America to Consume More Than 16 Million Slices of Pizza Hut Pizza on Sunday

$10 Any Deal Preps for MVP Performance on Company’s Busiest Day of the Year

Pizza Hut Expects to Surpass 2 Million Pizzas Sold on Football's Biggest Day

Pizza Hut Expects to Surpass 2 Million Pizzas Sold on Football's Biggest Day

Dallas, TX  (Restaurant News Release)  When teams from New York and New England meet on the gridiron in Indianapolis this Sunday, professional football’s ultimate crown will be on the line.  When it comes to choosing a meal for the Big Game, fans across the nation will look to Pizza Hut to deliver a championship spread just in time for kickoff. This year for the Big Game, Pizza Hut is expecting to surpass 2 million pizzas sold – more than 16 million slices – making it the chain’s busiest day of the year.

“There’s no question that football’s biggest day of the year will be the busiest day of the year at Pizza Hut,” said Kurt Kane, Pizza Hut CMO.  “Drivers, cashiers and cooks at more than 6,000 Pizza Hut restaurants are prepping for the madness of game day. With our famous $10 Any deal in place, we’re prepared to sell more pizzas on Feb. 5 than any day in Pizza Hut history.”

While Pizza Hut offers other fan favorites like pasta, wings and breadsticks, the No. 1 Big Game order will be pizza, to the tune of more than 2 million pies! To better demonstrate the sheer amount of Pizza Hut pizzas expected to exchange hands Sunday, the Pizza Hut research team released some mind-bending statistics.

  • 442: Miles of Pizza Hut pizza to be sold on the big day, enough pizza  to lap the historic speedway in Indianapolis 176 times
  • 1,200: Tons of dough that will be used to make Pizza Hut pizza for Big Game orders– more than 5-times the weight of the Statue of Liberty
  • 90,000: Gallons of marinara sauce that will be spread across Pizza Hut pizzas on game day – enough to fill 5.7 million Boston Cream Donuts
  • 80: Percentage of Big Game orders that will include America’s favorite topping, pepperoni; more than 14 billion pepperonis were consumed last year at Pizza Hut – enough to circle Earth 13.5 times

MVP: Most Valuable Pizza

With the epic return of the $10 Any Pizza deal – any pizza, any crust, any size for just $10 – fans can order crowd-pleasing favorites for one low price. For an additional charge, customers can enjoy Pizza Hut’s signature crust, Stuffed Crust Pizza.  The Pizza Hut $10 offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

Online Ordering – Why Wait?

Pizza lovers are encouraged to place early orders online at PizzaHut.com starting today. In addition to online ordering, fans can place orders for their favorite pizza, pasta and wings from their mobile devices via apps on the Apple iPhone, Apple iPad and Android smart phones, as well as text message and mobile web.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2012 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Overland Park, KS  (Restaurant News Release)  Consistent with NPC International, Inc.’s objective to continue its growth within the Pizza Hut system, NPC announced today that it had entered into an Asset Sale Agreement (ASA) with Pizza Hut, Inc. and affiliates (PHI) pursuant to which NPC has agreed to purchase from PHI 36 Pizza Hut units for $18.8 million in cash, plus an additional amount for inventory, prepaids, and store cash.

The units being acquired include five fee-owned locations. This acquisition will be funded with available cash on hand and borrowings from the Company’s $100.0 million revolving credit facility.

The units to be acquired pursuant to the ASA are located in and around Jacksonville, Florida and are comprised of 27 delivery/carry-out units and 9 dine-in restaurants. According to information provided to NPC, 30 of the units to be acquired generated $27.8 million in net product sales during the 53 weeks ended December 2011; the remaining 6 units to be acquired are not included in these results because none of these units was open and/or under PHI management for a full year.

NPC expects the closing to occur in February 2012 and it is subject to obtaining customary approvals.

Jim Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of NPC International, Inc. said, “We are very excited to add this market to our portfolio and look forward to joining forces with the operations team in Jacksonville. These units are a perfect fit within our current geographical footprint which will allow us to leverage our existing operational infrastructure and expand our presence in the Florida market.

This transaction clearly demonstrates our continued strong belief in the Pizza Hut system and our continuing partnership with our best-in-class franchisor.

We expect the transaction to improve our overall credit statistics.”

