Pizza Hut has confirmed the closure of hundreds of locations in the U.S. due to declining sales, raising questions about the future of the brand.
Pizza Hut is set to close around 250 locations in the U.S. by the end of 2026, according to parent company Yum! Brands. The closures are part of a broader strategy to address declining sales and restructure the business.
During an earnings conference call on February 4, Yum! Brands CEO Chris Turner announced the planned shutdowns, targeting underperforming stores that make up about 3 percent of Pizza Hut's U.S. footprint. The move is aimed at supporting the long-term growth of the brand.
Chief Financial Officer Ranjith Roy stated that the closures are expected to occur in the first half of 2026. He also noted a 1 percent decline in same-store sales globally for Pizza Hut in the final quarter of 2025, with stronger performance in regions like Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Yum! Brands had previously revealed in November 2025 that they were exploring strategic options for Pizza Hut, potentially including a sale. CEO Chris Turner acknowledged the challenges facing the brand and the need for additional actions to maximize its value, considering options outside of Yum! Brands.
The company emphasized that the strategic review may not lead to a specific outcome or transaction, underscoring the efforts to position Pizza Hut for future opportunities and growth.