National pizza chain to close 250 US locations amid decline in sales

CINCINNATI (CNN/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) – Pizza Hut plans to close about 250 locations across the United States during the first half of the year, parent company Yum Brands announced Wednesday.

The closures account for roughly 3% of Pizza Hut’s U.S. restaurants and are part of a broader strategic review of the chain, Yum Brands executives said during an earnings call. The company is evaluating several options for Pizza Hut, including a potential sale. Specific locations slated for closure were not disclosed. There are two-to-three dozen Pizza Hut stores in Greater Cincinnati.

Pizza Hut has struggled in recent years amid stiff competition in the pizza market, particularly from Domino’s. Despite introducing new value offerings, including a $5 pizza, the chain reported a 3% decline in U.S. same-store sales.

Yum Brands CEO Chris Turner said the strategic review of Pizza Hut is ongoing and is expected to be completed later this year.