NPC International, Inc. is the largest Pizza Hut franchisee and the largest franchisee of any restaurant concept in the United States (U.S.) according to the 2010 “Top 200 Restaurant Franchisees” by Franchise Times. The Company is also the eighth largest restaurant unit operator in the U.S. according to the 2011 “Chain Restaurant Industry Review” by GE Capital, Franchise Finance. The Company was founded in 1962 and operates 1,151 Pizza Hut units in 28 states with significant presence in the Midwest, South and Southeast. As of the third quarter of 2011, the Company’s operations represented approximately 19% of the domestic Pizza Hut restaurant system and approximately 21% of the domestic Pizza Hut franchised restaurant system as measured by number of units, excluding licensed units which operate with a limited menu and no delivery in certain of the Company’s markets.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release that do not relate to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements. These may include statements regarding NPC’s or management’s intentions, expectations or predictions of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. NPC’s actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including lower than anticipated consumer discretionary spending; deterioration in general economic conditions; competition in the quick service restaurant market; adverse changes in food, labor and other costs; price inflation or deflation; the ability of NPC and other parties to acquisition transactions to satisfy the conditions to the closing of such transactions; the ability of NPC to obtain sale-leaseback financing on acceptable terms and other factors. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are made as of the date hereof. NPC does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Contact

NPC International, Inc.
Troy D. Cook
913-327-3109
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Pizza Hut Top This! Contest Urges Consumers to “Show Us Your $10 Any Song” on Facebook for a Chance to Appear in a Commercial

Pizza Hut Releases "$10 Any Song" to Celebrate Famous Pizza Deal

Pizza Hut Releases "$10 Any Song" to Celebrate Famous Pizza Deal

Dallas, TX  (Restaurant News Release)  Pizza Hut is ringing in the New Year by bringing back the most famous deal in pizza history: the $10 Any pizza deal. To celebrate in style, Pizza Hut has launched a new TV ad that sings the praises of the legendary deal, reminding consumers that they can get any size, any crust and any toppings for just $10.

“The $10 Any deal is such an unbelievable value on the best tasting pizzas around, that it has our customers singing,” said Kurt Kane, Pizza Hut CMO. “So, we’re taking it a step further and asking our fans to ‘top this’ by sending us their own renditions of the song for the chance to be in our next ad.”

Pizza Hut Top This! Contest

As $10 Any Song-mania sweeps the nation, Pizza Hut is urging consumers to upload their own rendition of the song to the Pizza Hut Facebook page (facebook.com/pizzahut) by Jan. 15, 2012 to be entered into the Pizza Hut Top This! Contest. After “liking” the Pizza Hut Facebook page, users can view the contest Official Rules for how to record and submit their videos.

Pizza Hut will select six Top This! grand prize winners whose $10 Any Song videos may be featured in a national TV spot. The six grand prize winners will also receive free Pizza Hut pizza for a year (gift cards valued at $599). The first 1,000 entrants who are determined to have eligible $10 Any Song videos will receive one free Pizza Hut pizza (gift card valued at $10).

In the new spot developed by The Martin Agency, a rocker dons red pants and performs the song with his electric guitar and the following lyrics:

Here’s a deal, an amazing pizza steal
Get any Pizza Hut pizza for ten dollars it’s for real
So go ahead and ask yourself, what have I got to lose?
For just ten dollars, now you get to choose
Any pizza, any toppings, any crust
There’s no stopping, any size, you decide
For ten dollars you can buy
Any pizza, any toppings, any crust
There’s no stopping, any size, you decide
For ten dollars you can buy

The Historic $10 Any Pizza Deal

For ten bucks, pizza fans can pick any size pizza they want, select from more than a dozen topping options, and choose from the Pizza Hut signature crusts – including Pan Pizza, Hand-Tossed Style Pizza, and Thin ‘N Crispy® Pizza. For an additional charge, customers can enjoy Pizza Hut’s signature crust, Stuffed Crust Pizza. The Pizza Hut $10 offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began more than 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Stamford, CT  (Restaurant News Release)  Stamford, Conn.-based Olympus Partners has acquired NPC International, Inc. (“NPC”), the largest Pizza Hut franchisee and the largest franchisee of any restaurant concept in the United States. The company operates 1,153 Pizza Hut units (approximately 19 percent of the domestic system) in 28 states with significant presence in the Midwest, South and Southeast.

Olympus has a long history of investing in successful restaurant franchisees, including previous investments in the Taco Bell, KFC, Wendy’s, Chili’s and Golden Corral systems.

