Pizza

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 09, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the weekly restaurant finance newsletter looks at the challenges at Pizza Hut and a huge reason why it fell behind longtime rival Domino’s.

Financing

Pizza Hut is closing 250 U.S. restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 04, 2026

Parent company Yum Brands is still conducting a strategic review of its struggling fast-food pizza chain but plans investments in marketing early this year as part of an agreement with franchisees.

Premium

Financing

Was Pizza Hut's shift away from full service a mistake? It's complicated

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 02, 2026

The Bottom Line: The pizza chain’s shift from a full-service model to takeout and delivery was the biggest service model shift in restaurant industry history. But it has not spurred the growth for which the company hoped.

Food

Papa Johns' Pan Pizza upgrade took several years to perfect

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 30, 2026

The culinary team at the Atlanta-based pizza chain tested countless iterations to elevate the pie’s flavor and texture and have it stand out in a crowded category.

Financing

OneRyan Global acquires a controlling stake in Mr. Gatti's Pizza

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 21, 2026

The Texas-based pizza buffet chain is being sold to a family office investment firm of tax consultant Brint Ryan.

Operations

Major Food Group sues Canadian pizza franchise for trademark violation, false advertising

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 12, 2026

A quick-service pizza franchise brand operated by Carbone Restaurant Group is falsely claiming to be associated with the high-end Italian-American restaurant Carbone in New York and around the world. Investors could be being duped, according to court filings.

Leadership

Former Scooter's Coffee exec John Owen named CEO of Blaze Pizza

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 06, 2026

With career roots that include McDonald's and Subway, Owen brings deep franchising experience to the fast-casual pizza brand. He replaces Beto Guajardo at the helm.

Financing

How Pieology's attempt to rescue restaurants contributed to bankruptcy

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 10, 2025

The fast-casual chain ultimately blamed its sales decline on the pandemic. But the parent company's acquisition of 29 underperforming franchised locations went awry, forcing the closure of 17 units before this week's filing.

Premium

Financing