The Retrologist's Guide to Pizza Hut Classics
In 2019, Pizza Hut brought back its 1974 logo, banking on its nostalgic appeal. I figured that would be the end of it, just a simple marketing tactic soon forgotten. There were no plans announced to bring back the logo in stores, much less redesign the restaurants to look like old Pizza Huts from the chain’s heyday.
But with no fanfare whatsoever, that’s exactly what’s been happening. Pizza Hut has been taking legacy stores and converting them into “Classics.” The formula includes:
The old logo is used in pole signage as well as at the top of the (usually but not always) red-roofed restaurant. The pole sign features the addition of the word “Classic.”
The interior features cozy red booths and old-school Pizza Hut lamps.
Stickers featuring the long-discarded character Pizza Hut Pete are found on the door.
Posters feature classic photos from Pizza Huts of yore.
A plaque displays a quote from Pizza Hut co-founder Dan Carney, explaining the concept as a celebration of the brand’s heritage.
So far, these stores appear to be limited to smaller markets, where these legacy stores have survived, the bones of the old buildings intact.
They have generated incredible curiosity and fascination, and when I post photos of them on my Instagram page, they invariably lead to hundreds of comments and excitement and joy that’s impossible to measure. (Here’s a look at the phenomenon on my friend Heath Racela’s Substack.)
I was even interviewed for a podcast concerning the rise of Pizza Hut Classics. John Lagomarsino of Underunderstood was just as fascinated as I was — and just as stymied in his efforts to learn more about them. Pizza Hut won’t talk about these stores or the strategy, and there is no official list featuring them.
John interviewed me for his podcast while also taking a crack at starting a list of Pizza Hut Classics. I’ve been keeping my own, and am now publishing it for the first time. I’ve included photos from the locations I’ve visited.
Well, without further ado, here’s my list of Pizza Hut Classics. Keep checking for updates as I get new information, or stumble upon them in my travels. There are surely more. If you see any I’ve missed, let me know in the comments!
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Note: These are organized in alphabetical state order, and feature the address, phone number, photos if I visited and link to map.
Enjoy!
Last updated: 3/13/24
500 Old Hwy 60 E
Hardinsburg, KY
Phone: 270-756-2206
I stumbled upon this location the day after I visited the Classic in Silver Lake Park. It was not yet open when I took these pics.
I was tipped off to this location during my July 2022 trip to Minnesota and learned it had just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
I was mining for roadside gems in this old Montana copper town, but did not expect to strike upon a Pizza Hut Classic when I visited in February 2022.
This is the only location I know about in New York State. I stopped by on Nov. 8, 2021.
I visited this Pizza Hut Classic in May 2021 and had a very friendly conversation with the manager.
This location has no red roof, though all the other design elements exist.
This is a photo from my visit in May 2020, when the dining room was closed because of pandemic rules. This is the first Pizza Hut Classic I ever encountered.
Note: Sign outside does not say “Classic,” but location now features 1974 logo, red booths, classic lamps
I visited this gem Dec. 26, 2020, and it was indeed a belated Christmas gift.
This is the only Pizza Hut Classic location I’ve spotted without having pulled over to explore, but I did manage to get this quick car shot. I was on a tight schedule and needed to get to Chicago, but at least I documented it back in July 2022!
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