Newsroom
2009 Headlines
Psst… It's Pasta Hut!
One of the world's largest franchises contemplates a name change
Vaughan, Ontario [January 26, 2009]: Fact or Fiction -- Pizza Hut, one of Canada's biggest and best known franchises, is changing its name to Pasta Hut!
Fact!! Or, wait a minute… fiction??? Are you in on the secret Canada?
On January 26, 2009, in celebration of the fact that Pizza Hut will now deliver restaurant-quality pasta across the nation, the famed franchise is officially changing its name to Pasta Hut (on a temporary basis).
Introducing Tuscani Pastas at Pizza Hut
Starting immediately Pizza Hut will begin delivering Tuscani Pastas: family-sized, home-style, baked-to-order pastas. Tuscani Pastas are available in two mouth-watering recipes: Meaty Marinara and Creamy Chicken Alfredo and weighing in at 3 lbs each, will easily feed a family of four.
From the US to the UK, Pizza Hut has been playing similar pasta pranks around the world and now they've set their sights on Canada. The tomfoolery doesn't end with the name change either.
Pizza Hut is assembling street teams to descend on the country playing pasta pranks. Led by Chef Tuscani, renowned Pizza Hut chef and creator of Tuscani Pastas, the street teams will pop up in undisclosed locations providing samples of Tuscani Pastas under the guise of a pseudonym. Unsuspecting Canadians will experience the fresh oven-baked pasta first hand, before realizing that it's made by Pizza Hut.
In all seriousness though, why is the chain going to all this trouble?
"Pasta so good you’ll want to call us Pasta Hut"
"We really want to drive home the fact that Pizza Hut is about more than great pizza," says CEO Jon Prinsell. "We're so proud of the taste, quality and value of our new Tuscani Pastas that we're changing our name to Pasta Hut. It's only a temporary change for now, but you never know, depending on public reaction to our pastas, the name might just stick."
Whether or not the name change is here to stay, Pizza Hut is not joking around about keeping Tuscani Pastas as a main feature on its delivery menu. Along with its world famous pizza recipes, Tuscani Pastas are expected to quickly become a family comfort-classic and top-selling menu item in Canada.
Pasta Lovers Around the World Approve
Pizza Hut experienced great success when the chain launched its new pasta delivery category in the US in April 2008. In fact, by October 2008, Yum! Brands, Inc. which owns the Pizza Hut global brand, reported that Tuscani Pastas had already become a fast-growing $500 million global brand, that's helping to power Pizza Hut's growth.
Prinsell believes that success will be replicated in Canada. "Everyone who tries them loves them," says Prinsell. "We'll let Canadians decide for themselves, but feel pretty confident that Tuscani Pastas will deliver on taste expectations of our pasta-loving nation and earn us the name Pasta Hut." ?
Flavourful and Affordable: New Tuscani Pastas
Tuscani Pastas are available in two classic recipes: Meaty Marinara and Creamy Chicken Alfredo. Each Tuscani Pasta order delivers 3 lbs of home style oven-baked rotini pasta topped with sauce and cheese. Canadians can call Pizza Hut delivery, or order online at www.pizzahut.ca.
About Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has over 320 franchised restaurants across Canada offering dine-in, delivery and online ordering. With more than 12,800 locations in 100 countries, Pizza Hut is the world’s largest pizza restaurant company.
Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). The company's 50-year legacy of leadership and innovation has made it the recognized leader in the $37 billion pizza category. Those hungry for more information can go to the official Canadian Pizza Hut Website at www.pizzahut.ca.
To arrange an interview or for more information, please contact:
David Weinstein, Rebecca Crittenden or Debra Quinn at Strategic Objectives
Tel: (416) 366-7735 Toll Free: 1-866-366-7733
Fax: (416) 366-2295 E: davidw@strategicobjectives.com
