Hundreds Of Pizza Hut Locations Closing In 2026 — What’s Really Going On

Pizza Hut appears to be feeling the effects of the broader changes reshaping the fast-food industry.

The company confirmed plans to shut down about 250 underperforming restaurants across the United States during the first half of 2026 as part of a wider strategic review led by parent company Yum! Brands.

The decision, announced during Yum! Brands’ Feb. 4 earnings call, is tied to a turnaround initiative called “Hut Forward.” This plan focuses on stronger marketing, updated technology, and revised franchise agreements intended to stabilize the brand’s performance.

Executives stressed that the closures represent only a small share of Pizza Hut’s roughly 20,000 locations worldwide and described the move as necessary for long-term improvement. Yum! Brands also said it is coordinating closely with franchise partners to support short-term sales while advancing broader goals.

The action follows a challenging stretch in the U.S. market. Same-store sales fell 3% in the fourth quarter of 2025, while sibling chain Taco Bell posted a 7% increase. Earlier in the year, Pizza Hut’s domestic sales had already declined 7%, prompting leadership to consider additional strategic options.

Comments from CEO Chris Turner suggesting the brand’s future value might be realized outside Yum! Brands sparked speculation about a possible sale or spin-off, though no final decision has been made.

Pizza Hut’s downsizing reflects a wider restaurant industry trend, with chains like Noodles & Company, Wendy’s, and Red Robin also closing weaker locations. The goal is to redirect investment toward technology, delivery services, and modern stores that better align with changing consumer habits.