Phoenix pilot program will add wine in January
Pizza Hut is launching a test of beer delivery Tuesday at a unit in Phoenix, Ariz., and plans to expand the pilot program with wine in 2018, a company official said Monday
Stacy Lynn Bourgeois, director of brand marketing at the Plano, Texas-based pizza division of Yum! Brands Inc., told Nation’s Restaurant News the pizza brand intends to expand the program quickly next year.
“We chose Phoenix because it is an ideal market based upon consumer behavior and the fact that this restaurant already serves beer,” Bourgeois said. “Phoenix ranks middle of the pack in terms of beer consumption, so we think it will give us a great indication of the potential growth for us in this area.”
Bourgeois said Pizza Hut is offering six-packs of standard bottles of Bud Light, Budweiser, Shock Top and Kilt Lifter, a Phoenix-area offering from Four Peaks Brewery.
“As we expand the pilot, prices and brands will vary as we want to make sure we’re offering a local or craft option,” Bourgeois said. “Wine will be added in January and we’re exploring both single serving and full-bottle options.”
She said that because alcohol regulations vary from market to market, Pizza Hut is working closely with operators and regulators state to better understand and meet the requirements.
Bourgeois said 1,726 of Pizza Hut’s nearly 7,500 domestic locations already have liquor licenses.
“Our current delivery drivers will deliver the beer and wine,” she said. “What’s great about this is that we’re a one-stop-shop that doesn’t have extra fees or extended delivery times with a third party.”
Several casual-dining brands have recently announced pilot programs — or intent to test — beer delivery. In August, Huntington Beach, Calif.-based BJ’s Restaurants Inc. launched alcohol delivery in select California markets. Minneapolis-based Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. in July said it was exploring beer delivery in states where it would be legal. And TGI Fridays in September announced it had partnered with a third-party company to delivery beer and other liquor ordered through its app.
Pizza Hut has 16,500 restaurants worldwide.
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