Pizza Hut’s Retro Stores Aim to Revive Sales

In an effort to tackle declining sales, Pizza Hut has embarked on a nostalgic journey by transforming select locations into retro-themed “Pizza Hut Classic” restaurants.

Tim Sparks, the president of the Kansas-based Daland Corporation which oversees 38 of these Classic outlets, wants to reconnect the brand with its roots, according to The New York Times. Sparks, who began his career as a dishwasher in 1983 at Pizza Hut, is passionate about creating an environment that encourages families to bond over meals. The Classic stores showcase the charm of the 1980s, complete with checkered tablecloths, stained glass decor, vintage lamps, signature salad bars, and arcade games. This initiative comes as the chain struggles with decreasing sales and store closures.

“If we could get them in here as a family, they tend to put their phones down and actually talk to each other,” Sparks remarked in a CBS News interview. “I can’t say I know how to solve everything, but I believe family time is a solid starting point.”

According to the Times, Pizza Hut is facing its ninth consecutive quarterly drop in sales as of late 2025. Back in February, the company revealed plans to close 250 locations nationwide. Many of the current Pizza Hut spots have seen better days.

Despite the challenges, the “Pizza Hut Classic” concept is gaining popularity. The initiative was launched in conjunction with select franchisees, with the first remodeled site opening in Ashdown, Arkansas, in 2019. As of March, around 144 locations have undergone this transformation.

Interestingly, Yum Brands, the parent company of Pizza Hut, hasn’t mentioned the Classic locations on its website. Melissa Friebe, Pizza Hut’s chief marketing officer, admitted she wasn’t even familiar with the beginnings of the Classic concept, nor the total number of locations that fall under this label.

Only specific markets are eligible for the Classic remodels, primarily small-town spots with the iconic red roof that are somewhat isolated from larger urban areas. Franchisees are given a “Classic Remodel Playbook” outlining the criteria needed for transformation.

Classic locations are marked with a plaque stating, “This Pizza Hut Classic celebrates our heritage with a design that’s reminiscent of our original dine-in restaurants,” as reported by Inc.com. It serves as a tribute to the places where many Americans first developed a love for pizza.

Sparks noted that some patrons are traveling “two and three hours away” just to relive memories at these restaurants. “And I’m serious about that,” he emphasized.

“It just brings back memories,” shared one customer, reflecting the emotional draw of the new concept.