A well-known pizza chain with over 6K locations has begun closing some of its stores

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A wave of closures is hitting Pizza Hut, a pizza chain known for its iconic slanted-roof buildings, with 6,775 locations feeling the pinch in the tough restaurant industry landscape.

Locals in Indiana are mourning the closure of their beloved Pizza Hut on Morton St in Franklin, a nostalgic spot cherished for its unchanged interior and decades-long presence. Social media buzzed with sadness, reminiscing about childhood memories and the unique architecture that made the place special.

The closures are part of broader challenges faced by EYM Group, which operates hundreds of Pizza Huts across five states. Legal troubles with Pizza Hut over unpaid bills, totaling millions, have added to the strain. When deadlines passed for payments last week, Indiana's restaurants were abruptly shut down, with more closures expected across other states soon.

EYM Group has pointed fingers at Pizza Hut, blaming the chain's outdated menus and apps for sluggish sales compared to competitors like Domino's and Little Caesar's. In response, Pizza Hut has acknowledged the financial struggles but expressed optimism about transitioning and potentially reopening many of the affected locations.

Employees affected by the closures in Indiana expressed shock, noting they received no prior warning and were advised to file for unemployment. The situation underscores the challenges faced by restaurant workers amidst industry upheavals and financial disputes between franchisors and franchisees.