Paul Rubin of Olympus Partners commented, “We are excited to be partnering with Jim Schwartz, Troy Cook and the rest of the highly experienced management team at NPC who have a long track record of delivering growth and superior operating results. We are also enthusiastic about investing again with YUM! Brands, this time in supporting Pizza Hut, the leading pizza brand in the U.S.”

Founded in 1988, Olympus Partners is a Stamford, Conn.-based private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for companies needing capital for expansion. Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries, including restaurants, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services and business services.

Olympus manages in excess of $3 billion on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. The investment in NPC is Olympus’ eighth investment out of its $1.5 billion fifth fund.

The Olympus team included Paul Rubin, Evan Eason, Chase Ormond and Jason Allevato.

NPC International, Inc. Announces Closing of Sale of Parent Company

NPC International, Inc. Announces Closing of Sale of Parent Company

Overland Park, KS  (Restaurant News Release)  NPC International, Inc. (the “Company”), announced today the closing of the previously disclosed proposed acquisition by NPC International Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, of all the outstanding membership interests of NPC Acquisition Holdings, LLC, which owns all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company.

About NPC International, Inc.

NPC International, Inc. is the largest Pizza Hut franchisee and the largest franchisee of any restaurant concept in the United States (U.S.) according to the 2010 “Top 200 Restaurant Franchisees” by Franchise Times. The Company is also the eighth largest restaurant unit operator in the U.S. according to the 2011 “Chain Restaurant Industry Review” by GE Capital, Franchise Finance. The Company was founded in 1962 and, as of September 27, 2011 the Company operated 1,153 Pizza Hut units in 28 states with significant presence in the Midwest, South and Southeast. As of the third quarter of 2011, the Company’s operations represented approximately 19% of the domestic Pizza Hut restaurant system and 21% of the domestic Pizza Hut franchised restaurant system as measured by number of units, excluding licensed units which operate with a limited menu and no delivery in certain of the Company’s markets.

Contact

NPC International
Troy D. Cook, 913-327-3109
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Pizza Hut Teams Up with the Tim Tebow Foundation to Encourage Kids to Read

Tim Tebow to Quarterback 2012 America's Biggest Storytime for the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Reading Program

Tim Tebow to Quarterback 2012 America's Biggest Storytime for the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Reading Program

Dallas, TX  (Restaurant News Release)  Tim Tebow will channel his passion for winning on the football field to help Pizza Hut and the BOOK IT! Reading Program motivate children to read more and develop a lifelong love of reading. On Feb. 15, 2012, Tim will host the fifth America’s Biggest Storytime event, where he will read his favorite childhood book – Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss – to youngsters across the globe via the web.

As a “thank you” for Tim’s participation, BOOK IT! will make a donation to the Tim Tebow Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.

Pizza Hut and BOOK IT! established the America’s Biggest Storytime event in 2007 to feed the need for reading traditions in today’s households. The 2011 event drew more than 500,000 viewers.

The link to view Tim’s America’s Biggest Storytime reading on February 15 will be released in January.  More information about the BOOK IT! Program can be found at bookitprogram.com. Fans can learn more about the Tim Tebow Foundation at timtebowfoundation.org.

About BOOK IT!

In 1985, Pizza Hut established the BOOK IT! National Reading Incentive Program to motivate children to read more and help them develop a lifelong love of reading. BOOK IT! is a six-month program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. For more information, visit www.bookitprogram.com or keep up with BOOK IT! via its social media outlets @BOOKITprogram or Facebook.com/BOOKIT1985.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began more than 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Media Contact

Luke DeRouen
214.727.3708
luke.derouen@zenogroup.com

Pizza Hut Launches Share a Slice of Hope Campaign to End World HungerDALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  Pizza Hut announced today a movement across its more than 7,200 U.S. restaurants that positions America’s largest pizza chain as a leader in the fight against the global hunger epidemic. Pizza Hut is challenging America to “Share a Slice of Hope” during the 2011 World Hunger Relief campaign via multiple donation channels, including an exclusive integration with social game developer Zynga via online contributions at zynga.com/pizzahut through Oct. 31, 2011. More information about 2011 World Hunger Relief efforts at Pizza Hut and the Share a Slice of Hope initiative are available at pizzahut.com/slicesofhope.

“Global hunger statistics are astounding, with nearly one billion people going days or weeks without a substantial meal,” said Scott Bergren, Pizza Hut CEO. “We want to make a difference and we’re asking our customers and employees to ‘Share a Slice of Hope’ with those in need.  Just $1 donated to the World Hunger Relief campaign feeds four children in need.”

