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KFC to the rescue: Pizza Hut’s turnaround hinges on marketing leaders from sister brandKFC to the rescue: Pizza Hut’s turnaround hinges on marketing leaders from sister brand

Analysis: Resuscitating the worst performing Yum Brands division will require relevant marketing, menu innovation and unbeatable value, analysts and Yum leaders say

Nancy Luna, Senior editor, Nation's Restaurant News

February 18, 2020

8 Min Read
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When David Gibbs took over as Yum Brands CEO this year, he bought a fourth brand and wasted no time in shoring up support for the company’s worst performing division: Pizza Hut.

In the latest quarter, Pizza Hut’s U.S. division reported a 4% decrease in same store sales. In the prior quarter, same-store sales were down 3%. The negative growth comes as the Plano, Texas-based chain sheds dozens of restaurants, while sending mixed messages about its brand image. Menu innovation has also run hot and cold, according to consumer research and industry strategist Gary Stibel.

“Their innovation pipeline has been average, at best. They have come out with improvements and changes, but they haven't cracked the code,” said Stibel, founder and CEO of The...

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About the Author

Nancy Luna

Senior editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Nancy Luna is a senior editor at Nation's Restaurant News and a contributing editor at Supermarket News. She covers the industry's largest and most talked about fast-food brands including McDonald's, Starbucks, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Subway. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years reporting experience. As a veteran business reporter based in Southern California, Nancy has covered some of the country's most beloved food and retail brands including In-N-Out, Taco Bell, Trader Joe's, Aldi, Whole Foods Market, Target and Costco. Luna is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton. When she's not digging for news on her beat, you can find Nancy regaling her fans about her latest dining adventures on her Fast Food Maven social media channels. Contact [email protected]  or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/fastfoodmaven

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