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Pizza Hut to Close 250 U.S. Restaurants in First Half of 2026 Under Yum’s Restructuring

Yum says the move targets low-performing units under its Hut Forward overhaul during an ongoing strategic review.

Overview

  • The planned shutdowns represent about 3% of Pizza Hut’s U.S. footprint, and the company has not released a list of affected locations.
  • Yum launched a formal review of strategic options in November 2025, including a possible sale of the brand, and expects to complete the process in 2026.
  • Executives pointed to recent declines in U.S. comparable sales, with reports citing roughly a 3% drop in Q4 2025 and a larger full-year decrease.
  • The Hut Forward program focuses on reinvigorating the brand through more dynamic marketing, technology modernization, and updated franchise arrangements.
  • Pizza Hut operates more than 6,000 U.S. restaurants and nearly 20,000 globally, with international same-store sales edging up and stronger quarter results at Taco Bell and KFC.