In Surprise Move, Pizza Hut Brings Back Buffet
The phenomeonon of most Pizza Hut locations switching from dine-in to carryout only was viewed by many as a sign of terminal societal decline.
But now, in a surprise move all the more unforeseen in the wake of Corona-chan, Gen Y's favorite pizza chain is bringing its legendary lunch buffet back.
Pizza Hut is stirring up nostalgia by bringing back its iconic lunch buffet, but it's a selective comeback.
The beloved pizza chain is discreetly reintroducing the all-you-can-eat option, which was largely phased out by 2014, Mashed reported.
Related: Gen Y's Real Café 80s
Buffets took a hit during the pandemic, with concerns over hygiene prompting many restaurants to scrap the self-serve model.
Yet, it seems Pizza Hut is bucking the trend and reviving its buffets at certain locations.
FoodBeast has highlighted viral social media videos showcasing the return of Pizza Hut buffets in places like Hawaii, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Toronto.
An Instagram video from ESPN anchor Gary Striewski features a sign at a Pizza Hut in Tilton, New Hampshire, proclaiming: "Buffet is Back! "
Related: Gen Y Tales - Welcome to Adulthood
I can only speak from my personal experience, but back in the day, Pizza Hut really was the best of the major pizza chains.
Domino's was for when Mom burned dinner and needed a quick, last-minute substitute.
Little Caesar's was a mediocre but cost-effective way to cater birthday parties and big sleepovers.
The only place that rivaled Pizza Hut was Godfathers, but their image and marketing were more older teen-to-adult-oriented.
Related: Take the Small Town Pill?
During recent travels out of state, I got to eat at a Godfathers which, by all accounts, was frozen in 1997.
We also found a Pizza Hut that still had the classic layout, but its dining room was empty and blocked off with a table between the wall and the host station.
It's a shame, because Pizza Hut did a good job of making every dining experience feel like an event.
When you walked into a Pizza Hut in the 80s and 90s, you felt like you were in a respected local Italian place's dining room. The brick walls, the checkered tablecloths; even the red soda glasses helped make it happen. The decor punched well above its weight.
True, Pizza Hut's game selection never matched Godfathers', but you could find some gems at the former. Pizza Hut was the first place I played Toki, for instance.[/caption]
And Pizza Hut put some thought and effort into their culinary technique. Watching this 1988 training video helped me up my own pizza-making game.
Watch and learn!
Nature is healing.
The deep lore of Tolkien meets the brutal struggle of Glen Cook in the dark fantasy prelude to the acclaimed Soul Cycle.
Artwork: Marcelo Orsi Blanco
And get early looks at my works in progress, the chance to influence my writing, and VIP access to my exclusive Discord.
Sign up at Patreon or SubscribeStar now.
Pizza Hut introduced me to red pepper flakes. I've never looked back.
Nature is healing.