Franchising

Pizza Hut opens 1,000th delivery-based store

Photo: iStock

May 13, 2021

Pizza Hut International has opened it thousandth "fast casual delivery" location (FCD) with franchise partner Food Delivery Brands.

The location, which offers favorite local specialties such as the Stuffed Crust, the Pizza Pastor and the Meat Lovers Pizza, is situated in one of the most dynamic areas of Guadalajara, Jalisco, the same city where the first Mexican-based Pizza Hut branch opened 52 years ago, a news release said.

The casual fast delivery model was introduced in 2017. After a successful global evaluation, the concept is now widespread with locations in more than 80 countries. It was initially launched to keep pace with changing consumer expectations, the company said.

"Each new concept, design and innovation is driven by two fundamental elements: our client, along with their love for pizza, and the members of our team, as well as their passion and ability to fulfill that love," Oscar Pelaez , Pizza Hut global director of concepts innovation, said in the release. "The way we bring a concept to market evolves based on culture and trends, as well as the norms and needs of society."

Pizza Hut International Director of Development Joseph Call said the model is proving to be the fast-growing one for the chain globally.

"A milestone like this is one we must celebrate as we continue to serve our customers, team members, and partners by bringing our love of pizza to the fore," Call said in the release. "Continued expansion into new and existing markets allows us to bring in new team members. and generate long-term opportunities for the future. "

The location will operate under the leadership of regional general manager William González with 14 employees. Like all FCD models, the facility offers technology integrations designed to enhance the overall customer experience, including a contactless experience at drop-off and pick-up points.

Pizza Hut, based in Plano, Texas, operates nearly 18,000 restaurants in more than 110 countries.