Zynga players looking to join the Share a Slice of Hope movement will get their chance to contribute within their favorite games. Pizza Hut has partnered with the world’s leading social game developer to deliver the first ever offline to online contribution experience through Zynga.org for players in FarmVille, CityVille, Empires & Allies and The Pioneer Trail. Players will receive a choice of one exclusive, limited edition item for each contribution of $5 or more made through zynga.com/pizzahut, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the World Food Programme.

“We’re thrilled to join the World Food Programme and Pizza Hut in their battle against world hunger and to heighten awareness of the campaign among our players,” added Laura Pincus Hartman, Director of External Partnerships for Zynga.org.

In addition to contributing through social gaming, online donations can be made to World Hunger Relief when completing an order at pizzahut.com. Customers can then share their donation with friends and followers on social media for the ultimate Share a Slice of Hope experience.

Pizza Hut is also encouraging customers to donate in-store when they visit their neighborhood restaurants. Customers who make a donation in-store may add a personalized pepperoni to a pizza-shaped sharing board displayed in each participating restaurant.

With a robust 2011 World Hunger Relief effort, Pizza Hut looks to surpass its record donation total from last year of nearly $2 million. To help meet this target, local Pizza Hut restaurants nationwide have set their own donation goals and will host events and fundraisers within their communities throughout the month-long campaign. All donations made during the 2011 World Hunger Relief campaign will benefit the World Food Programme’s hunger relief efforts.

About World Hunger Relief

Yum! Brands’ annual fall World Hunger Relief effort is the world’s largest private sector hunger relief initiative, spanning 110 countries, 38,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants and over one million employees, to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds for WFP and other hunger relief agencies.  Multi-Grammy Award winner Christina Aguilera, the effort’s global spokesperson, will appear in a new public service announcement this fall as well as advertising, online efforts and posters in KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants. Every U.S. dollar raised will go directly towards WFP’s operations to fight hunger around the world.

Since World Hunger Relief launched in 2007, more than one million of the Company’s employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than 21 million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide. The effort has raised nearly $85 million for WFP and other hunger relief organizations and is helping to provide over 350 million meals and save the lives of millions of people in remote corners of the world.

About Zynga Inc.

Zynga Inc. is the world’s leading social game developer with more than 232 million monthly active users playing their games which include CityVille, FarmVille, Empires & Allies, Pioneer Trail, Words With Friends, Mafia Wars, Zynga Poker, Cafe World, and Treasure Isle. Zynga Inc games are available on a number of global platforms including Facebook, Google+, Tencent, MySpace, Yahoo, the iPad, the iPhone and Android devices. Through Zynga.org, Zynga players have raised more than $10 million for world social causes. Zynga Inc. is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.zynga.com or www.zynga.org.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Pizza Hut to Award Twitter Followers with Free Pizza for Sharing What they Would Stuff in Their CrustsDallas  (Restaurant News Release)  Pizza Hut blazed the trail for stuffing crusts 16 years ago when they folded cheese into the perimeter of their world-famous pizza and launched Stuffed Crust Pizza. Now, Pizza Hut is taking crust-stuffing to the next level. With the launch of Ultimate Stuffed Crust pizza, pizza lovers can have cheese, and, for the first time ever, toppings folded into the crust of their favorite pizza.

This time around, Pizza Hut did not stop the crust-stuffing there. Pizza Hut recently folded dough into the dough — in the form of $1,000 folded into the crust — and embarked on a secret mission to deliver the money-stuffed pizzas to unsuspecting Pizza Hut customers. Watch this video to see the how the surprise unfolded. http://www.youtube.com/user/pizzahut

Pizza Hut also had a special surprise for Jimmy Kimmel Live when an Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza was recently delivered to the set. Find out what was inside by watching this video. http://www.youtube.com/user/JimmyKimmelLive#p/u/11/UuRbRUJlRy0

Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights at midnight on ABC.

Now Pizza Hut is turning to its Twitter followers to find out what should be stuffed into the crust next. Pizza Hut is asking fans to tweet their answers to “What Would You Stuff Into the Crust?” with the hashtag #stuffmycrustwith to @pizzahut for the chance to win free pizza.

