Pizza Hut Shutters 250 Stores: Impact on Brown County Locations
Pizza Hut, a prominent chain restaurant in Brown County, is gearing up to close 250 of its underperforming locations across the United States. This decision will be executed in the first half of 2026 and is part of a strategic review initiated by Yum! Brands, Inc., the company’s parent organization. The announcement was made during an earnings call on February 4, 2026.
Strategic Closure and Revitalization Efforts
Yum! Brands Chief Financial Officer Ranjith Roy explained that the store closures are part of the “Hut Forward” initiative. This strategy aims to revitalize the brand through vibrant marketing, technology modernization, and improved franchise agreements.
Roy commented that “the 250 stores are a small fraction of Pizza Hut’s global footprint, which includes around 20,000 locations.” He assured stakeholders that these closures align with long-term strategic goals.
Declining Sales and Market Dynamics
The closure decision coincides with a 3% decline in Pizza Hut’s sales in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2025. In contrast, other subsidiaries under Yum! Brands like Taco Bell reported a 7% sales increase for the same period.
Brown County Pizza Hut Locations
Currently, there are five Pizza Hut locations in the Brown County area, though it remains unclear which specific stores will be affected. The locations are as follows:
- 2128 University Ave., Green Bay
- 859 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay
- 2015 Lime Kiln Road, Suite 120, Bellevue
- 11888 Velp Ave., Suamico
- 1001 Cormier Road, Ashwaubenon
Broader Industry Challenges
The announcement of closures is not limited to Pizza Hut. Other fast-food chains such as Noodles & Company, Red Robin, and Wendy’s have also indicated plans to close locations in 2026. For instance, Noodles & Company announced it would close 30 to 35 stores this year, while Wendy’s continues evaluating its underperforming restaurants.
Noodles & Company has three locations in the Green Bay area, including:
- 2450 E. Mason St., Green Bay
- 2665 S Oneida St., Ashwaubenon
- 2485 Lineville Road, Suite 101, Howard
As these brands shift focus toward their stronger-performing outlets, the overall landscape for fast-food restaurants continues to evolve.
