The Global Shift: 5 Key Facts About Pizza Hut Locations And Their 2024 Expansion Strategy

As of December 15, 2025, Pizza Hut remains one of the world's most recognizable and largest pizza chains, boasting a massive global footprint with over 19,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries. However, the company is currently undergoing a significant strategic recalibration, marked by a contrasting trend: targeted closures of older, underperforming locations in key markets like the United States, alongside aggressive new store openings internationally, particularly in Asia. This dual approach signals a definitive shift from the classic, family-style dine-in experience to a modernized model focused heavily on efficient delivery and carryout. Founded in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney in Wichita, Kansas, the brand has evolved far beyond its iconic "Red Roof" origins. The current focus is on optimizing its real estate portfolio under the ownership of parent company Yum! Brands. This means that while finding a traditional dine-in Pizza Hut is becoming rarer, the availability of quick-service delivery and carryout locations is increasing, reflecting a broader industry trend toward convenience and digital ordering.

The Global Footprint: Where Pizza Hut Dominates in 2024

Pizza Hut's scale is truly monumental, positioning it as the second-largest pizza company in the world by the number of units. The brand’s international strength is a critical part of its strategy, overshadowing its domestic operations in terms of pure growth momentum.

The United States: The Largest but Most Challenged Market

Despite being the birthplace of the chain, the U.S. market presents a complex picture. The country remains Pizza Hut’s largest market, responsible for nearly half of its total sales, with approximately 6,775 locations open to serve customers hot and fresh pizza. However, this segment is also where the most strategic closures have been observed. The focus here is on strengthening franchise partners and accelerating planned closures of older, high-overhead dine-in restaurants.

Aggressive International Expansion, Led by China

The future of Pizza Hut’s physical expansion lies overwhelmingly overseas. The second-largest market for the brand is China, where the chain is operated by Yum China. Yum China has outlined ambitious plans to add more than 600 net new Pizza Hut restaurants each year up to 2028, showcasing a commitment to massive growth in lower-tier cities and established urban centers. This aggressive strategy is a clear indicator of the brand's global health, even as it streamlines its domestic operations.

The Great Recalibration: Closures and the Death of the 'Red Roof' Dine-In

The most talked-about development concerning Pizza Hut locations in 2024 is the systematic phasing out of the traditional, full-service "Red Roof" dine-in restaurant. This strategic move is not a sign of failure but a necessary adaptation to modern consumer behavior, which overwhelmingly favors delivery and carryout over sit-down dining for pizza.

Targeted US Closures in 2024

In mid-2024, the brand confirmed a wave of abrupt closures across the U.S., with over 20 confirmed locations ceasing operations. The closures are concentrated in specific regions, such as Indiana and Ohio, where some franchise operators have struggled to maintain profitability in the outdated dine-in model. While the company assures that the vast majority of its stores remain open, this "recalibration" process is expected to continue, with some reports suggesting over 100 additional stores could be at risk.

The End of an Era: From Family Experience to Convenience

The classic "Red Roof" stores, known for their iconic building design, jukeboxes, and all-you-can-eat lunch buffets, require significant real estate and staffing—a costly model in the modern fast-casual landscape. The shift is away from these large, high-maintenance locations toward a smaller, more streamlined store format. This new format is designed for maximum efficiency in fulfilling online orders for Stuffed Crust and pan-style pies, minimizing the footprint and maximizing speed.

New Location Formats: The Future of Pizza Hut Delivery and Carryout

Pizza Hut’s future is defined by a diverse portfolio of smaller, more convenient store types designed to meet customers where they are. The days of a single, monolithic restaurant model are over.

1. Delivery and Carryout Units

This is the dominant and fastest-growing format. These locations are small, have minimal or no seating, and are optimized entirely for quick order fulfillment, whether through an employee or a third-party delivery service. They are essential for capturing the vast majority of the modern pizza market.

2. Hybrid Locations

These units offer a balance, featuring a small dine-in area alongside a robust carryout and delivery infrastructure. They serve as a bridge, maintaining a small physical presence for customers who still prefer a quick, casual meal on-site without the overhead of a full-service restaurant.

3. Pizza Hut Express and Italian Bistro

For maximum penetration, Pizza Hut has developed specialized formats for non-traditional locations. The Pizza Hut Express model is frequently found inside high-traffic venues like Target stores, airports, and college campuses, offering a limited menu of personal pizzas and slices for quick consumption. The Pizza Hut Italian Bistro format, while less common, offers a slightly more upscale menu, sometimes featuring pasta and other Italian-inspired dishes.

4. The New Pilot Design in Plano, Texas

Looking ahead, Pizza Hut is actively innovating its store design. In a significant move, the company introduced its most innovative restaurant concept in Plano, Texas, in late 2024. This new pilot design focuses on enhancing the digital and physical experience, likely integrating advanced technology for order processing and pickup. This new generation of stores will be the blueprint for the brand's future growth, including its planned expansion of 10 new locations in New York City. The evolution of Pizza Hut locations is a fascinating case study in corporate adaptation. While the nostalgic "Red Roof" is fading into history, the brand is securing its future by investing heavily in a high-tech, delivery-focused network that can efficiently serve its global customer base for decades to come.