When you see the Pizza Hut logo, you can’t help but feel the promise of a delicious and satisfying meal. The logo expertly showcases a variety of hot, fresh food straight from the oven and assures customers that a visit to their establishments will taste just like home.
The Origins: A Story of Success
In 1958, two ambitious brothers who were students at the University of Wichita State, had a dream to open an Italian pizzeria in their town. Their venture took off quickly, and within six months, they opened a second outlet. By 1959, they had established a fast-food chain with nine restaurants.
The Pizza Hut logo as we know it today was not born until later. In 1963, the Chicago-based architect George Lindstrom designed the iconic red roofed building, which is now synonymous with the brand. The project was completed in 1969.
In 1977, PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut, adding it to their portfolio. Eventually, Pizza Hut, along with other well-known foodservice chains, formed a new structure named Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. However, in the spring of 2020, the company rebranded once again and became Yum! Brands.
Throughout all these changes, Pizza Hut has maintained its distinctive identity, with the logo, sign, and design of the building remaining consistent. The original logo design can be credited to George Lindstrom, making him one of the key contributors to the brand’s success.
Did you know?
Pizza Hut is more than just a pizza chain. With over 17,000 restaurants in nearly a hundred countries worldwide, they offer a wide menu of pizza baked in deep pans, as well as numerous desserts, breadsticks, pasta, and other delicious dishes. Born in 1958, Pizza Hut has become a global sensation, and its funny red hat logo, created in 1974, has become an iconic symbol of their brand.
The Evolution of the Logo
1958 – 1970
The original logo of the pizzeria chain featured the name in uppercase letters arranged horizontally. The letters had a playful “jumping” appearance, representing the anticipation and excitement customers felt while waiting for their order. The scarlet letters had sharp serifs, conveying the excellence of the dishes offered by Pizza Hut.
1962 – 1970
This logo was used exclusively by the Coca Cola company. While it still featured the franchise’s name, the style was completely different. The colors were red and black, the lines were straight instead of “jumping,” and the letters had even tops. However, upon closer inspection, one can notice that not all the letters are on the same level, adding a touch of uniqueness. Thin lines surrounded the phrase above and below.
1970 – 1974
This redesign successfully combined elements from the original and new logos. It incorporated the style and geometry of the letters from the debut logo, while showcasing a more restrained color and placement. The letters were arranged in a column, one above the other, creating a harmonious composition. The “jumping” symbols were hand-drawn, adding a personal touch to the logo.
1974 – 1999
The logo introduced in 1974 is perhaps the most iconic iteration. Designed by Lippincott in collaboration with Marketing Manager Sam Moyers, it featured the legendary red roof that would become synonymous with the brand. The two-level inscription was crafted in an updated font, with wavy lines replacing the lower part of the lowercase “z” and the central bar of the uppercase “H.”
1999 – 2010
In 1999, Pizza Hut underwent a conceptually different logo change. Created by Landor Associates, this design featured looser lines that appeared to be drawn effortlessly. The diagonal positioning of the roof and the text added a dynamic feel to the logo. While the letters were less strict in their design, they still showcased similarities to the previous version. Additionally, the dot above the “i” in the word “Pizza” was elongated and colored green, adding a touch of playfulness. A yellow underline was added at the bottom.
2010 – 2014
In 2014, Pizza Hut underwent a complete rebranding to attract more visitors and boost its revenue. The logo was redesigned with a round shape, resembling a pizza. The focus was on the eleven new branded pizzas being introduced. The iconic red color was preserved, serving as a reminder of the brand’s heritage and the toasted pizza. The net name and roof image were placed in the center of the circle, with a white dashed outline. The logo redesign was executed by Deutsch LA.
2019 – Today
In the summer of 2019, Pizza Hut decided to revive their classic logo by bringing back the red roof and wavy lines that were used from 1974 to 1999. The logo now features three distinct wavy lines, a flat roof, and the classic lettering from Lippincott. This return to their roots reflects their commitment to their iconic image.
Font and Colors
Since the 1970s, the Pizza Hut logo has featured a brick-red roof, reminiscent of a hat. This element has become the key symbol of the brand, disappearing briefly in 2014 during a major image overhaul, only to be brought back promptly.
The unique font used in the logo is called Hot Pizza. Created by designer Dennis Ludlow, it features a distinctive brush stroke appearance. The current font has been revised and incorporates serifs for a more refined look.
As for the color palette, red has always been the dominant color for Pizza Hut, often paired with white. Over the years, the logo has incorporated elements of black, yellow, and green.
Pizza Hut Color Codes:
- Primary Red: #EE2E23
- Secondary Red: #D51007
- White: #FFFFFF
- Black: #000000
- Yellow (Accent): #FFEF00
- Green (Accent): #007D48
The Pizza Hut logo has a long and rich history, evolving over time to reflect the changing tastes and preferences of its customers. It is a symbol that represents not only the brand but also the promise of a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the Pizza Hut logo signifies quality and deliciousness that will leave you wanting more.
