Crowds stuff Pizza Hut as restaurant returns to Corning's Northside. Look inside.

People flocked to the new Pizza Hut in Corning Thursday to enjoy all it has to offer four years after its closing in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dozens of vehicles filled the Pizza Hut parking lot, and several people leaving the busy restaurant at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday said with a smile on their faces that it’s about time that Pizza Hut was back in Corning.

“I’m so happy that it’s back,” said Jennifer Schack, Corning City Deputy Registrar. “I’m here getting lunch for myself and others to take back to City Hall. It’s great to have it back.”

Thursday marked the official debut of the business, which had a soft opening Wednesday afternoon.

The 55 E. Pulteney St. store is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

“We offer full dining, delivery, and carry out,” said Vern Flinn, Pizza Hut district manager.

The Corning menu features classic pizza options like Meat Lover's, Veggie Lover's, Supreme, Hawaiian, Buffalo Chicken and more.

The East Pulteney Street site was one of 17 Pizza Hut restaurants that closed in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened Thursday under new management on Corning's Northside.

"We are very excited to have Pizza Hut reopened in our downtown," said Coleen Fabrizi, Gaffer District Executive Director.

"We are known as a dining destination with something for everyone, and having this beloved eatery for so many back on the menu of options is wonderful."

More: Why Crystal City Oktoberfest was cancelled in Corning. Plus, other festivals to check out.

Other area Pizza Hut franchise closures in 2020 included locations in Elmira, Hornell and Bath. Pizza Hut returned to Elmira in November 2022 with a delivery and takeout-only location.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Crowds stuff Pizza Hut as restaurant returns to Corning's Northside. Look inside.