Pizza Hut closes 68 sites as company goes into administration, putting 1,200 jobs at risk

Pizza Hut is to close 68 UK sites with immediate effect after the company behind the national chain goes into administration. 11 delivery-only sites will also close as part of a major restructuring, putting more than 1,200 jobs at risk.

The company that owns the UK Pizza Hut franchise – DC London Pie – appointed administrators from corporate finance firm FTI on Monday.

The well-known pizza brand has faced financial pressures since the pandemic, and struggled to keep up with newer, contemporary food outlets, as the pizza restaurant market has become increasingly competitive in recent years.

The closure of 68 Pizza Hut sites marks the end of an era for the brand which opened its first restaurant in 1973, and at its peak had 700 locations in the UK in 2006.  

But it's not all bad news. American hospitality giant YUM! Brands, which owns the global Pizza Hut chain as well as the likes of Taco Bell and KFC, have secured a deal that will save 64 sites from closing. The pre-packaged administration deal saw the company acquire the Pizza Hut dine-in operation in the UK, saving 1,276 jobs. These will be run by Yum!.

Matt Callaghan, the joint administrator at FTI, said: 'This transaction provides a stable platform for one of the UK’s best-known dine-in brands, securing the continuation of 64 Pizza Hut sites and importantly preserves 1,276 jobs.

‘The joint administrators will continue to work with employees who have unfortunately been made redundant, to ensure they get the support needed.'

Nicolas Burquier, managing director of Pizza Hut Europe and Canada, said: 'This targeted acquisition aims to safeguard our guest experience and protect jobs where possible. Our immediate priority is operational continuity at the acquired locations and supporting colleagues through the transition.’

The news comes less than a year after DC London Pie Limited had bought the chain’s restaurants from insolvency.

You can find a full list of the restaurants that will close in the UK below.