What’s in a Name?: Pizza Hut

We love hearing tales about brothers going into business together. Go figure! This story revolves around the Carney brothers and their commitment to making people smile. They did this by opening one of the world’s most well-known pizza chains!

When it comes to pizza, there’s one name that’s become synonymous with crusty, cheesy goodness: Pizza Hut. From its humble beginnings in Kansas to its current status as a global pizza powerhouse, this popular chain has been enjoyed by millions for the greater part of a century.

Pizza in a Hut

In 1958, brothers Dan and Frank Carney borrowed $600 from their mother and opened their first “Pizza Hut” in Wichita, Kansas. The name itself seemed pretty straightforward – because it was. While creating their sign, the Carney brothers only had room for eight letters, so they chose a short name that adequately described their restaurant. (Really… that’s the whole story!)

Dan and Frank’s pizza parlor became an instant hit. They could honestly boast the best pie in town because they only used fresh ingredients grown by area farmers. The service was also unmatched. Customers were treated like family, and their pizzas were served fast (and with a smile).

Raising the Red Roof

As Pizza Hut’s popularity grew, the Carney brothers realized they had a winning formula on their hands. In 1959, just a year after opening their first restaurant, they began selling franchises. This allowed their business to rapidly expand across the U.S. Today, the company has over 19,000 locations in more than 100 countries.

In order to stand out from other pizza parlors, Dan and Frank enlisted their friend, architect Richard D. Burke, to create a consistent, eye-catching design for their restaurants. Pizza Hut’s iconic iconic red roof was introduced in 1969 (and has since been featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History). Burke said his design “was a fusion of common sense, the architectural taste of the 1950s, and a need for the design to be both remarkable and appealing in a variety of locations.” It was also around this time that “The Hut” became the top pizza restaurant in the world.

A Recipe for Success

Through the years, Pizza Hut has continued to innovate and introduce new menu items to satisfy customers’ ever-evolving tastes. In 1985, the company introduced the famous Stuffed Crust Pizza, which became a huge hit and solidified Pizza Hut's reputation as a pioneer in the industry. Other popular menu items soon followed, including WingStreet wings, the country’s first pan pizza, and a calzone-like creation called the P'Zone,

Pizza Hut continued its commitment to making customers happy with excellent service. This included convenient options such as home delivery, drive-thru windows, and express pickup. It was even the first pizza restaurant to offer online ordering… in 1994! (Bonus fun fact: Pizza Hut was also the first pizza restaurant to deliver to outer space in 2001.)

Despite intense competition, Pizza Hut remains a beloved brand, largely thanks to its commitment to quality ingredients, innovation, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Whether you're craving a classic cheese pizza or feeling adventurous and trying other unique toppings, Pizza Hut continues to deliver the flavors and experiences that have made it a favorite for pizza enthusiasts around the world.

“No one loves pizza more than Pizza Hut. That’s why pizza is in our name — and always will be… No one out pizzas the hut.” – Pizza Hut

For more name-dropping stories, check out What's in a Name?: Chick-fil-A, What's in a Name?: 7-Eleven, and, of course, Penny Mustard: Our History.

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