Pizza Hut Expands NYC Presence With 10 New Restaurants

While many chain eateries are still grappling with the repercussions of the pandemic, the iconic fast-food brand Pizza Hut is bucking the trend by actively expanding its presence in Manhattan. 

In a move that mirrors its rival, Papa John's, Pizza Hut has added nearly 20 restaurants in the past couple of years, and it plans to increase its footprint with an additional 10 locations in 2024. This expansion signifies a nearly threefold increase in its total number of outlets in Manhattan since the pandemic began.

What is happening with similar chains: Amid a challenging environment for the restaurant industry, with various chain eateries struggling to regain their pre-Covid footing, Pizza Hut's proactive approach sets it apart. For example, Subway has seen a decline of 33 sandwich shops compared to 2019, while Dunkin' is down by 16 locations, according to the latest State of the Chains report from the research group Center for an Urban Future, which collects its data from the restaurants' official websites.

Pizza Hut’s NYC roots: This chain’s story with Manhattan dates back to 1989 when the Texas-based company introduced its first "express" takeout counter, located at 761 Seventh Avenue near Times Square. This venture was in collaboration with other brands, including KFC, under the parent company Yum Brands, which also owns Taco Bell. Although the 761 Seventh Avenue location closed during the pandemic, hybrid models combining Pizza Hut and other brands persist.

What the new restaurants have to offer: The recent additions of Pizza Hut restaurants in Manhattan are distinct in that they offer fuller menus, including daily specials, placing them more in line with conventional restaurants. However, some of these new Pizza Hut versions in the city do not offer table seating.

The closure of other chain eateries during the pandemic, resulting in 782 fewer chain stores than late 2019, may have opened up opportunities for expansion. Yum Brands is strategically installing Pizza Hut restaurants in various locations throughout the city, with new outlets appearing in neighborhoods such as Washington Heights, the Upper West Side, bBronx.

What’s next: The expansion of Pizza Hut in Manhattan is part of Yum Brands' broader strategy, which also includes increasing the number of Taco Bell locations. According to the Center for an Urban Future's report, Taco Bell outlets have nearly doubled since 2019, from 40 to 75. In contrast, KFC locations have remained relatively stable.