“Once again, we shattered the pizza rules,” said Kurt Kane, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza is yet another never-seen-before pizza innovation from Pizza Hut. We did the unthinkable by folding cheese and toppings into our crust to make Ultimate Stuffed Crust pizza, and we can’t wait to hear what our Twitter followers would stuff into our legendary crust.”

How to Enter

Follow Pizza Hut on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PizzaHut and tell us what you would like to stuff inside your Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza using the hashtag #stuffmycrustwith and directing tweets to @pizzahut. Submissions will generate a chance to win a $10 Pizza Hut gift card. (See Official Rules here: http://social.pizzahut.com/usc/officialrules.html). Pizza Hut will accept entries April 4 – April 22, 2011. Winners will be notified by direct message on Twitter.

The Prize

Five hundred pizza fans will be randomly selected to win a free pizza from Pizza Hut (in the form of a $10 Pizza Hut gift card).

How Pizza Hut Makes Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza

To make Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza, Pizza Hut starts with their famous Stuffed Crust dough and then adds one of two Ultimate Stuffed recipes — Meaty or Pepperoni. The Ultimate Stuffed Crust Meaty recipe stuffs cheese and three savory meats — pepperoni, Italian sausage and bacon — into the crust. The Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pepperoni recipe is made with pepperoni slices and cheese folded into the crust. The base of the large pizza is then topped with any three Pizza Hut toppings for just $12.99. The Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza is a limited time offer available only at Pizza Hut.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com

Pizza Hut Wants to Know: What’s Your Favorite?Dallas  (Restaurant News Release)  Pizza Hut embarked on the Hut Seat Challenge with a single mission: to travel across the nation to ask Americans, What’s your favorite? Americans responded by stepping into the Hut Seat, a nostalgic replica of a Pizza Hut booth, to make the case for their favorites over a slice of pizza. In the Hut Seat, people from all walks of life – from pumpkin chunkers to pirates to cheerleaders — weighed in on hot topics such as ketchup vs. mustard, aliens vs. robots and blondes vs. brunettes. The resulting great debates of favorites from the Hut Seat Challenge can now be viewed at social.PizzaHut.com and clicking Hut Seat.

“We traveled to unique events across the country to put America’s most disputed rivalries head-to-head and ask people to defend their favorites,” said Chris Fuller, director of PR and social media at Pizza Hut. “While we encourage fans to be passionate about their favorite things, we learned that people do agree on one thing: everyone’s favorite pizza, pasta and wings are served up by Pizza Hut.”

The Hut Seat Challenge kicked off at a tailgate party in Lincoln, Neb., and then traveled to the 25th Annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin’ Contest in Delaware, the Boston Comedy Festival and the Pirates in Paradise Festival in Key West before making its final stop at the SEC Championship football game in Atlanta.

Pizza Hut continues the quest to find out, What’s your favorite? Pizza Hut now asks pizza fans everywhere to take the Hut Seat Challenge at social.PizzaHut.com and vote on their favorites: Sci-fi movies vs. fantasy? Football vs. basketball? Burgers and dogs vs. BBQ chicken and ribs? Tell us your favorites at social.PizzaHut.com.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Season's Eatings: Pizza Hut Launches Search for America's Favorite Lighting DisplaysDALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  This season, the holiday lights will be hung with care in hopes that Pizza Hut’s Cheesy Bites Pizza soon will be there. Pizza Hut is announcing the search for America’s favorite holiday light displays in honor of the return of Cheesy Bites Pizza, a pizza surrounded by 28 pullable, poppable, dippable cheese-filled bites.

Pizza Hut invites wizards of wattage to upload photos of their holiday light creations – anything from an acre-long display to a well-lit condo balcony – to social.PizzaHut.com for the chance to win the grand prize:  Pizza Hut will reimburse the winner’s December electric bill, up to a maximum of $500, and provide enough Cheesy Bites Pizza to light up the night with delicious fun (a $100 Pizza Hut gift card).  As an added reward, the first 50 submissions also will be rewarded with a $12 Pizza Hut gift card.

“Christmas lights are one of our favorite holiday traditions,” said Chris Fuller, social media director at Pizza Hut. “At Pizza Hut, we want to reward the people who craft the most original, most creative, most fun car-stopping light shows with one of our original creations, Cheesy Bites Pizza.  Only Pizza Hut can give you the fun of pizza surrounded by 28 pullable, poppable, dippable cheese-filled bites.  Just like the best lights in your neighborhood, this pizza is really second-to-none.”

