Pizza Hut chain to undergo makeover

Mumbai, Jul 17: Following the brand's global re-imaging exercise, the country's chain of Pizza Hut-providers of casual dining space, will undergo a Rs 50 crore makeover over the next three years.

''We have always been wrongly compared and pitted against other pizza delivery chains or quick service restaurants, which we are not a part of. The makeover will distinctly position us in the casual dining segment and reinforce our leadership in the segment,'' Yum Restaurants (India) MD Niren Chaudhary. Yum owns the chain.

The Juhu outlet in Mumbai will be the first to undergo the changeover, and will be followed by Delhi, Pune, Chandigarh and Bangalore. The makeover will include upgradation of interiors, expanded menu that would add 'Florentine Fettucine', 'Arabiatta Farfalle' pastas and a range of blended non-alcoholic drinks like 'Hazaelnut and Coffee', a new logo and a new tagline- ''Stories Happen''.

Officials believe the makeover will not alienate the outlets loyal customers but increase its 27 per cent market share (and 70,000 footfalls per day across the country) of the eating-out market by adding new ones especially among the ''Y'' generation who have more spending power and exposure to international food and beverages.

Mumbai's swanky Juhu outlet is already predicting a 25 per cent increase in sales after the makeover is completed.

Owned by Yum Brands, Pizza Hut is the world's largest casual dining restaurant chain with over 12,000 outlets in 91 countries.

UNI