Yum! Brands to Close 250 U.S. Pizza Hut Locations by 2026

Yum! Brands (YUM) announced plans to close 250 U.S. Pizza Hut locations, about 3% of its 6,400 domestic outlets, in the first half of 2026 as part of its “Hut Forward” strategy. The closures follow a November review of strategic options for Pizza Hut, with CEO Chris Turner suggesting the brand’s full value may be better realized outside Yum!. Supporting context: Pizza Hut same-store sales declined 1% in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025, while Taco Bell and KFC posted gains of 7% and 3%, respectively. Yum!’s fourth-quarter net income rose to $535 million from $423 million, and shares have gained over 20% year-to-date. The company has not yet specified which locations will be closed.