Pizza Hut launches innovative thin-crust pizza, toppings 

USA- Restaurant chain Pizza Hut is set to be the first global chain to offer a thin-crust style pizza and eight different toppings in a trendsetting move aimed at diversifying product offerings and appealing to a diverse customer base. 

The thin-crust pizza offerings will be available in four different varieties- Pesto Margherita, Spicy Chicken Sausage, Double Pepperoni and Spicy Chicken Sausage. The toppings will be available in eight different varieties- chicken sausage, diced garlic, fire roasted peppers, grape tomatoes, crispy cup pepperoni, caramelized onions, while the sauces are spicy marinara, pesto swirl and spicy. 

The new pizza and topping offerings will be available in outlets throughout the US, retailing at US$12 for a large pizza. 

According to the company, the new offerings will offer customers a modern, trendsetting experience with a different mouthfeel and complementary flavors that are expected to disrupt the market. 

Rachel Antalek, Pizza Hut’s Chief Food Innovation Officer said, “These menu additions represent a bold step forward as part of our culinary mission to bring our guests modern innovation that embraces what we know our customers are loving and looking for in a pizza. Tavern is not just a pizza; it is a culinary trend that reflects the excitement of today’s pizza scene.” 

The new thin-crust pizza and toppings offerings are an extension of Pizza Hut’s current diversification strategy. 

In April, the chain announced a partnership with Keith Lee, a Forbes Under 30 content creator, for the launch of the FamiLEE Community Pizza. In May, the chain also announced its entry into the burger business with its Cheeseburger melt brand.  

The new product offerings are intended to boost same-store sales for the restaurant chain, which dropped by 6% in Q1 2024 as the food service industry has struggled with inflation and pricing challenges. Restaurant chains have responded by either offering competitive pricing or diversifying their menu options as a response to dwindling demand.  

Competitors like Dominos, Blaze and little Caesars have updated and diversified their menus in the past year as part of their responses to these inflation challenges. Blaze announced a complete menu overhaul in April, Domino’s added a New York-style pizza offering the same month while Little Caesars entered the snacks business. 

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