Pizza Hut is an American success story

It’s an old American story. A business dream is born. A few dollars are borrowed. Years later, millionaires tell the story of how they almost didn’t take the big risk. So goes for Pizza Hut.

This global pizza sensation began with what almost everyone would agree are fairly humble roots and grew through dedication to become a powerhouse on the international business scene.

The history of Pizza Hut is also interesting and can serve as an excellent case study for anyone who thinks that a little risk is not worth the rewards it can bring. Keep reading!

Pizza Hut did not start in the lands of the Old World. It didn’t even start in the Italian section of New York City. It was founded, in fact, in 1958 by a pair of brothers from Wichita, Kansas. That’s right, Wichita!

After a family friend gave them the idea to open their own pizzeria, Frank and Dan Carney borrowed less than $1,000 from their mother to start the shop. With their savings, they bought used equipment, rented a building, and went to work.

What started in that one small shop has since grown to include more than 10,000 stores worldwide in a pizza empire that spans more than 86 countries.

Pizza Hut is now a part of Tricon Global Restaurants and operates through franchises. Tricon also owns the Taco Bell and KFC names, which bring fast food restaurants to all corners of the world.

The company, though now a household name, began with humble roots and grew over time through the careful watch of the Carney brothers. The timeline of the restaurant’s growth is simply fascinating.

The store was founded in 1958 and by ’59, the brothers had incorporated and opened their first franchise in Topeka. In 1965, Pizza Hut had its first television commercial, and in 1967 it made its first appearance at the Oklahoma State Fair.

Just 10 years after the brothers opened their first store, the company had 310 locations across the country and in Canada. The traditional red roof was added to the design in 1969.

The 1970s and 1980s saw it rise to greater global prominence with menu additions, international openings, and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Also during these two decades, Pizza Hut became known for the employment of over 10,000 teenagers and their willingness to get involved with charitable organizations. The chain overall surpassed the 4,000 store mark during this time.

The 1990s brought more success for the chain, including the introduction of convenience store locations, lunch buffets, and more.

Currently, the Pizza Hut chain serves almost 2 million pizzas a day in its more than 12,000 stores. It has an estimated 4 million customers worldwide and has even boasted delivery to the White House and Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

What started as a $600 company in Kansas grew through careful nurturing to become one of the largest restaurant franchises in the world.

The company’s success rests on the shoulders of two brothers with the desire and determination to make good pizza and live well.

Copyright (c) 2006