Pizza Hut, the iconic pizza chain familiar to many Atlanta-area residents, is planning to shutter approximately 250 of its U.S. restaurants during the first half of 2026.
The closures, announced by parent company Yum! Brands during its Q4 2025 earnings call, target underperforming locations as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the brand.
Pizza Hut to Shutter Underperforming U.S. Locations in 2026 Amid Strategic Review
Pizza Hut operates more than 6,000 locations across the United States, meaning the planned closures represent roughly 3-4% of its domestic footprint. Specific locations set to close—including any in the greater Atlanta metro area or elsewhere in Georgia—have not yet been disclosed by the company.
Yum! Brands, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, owns several major fast-food chains including KFC, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger & Grill. Executives described the moves as tied to “Hut Forward,” a strategy focused on vibrant marketing, technology modernization, updated franchise agreements, and overall revitalization.
The chain has faced challenges in recent years, with U.S. same-store sales declining 5% in 2025.
Competition from rivals like Domino’s—which saw positive same-store sales growth—has intensified pressure, alongside issues like outdated store formats and shifting consumer preferences.
Globally, Pizza Hut ended 2025 with nearly 20,000 locations, down 251 from the prior year.
While international markets showed modest growth (up 1% in same-store sales, particularly strong in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America), the U.S. market has lagged.
Yum! Brands is also conducting a formal strategic review of options for Pizza Hut, which could include a potential sale of the brand. The review is expected to conclude later this year.
A Pizza Hut spokesperson emphasized that the 250 closures represent a small portion of the chain’s nearly 20,000 global units and are seen as the right step forward.
For local customers, this news may raise questions about favorite neighborhood spots. Atlanta and surrounding areas feature numerous Pizza Hut locations offering dine-in, carryout, and delivery services.
Residents are advised to check the official Pizza Hut website or app for updates on any specific closures.
Final Word
Yum! Brands has not provided a timeline for announcing individual locations or further details on impacts to employees or franchises. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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