Pizza chain faces trouble with store closures in Indiana and beyond

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It’s a tough time for Pizza Hut, the pizza chain famous for its distinctive slanted-roof buildings and a whopping 6,775 locations worldwide. A wave of closures is sweeping across the brand, and it’s hitting hard, especially in Indiana.

Locals in Franklin, Indiana, are feeling the loss of their cherished Pizza Hut on Morton Street. This spot wasn’t just a place to grab a slice; it was a nostalgic landmark, known for its unchanged interior and long-standing presence in the community. Social media has been abuzz with sadness as residents reminisce about childhood memories and the unique charm of this Pizza Hut.

So, what’s behind the closures? They’re part of a larger struggle facing EYM Group, which runs hundreds of Pizza Hut locations across five states. The company is dealing with significant legal troubles, including unpaid bills amounting to millions. With payment deadlines missed last week, Indiana’s Pizza Huts were abruptly shut down, and more closures are likely to follow in other states.

EYM Group has placed some of the blame on Pizza Hut itself, citing outdated menus and apps that have led to sluggish sales compared to competitors like Domino’s and Little Caesar’s. In response, Pizza Hut has acknowledged the financial strains but is hopeful about transitioning and possibly reopening some of the affected locations in the future.

The impact on employees has been significant. Workers at the Indiana locations were caught off guard by the sudden closures and were told to file for unemployment. This situation highlights the tough reality for restaurant workers caught in the middle of franchisor-franchisee disputes and industry challenges.

As Pizza Hut navigates these choppy waters, the situation remains fluid. Fans of the chain will be watching closely to see how the company handles these closures and if it can bounce back stronger in the future.