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Yum Brands to Close About 250 U.S. Pizza Hut Stores in First Half of 2026

The targeted pullback reflects a Hut Forward overhaul during a continuing review that could lead to a sale.

Overview

  • Executives said the closures will focus on underperforming U.S. restaurants, with no site list released.
  • Yum described Hut Forward as including new marketing support, technology modernization and updated franchise agreements.
  • The company began a formal strategic review of Pizza Hut in November and expects to conclude the process in 2026.
  • Pizza Hut’s U.S. same‑store sales fell 3% in Q4 and 5% for 2025, contrasting with stronger results at Taco Bell and KFC.
  • Shuttering roughly 250 units equals about 3%–4% of the U.S. footprint, as global store counts fell in 2025 largely from Turkey closures despite heavy gross openings.