image and attract younger demographics. With over 50% of Pizza Hut's global transactions already coming from digital orders, this format evolution is a natural progression that could drive operational efficiency and enhance profit margins through reduced labor costs and improved order accuracy.

Tech Expert

The technological infrastructure implemented in this new design represents a significant digital transformation for Pizza Hut's traditional restaurant model. The integration of self-service kiosks, digital drive-thru menus and automated pick-up systems creates a seamless omnichannel experience. The Energy Management System (EMS) and connected kitchen equipment enable data-driven operations optimization and reduced energy costs.

This tech-forward approach positions Pizza Hut to better compete in the digital ordering space while maintaining the advantage of a physical presence. The ability to collect and analyze customer interaction data through these digital touchpoints could provide valuable insights for menu optimization and personalized marketing initiatives.

New restaurant features pick-up cabinets, self-service kiosks and Pizza Hut's first Hut 'N Go drive-thru menu in the U.S.

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing mission to connect people through the joy of pizza, Pizza Hut has introduced its most innovative restaurant design concept to U.S. guests. The new restaurant offers an elevated, modern, more connected experience enabled by digital and technology innovations while continuing to serve the craveable food that has made Pizza Hut a global icon.     

Located at 8605 Ohio Dr. in Plano, Texas, the restaurant includes self-service kiosks for faster order placement, cabinets for easy, contactless pick-up and a guest-facing pizza making station to showcase the quality and care that goes into every Pizza Hut pizza. In addition, the restaurant will introduce a drive-thru featuring a "Hut 'N Go™" menu that offers a select list of "ready-now" items that can be quickly ordered and picked up at the window.

As part of Pizza Hut's commitments to doing good for the planet and the communities it serves, the new location also boasts features with sustainability top of mind, including energy-efficient lighting, auto lift fryers and energy-efficient ovens with in-vent hoods and Energy Management System (EMS). More information about Pizza Hut's commitments can be found in the recently released Yum! Brands Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report at www.yum.com/impact.  

"From its physical layout to its modern design and digital-forward capabilities, this new restaurant showcases Pizza Hut's legacy of innovation and unique ability to meet changing guest needs in ways that are distinctive to our brand," said Aaron Powell, Chief Executive Officer, Pizza Hut. "Beyond just serving delicious pizza, which we do very well, it's equally as critical that our guests enjoy a seamless experience with us that feels personalized to their tastes and needs. This restaurant format harnesses the power of these priorities and, as a result, creates magic that only Pizza Hut can offer." 

"At Pizza Hut we are laser focused on amplifying the experience for everyone who engages with our brand, and we understand that guest experience – particularly one that combines delight with digital convenience – can be a key differentiator," said Shannon Garcia, President, Global Franchise Markets and Global Operations, Pizza Hut. "For example, the digital and tech-driven features of this restaurant design in particular – from order kiosks to self-access pick-up cabinets to the digital drive-thru menu – help guests easily guide their own journey with Pizza Hut and allow our restaurant team members to better serve them."

While the restaurant concept is a first in the U.S., it is already operational in more than 80 markets around the globe, with research showing that the new design offers an enhanced guest experience while also driving more transactions and in-restaurant traffic compared to previous formats.  

"Featured in nearly 2,000 Pizza Huts worldwide, we've seen how this restaurant design brings the brand to life with a distinctive, modern exterior, an effortless blend of physical and digital touchpoints and increased human interaction around the joy of pizza. In addition, the open kitchen approach lets our guests see the magic of our team members in motion as they craft each pizza," said Joseph Call, Global Chief Development Officer, Pizza Hut.

The new restaurant replaces an older Pizza Hut format that stood at the location for 25 years. Guests who visit the restaurant will instantly notice a significant update in its exterior and interior aesthetics, which evoke a more modern look and feel.

"This location goes beyond a restaurant redesign; it embodies Pizza Hut's creativity and vision for the brand's future," said Kalen Thornton, Global Chief Brand Officer, Pizza Hut. "This opening showcases our ability to innovate and evolve, which has served our 65-year leadership in pizza culture."

About Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and is a global leader in the pizza category with more than 19,500 restaurants in 110 markets and territories. The brand has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in innovation with the creation of icons like Original® Pan and Original® Stuffed Crust pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut pizza was the very first online food order, and today Pizza Hut continues leading the way in the digital and technology space with over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital orders. Leveraging its global presence, Pizza Hut works to positively impact its people, the communities it serves and the environment through commitments across three priority areas: More Equity, Less Carbon and Better Packaging.

Press Contact
Pizza Hut Global: PHGlobalMedia@yum.com

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SOURCE Pizza Hut

FAQ

What new features does Pizza Hut's (YUM) Plano restaurant design include?

The new Pizza Hut restaurant in Plano features self-service kiosks, pick-up cabinets, a guest-facing pizza making station, and the first Hut 'N Go drive-thru menu in the U.S.

Where is Pizza Hut's (YUM) new concept restaurant located?

The new Pizza Hut concept restaurant is located at 8605 Ohio Dr. in Plano, Texas.

How many markets has Pizza Hut (YUM) implemented this new restaurant design?

Pizza Hut has implemented this restaurant design in over 80 markets globally, with nearly 2,000 locations featuring the new format.

What sustainability features are included in Pizza Hut's (YUM) new Plano restaurant?

The new restaurant includes energy-efficient lighting, auto lift fryers, energy-efficient ovens with in-vent hoods, and an Energy Management System (EMS).