This Iconic Pizza Chain Just Changed Its Name For The First Time In 68 Years
When retailers start selling all the pumpkin spice goodies people associate with fall, you know football season and the game-day eats that make it extra special are right around the corner. Pizza companies tend to get in on the action by marketing player partnerships and limited-time offers, but Pizza Hut is thinking outside the box this year. It may have yet-to-be-announced deals on pies coming soon, but the chain's first act to kick off the season is shortening its iconic name to simply "Hut."
In a recent Instagram post, the company showcased a picture of one of its stores with the "Pizza" portion of the logo covered by a red banner with a football emblazoned on it, leaving only "Hut" visible to customers. The pizza chain wrote on the post, "You can just call us HUT for the next 25 weeks," accompanied by a football emoji. It even dropped "Pizza" from its logos on social media, though it kept the red, hat-shaped design (and the logo's secret meaning).
As indicated in the Instagram post, the change is temporary. The pizza chain plans to return to its original logo following the conclusion of the Super Bowl. Say what you will about the quality of the company's pies, but you have to give it credit for making a splash that people will be talking about just in time for game-day pizza.
How the pizza chain's name change is being received
The origin of Pizza Hut's name isn't all that exciting, but folks are already weighing in on the controversial decision to temporarily revise it for football season. While there were some disparaging comments in Pizza, er, Hut's Instagram post announcing the brand's new alias, most people seemed to like the idea. A couple of people played along with the theme, with one writing, "HUT HUT," and another posting, "Wing formation!" Others just showed their support for the move with lighthearted comments celebrating the change.
This isn't the pizza chain's first attempt to modify its iconic name. Back in 2009, it announced it would be changing its title to "The Hut." However, public mockery came swiftly following that disclosure, forcing Pizza Hut to do an about-face and nix any plans to alter its logo.
However, it appears that this time around, it's full steam ahead on the clever marketing strategy. The move comes at a pivotal time for the chain: Pizza Hut has seen its revenue decline for more two years, and Yum! Brands, its parent company, is currently attempting to sell the business. What that means for the future of Pizza Hut is anyone's guess, but for now, folks can get in the spirit of the game with Hut pizzas and wings delivered hot and fresh just in time for kickoff.