Pizza Hut Delivery debuts first dine-in restaurant

Pizza Hut Delivery has launched the first of its new dine-in stores ahead of a planned revamp of its 400 sites.

The concept sees the introduction of an open plan kitchen and seating for up to 12 diners, marking the first time the delivery business – which has a separate owner to the core Pizza Hut UK group - has offered an eat-in seating area.

Diners will still have the option to collect pizzas or order them remotely for delivery.

The first new concept restaurant has already launched in Luton, and the group is aiming to refurbish its entire 400-strong estate with the design - with the first 10 set to launch this year.

A further eight stores will open under the concept in 2018 following an initial £1m investment.

Each site will receive £70,000 funding and launch in central locations across the UK with high footfall.

“Our Delivery business has bold plans to enhance our customer experience, by making it easier and faster to enjoy a better pizza and this new store design will play an important role in helping us to deliver on this ambition,” says Neil Manhas, UK general manager at Pizza Hut Delivery.

“Over the coming months and years we will roll out this design and concept across new stores and our existing portfolio and it will form a key part of our expansion plans in the UK.”

Pizza Hut Delivery is owned by Yum! Brands, which is also behind KFC and Taco Bell.

The core Pizza Hut Restaurants portfolio was sold to investment group Rutland Partners in 2012.

The senior team at Rutland completed a reported £100m management buyout of the chain in April, and are planning to open further restaurants under a new franchise agreement with Yum! Brands.