Pizza has been a beloved dish in the United States for centuries, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that pizza chains began to appear. Since then, there have been numerous pizza chains that have come and gone, but one particular chain stands out as being the oldest in the country. That chain is Pizza Hut, an iconic brand that has been serving up delicious pizza for more than 60 years.
Founded in 1958, Pizza Hut started as a single restaurant in Wichita, Kansas, owned by brothers Dan and Frank Carney. The original Pizza Hut was located in a converted bar and featured a menu of only nine items, including pizza, spaghetti, and chicken. But the Carneys’ commitment to quality and customer service quickly made their restaurant a success, and soon more Pizza Hut locations began to pop up across the United States.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Pizza Hut expanded rapidly and began to introduce new menu items, like the Stuffed Crust Pizza, which was introduced in 1995. Pizza Hut also began to franchise, allowing local entrepreneurs to open their own Pizza Hut restaurants and become part of the Pizza Hut family. In the decades that followed, Pizza Hut continued to evolve and innovate, and today the chain boasts more than 15,000 locations in more than 100 countries.
Pizza Hut is the oldest pizza chain in America, and its longevity is a testament to the Carneys’ commitment to excellence. From its humble beginnings in the early 1960s, Pizza Hut has grown to become one of the most beloved pizza names in the world. Whether you’re looking for a classic cheese pizza or something more adventurous, Pizza Hut has something for everyone. So grab a slice and take a bite of America’s longest-running pizza chain.
