
Good News! – May 2017
Franchising is experiencing a growth phase, with a remarkable increase in unit count and system-wide revenue, as well as the emergence of new brands.
Pizza Hut is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 707 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. * QSR pizza is stealing share from the freezer aisle, with QSR pizza now accounting for 45% of total pizza spending, a 3.1% increase compared to 2019, and Pizza Hut is one of the brands in this category [[2026-10-22 QSR pizza is stealing share from the freezer aisle (7cac02)]] * AI agents, such as Muse, can order food from restaurants like Pizza Hut, potentially changing the way customers interact with restaurant websites and apps [[2026-10-13 How AI agents could change restaurant ordering (ad30af)]] * Pizza Hut has launched Little Hut Libraries, miniature neighborhood book exchanges designed to look like its iconic restaurants, in collaboration with Little Free Library [[2026-09-29 Pizza Hut Turns Its Iconic Red Roofs Into Miniature “Little Hut Libraries” Acros (d4cec4)]] * Pizza Hut is releasing Halloween-themed menu items in September, featuring spooky and seasonal flavors [[2026-09-28 Halloween comes to menus a month early (e486f8)]] * Yum! Brands is focusing on accelerating growth after divesting Pizza Hut, with CFO Ranjith Roy stating that the company is open to adding another concept to its portfolio [[2026-09-28 For Yum! Brands, Life After Pizza Hut Starts with an 'Acceleration of Growth' (5e6c81)]] * Orangetheory has named former Pizza Hut U.S. president Carl Loredo as its new global brand president, succeeding Lauren Cody [[2026-09-24 Orangetheory Names Former Pizza Hut Exec as New Global President (bd3d05)]] * Pizza Hut is mentioned in a global franchising news update by international trade expert Bill Edwards [[2026-10-08 Global Franchising News from International Trade Expert Bill Edwards, October 20 (edeaa0)]] * Dine Brands has adopted a poison pill to protect against a potential takeover, a move that may be relevant to the broader restaurant industry, including companies like Pizza Hut [[2026-10-30 Dine Brands fights acquisition attempt with poison pill (5412a6)]] Filed under Restaurants / Pizza.

Franchising is experiencing a growth phase, with a remarkable increase in unit count and system-wide revenue, as well as the emergence of new brands.

Papa Murphy's interim CEO Jean Birch shares her experience and hands-on approach to leading the company after joining the board in 2015.
Franchise Update Media publishes its multi-brand 50 ranking of the largest U.S. franchisees operating more than one brand, with the top 25 brands included.

Papa John's digital orders account for six in 10 orders, with executives aiming to reach 80% in the next few years.

Toppers Pizza founder and CEO Scott Gittrich focused on quality ingredients and innovative concepts to differentiate the brand in the pizza industry.

Pizza Hut introduces high-top sneakers called Pie Tops that allow users to order pizza with a push of a button.

Successful franchisees focus on building infrastructure to support sustained growth, beyond a proven operating system.

Yum Brands' same-store sales miss expectations due to decline in Pizza Hut sales, while KFC and Taco Bell see 3% rise in sales.

Pizza Hut plans to expand in the US, hiring 11,000 new employees to staff 8,500 stores across the country over the next few years.

Toppers Pizza sees an increase in online orders due to their new and improved e-commerce site, contributing to an all-time high in online sales.

Pizza Hut offers 50% off full-priced pizzas in a bid to catch up with Domino's growth in the pizza industry.

Domino's Pizza adds Google Home to its online ordering options, allowing customers to place orders using voice commands.

Smashburger opens 380 restaurants in 38 states and nine countries, using its unique smashing technique to deliver better flavor and growth.

Experienced franchisees join Checkers & Rally's system, bringing 32 years of QSR experience, with plans to open four additional locations by the end of 2016.

Toppers Pizza founder Scott Gittrich challenges corporate pizza chains to a 'Presidential Pizza Debate' on Election Day.

Curtis High, a multi-unit franchisee of Saladworks, shares his approach to resolving store issues by stepping in as acting manager.

Papa Murphy's targets Albuquerque for growth, aiming to expand its presence in the market over the next three years.

Toppers Pizza uses 100% real Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, aged to perfection, in their pizzas, differentiating them from competitors like Pizza Hut and Domino's.

The restaurant industry is evolving with AI, loyalty programs, and a focus on sustainable unit economics, according to the QSR 50 report.

Checkers & Rally's plans to open 60 locations in Michigan as part of its expansion strategy in the state.

GYMGUYZ continues to grow with its franchise model, offering a unique fitness experience to customers.

Mobile ordering has become a critical piece in restaurants' plans to increase sales, with customers spending more and returning more frequently.

Curtis High, a Saladworks franchisee, shares his experience and background with the brand.
QSR Magazine's 2026 report highlights industry trends and growth, with brands emphasizing sustainable unit economics and AI deployment.