While American pizza is having a moment in the U.K., Pizza Hut is shrinking. With indie spots serving New York slices, Chicago deep-dish, and even Detroit-style pies, the OG American pizza chain is struggling to keep up and is closing 68 of its 132 U.K. dine-in spots. Pizza Hut bet on sit-down nostalgia—think bottomless buffets and ice cream sundaes—to bring in the youth, but Gen Z has instead flocked to Neapolitan-style spots for their pizza dining experiences. Even Pizza Hut’s attempts to stay relevant, like launching sourdough bases and a Big New Yorker pizza, weren’t enough. Now, new owner Yum! Brands faces a dilemma: double down on family-friendly Americana or chase younger, more adventurous eaters. Either way, experts warn it’ll take serious investment to compete in a market Pizza Hut helped create but can’t seem to win. (Restaurant Online)
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