Pizza Hut introduces modern design with open kitchen concept in Texas

In a significant shift to attract customers amid sluggish sales, Pizza Hut introduced a new design concept at a remodeled restaurant in Plano, Texas, showcasing a pizza-making station at its center. This innovative setup allows customers to watch employees prepare their orders, enhancing the dining experience. The remodel also features modern elements such as touchscreen kiosks for ordering and heated cabinets for easy pickup, aimed at improving efficiency and speed during customer interactions. The introduction of this concept is part of Pizza Hut’s strategy to adapt to a changing market where diners increasingly favor speed and unique experiences over traditional dining. Shannon Garcia, Pizza Hut’s president of global franchise markets and global operations, emphasized that in today's post-pandemic world, consumers expect not just quality food but also a notable experience when dining out. Moreover, the remodeling effort coincides with intensified competition from third-party delivery apps, which have drastically reshaped the pizza delivery landscape. Historically, Pizza Hut operated as a full-service restaurant before shifting to a focus on takeout and delivery options, especially as rivals like Domino’s popularized delivery-only strategies. As consumer preferences evolve, the pizza chain recognizes the necessity of modernizing its dining formats. Following the initial testing phase in Texas, the company hopes to roll out this new format to other U.S. cities, a concept that has seen success in international markets. The redesigned locations are intended to connect with consumers on a deeper level, fostering customer loyalty by making the preparation of food a part of the experience. Moving forward, this venture aims to rejuvenate Pizza Hut’s brand image and attract a wider customer base amid a highly competitive fast-food environment.