Pizza Hut will proudly showcase photo submissions on social.PizzaHut.com for all to enjoy.

How to Enter

Illumination impresarios can enter their masterpieces by visiting social.PizzaHut.com and uploading a photo of their festively-lit home. Pizza Hut will accept entries November 30 – December 13, 2010. The first 50 people who submit photos will receive a $12 Pizza Hut gift card.  No purchase necessary.  Subject to official rules, available at https://www.bitesforlights.com/rules.php.

Online Voting & Winning

Pizza Hut’s Cheesy Holiday Lights Judging Committee will judge submissions on originality, creativity and fun to select five finalists.  Online voting to select the grand prize winner will take place on social.PizzaHut.com December 17-21, 2010. The grand prize winner, as determined by online voting, will be named on or by December 23, 2010.

Prizes

The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize totaling his / her December electric bill, up to $500, and a $100 Pizza Hut® gift card. The four other finalists, as runners up, will receive a $50 Pizza Hut gift card.  Fifty Entry Prizes will be awarded, each consisting of a $12 Pizza Hut gift card.

About Pizza Hut Cheesy Bites Pizza

From start to finish, each bite of Cheesy Bites pizza is stuffed with cheese, giving pizza fans the ultimate cheesy flavor they crave. To make Cheesy Bites Pizza, Pizza Hut takes a large pizza and surrounds the perimeter of the pizza with 28 pullable, poppable cheese-filled bites that take the place of a traditional crust edge.  The pizza is accompanied by marinara sauce, perfect for dipping the cheese-filled bites.  A large 1-topping Cheesy Bites pizza is $11.99 and is a limited time offer.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Yum! Brands Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.25 Per ShareLOUISVILLE, Ky.  (Restaurant News Release)  Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock, which will be distributed February 4, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 14, 2011.

Yum! continues to return significant cash to shareholders through its dividend program, first initiated in 2004. Since then, the dividend has increased each year with the most recent increase of 19% announced in September. Over time, Yum! targets a payout ratio of 35-40% of annual net income.

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, is the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of system restaurants, with more than 37,000 restaurants in over 110 countries and territories. The company is ranked #216 on the Fortune 500 List, with revenues of nearly $11 billion in 2009. Four of the company’s restaurant brands – KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Long John Silver’s – are the global leaders of the chicken, pizza, Mexican–style food and quick–service seafood categories, respectively. A&W Restaurants is the longest running quick-service franchise chain in America. Outside the United States in 2009, the Yum! Brands system opened more than four new restaurants each day of the year, making it a leader in international retail development.

10 Day Deal at Pizza Hut Kicks Off Nov. 11

Pizza Hut Says 'Thanks' to Fans by Launching 10 Day Deal: 2 Medium Pizzas with up to 3 Toppings for $6 EachDALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  ‘Tis the season for giving thanks, and this year Pizza Hut is most thankful for its loyal fans. To show appreciation for pizza lovers, Pizza Hut is launching a new deal — for just 10 days, Nov. 11-20, two medium pizzas with up to three toppings are just $6 each.  Pizza fans will be pleased to know that the offer is available for delivery, carryout or dine-in orders.

“At Pizza Hut, we know the best way to show our gratitude to our deserving fans is by giving them an incredible deal on our pizza,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “This is our way of saying thank you to consumers for making us their favorite pizza.”

To help extend the attitude of gratitude to loyal followers, @pizzahut (twitter.com/pizzahut) will celebrate “The 10 Days of Thanks” on Twitter Nov. 11-20. During “The 10 Days of Thanks,” @PizzaHut will enumerate the 10 reasons why Pizza Hut loves their fans. Followers are advised to be on the lookout for special surprises from @pizzahut during the celebration.

Pizza Hut also wants to let fans know of a special upcoming holiday in honor of all of their favorite pizza toppings — “National Pizza with Everything Except Anchovies Day” on Nov. 12.  Those partaking in festivities can keep in mind that Pizza Hut offers 14 toppings that create endless combinations of deliciousness (toppings vary by region, check with your local Pizza Hut for availability): from pepperoni, ham, pork, beef, Italian sausage, bacon pieces and chicken to mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapenos and pineapple.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out Your Favorites from Your Pizza Hut, visit PizzaHut.com or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.  (Restaurant News Release)  NPC International, Inc. (the “Company”), today reported results for its third fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2010.

THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Comparable store sales increased 10.9% rolling over a decrease of -12.9% last year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (reconciliation attached) of $22.8MM was $2.8MM or 14% greater than last year.
  • Free Cash Flow (reconciliation attached) of $13.7MM was $6.4MM or 88% greater than last year.
  • Net income of $3.5MM was $2.2MM or 162% greater than last year.
  • Cash balances increased to $41.4MM from $26.8MM last quarter.

YEAR-TO-DATE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Comparable store sales from continuing operations increased 10.5% rolling over a decrease of -10.1% from last year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (reconciliation attached) of $80.9MM increased by $5.5MM or 7% from last year.
  • Free Cash Flow (reconciliation attached) of $55.2MM was $22.9MM or 71% greater than last year.
  • Income from continuing operations of $18.1MM was $7.4MM or 69% greater than last year.
  • Debt has been reduced by $31.3MM and cash balances have increased by $26.8MM from last fiscal year end.
  • The Company’s leverage ratio declined to 4.00X Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in our Credit Agreement, from 4.51X at last fiscal year end, compared to our existing maximum leverage covenant of 4.75X. Including the benefit of excess cash balances of $38.1MM, our leverage ratio would have improved to 3.63X.

The Company’s third quarter financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are set forth in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2010 which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

NPC International, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2010 ResultsNPC’s President and CEO Jim Schwartz said, “We maintained the exceptional sales momentum that we developed in the first half of this year posting comparable store sales growth of 10.9% during our third quarter while migrating away from the $10 Any Pizza promotion.

During the quarter we significantly lowered our menu prices on all of our pizzas with the introduction of our new simplified pricing strategy and our consumers have enthusiastically welcomed the change. This lower and simplified menu pricing strategy leverages off of the key tenets of the $10 Any Pizza promotion – tremendous value and a simple pricing message. In addition, during the third quarter we once again brought hallmark Pizza Hut innovation to the category with the introduction of the Big Italy Pizza, which was well received and exceeded our product mix expectations.

Our margins benefited from the transition to simplified pricing and continued excellent operational controls as exhibited by our sequentially lower cost of sales as compared to the first half of the year and lower year-over-year direct labor and other restaurant operating expenses.

We are pleased to report that our free cash flow generation has remained strong during the first three quarters of fiscal 2010 at $55.2 million, an increase of $22.9 million or 71% over last year. As a result, we have increased our cash balances by $26.8 million from last fiscal year end while reducing debt by $31.3 million and improving our leverage ratio from 4.51X to 4.00X. Including the benefit of our excess cash balances, our leverage position at the end of the third quarter would have been 3.63X.

The pizza segment continues to lead the restaurant category in transaction growth due to the category’s firm commitment to value and unique positioning with the consumer. At NPC, we are excited about the balance of 2010 and fiscal 2011 due to the continuing momentum from our simplified pricing strategy, which is providing us an improved balance of value to the consumer and sustainable margins that results in a true win-win for our brand and the consumer.”

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION:

The Company’s third quarter earnings conference call will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. CST. You can access this call by dialing 866-362-4829. The international number is 617-597-5346. The access code for the call is 10956013.

Go to www.npcinternational.com and click on the Thomson Financial logo in the investor information section or go to www.earnings.com.

For those unable to participate live, a replay of the call will be available until November 16, 2010 by dialing 888-286-8010 or by dialing international at 617-801-6888. The access code for the replay is 61343350.

A replay of the call will also be available at the Company’s website at www.npcinternational.com.

NPC International, Inc. is the world’s largest Pizza Hut franchisee and currently operates 1,143 Pizza Hut restaurants and delivery units in 28 states.

For more complete information regarding the Company’s financial position and results of operations, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s quarterly financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, incorporated into the Company’s Form 10-Q which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements contained in this news release that do not relate to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding our plans and expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. NPC’s actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including lower than anticipated consumer discretionary spending; continued deterioration in general economic conditions; competition in the quick service restaurant market; adverse changes in food, labor and other costs; price inflation or deflation; and other factors. These risks and other risks are described in NPC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including NPC’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings may be obtained by contacting NPC. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are made as of the date hereof. NPC does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

    13 Weeks     13 Weeks
    Ended     Ended
    Sept. 28, 2010     Sept. 29, 2009
Net product sales   $ 226,748     100.0 %     $ 205,107     100.0 %
Fees and other income (1)     10,419     4.6 %       8,847     4.3 %
Total sales     237,167     104.6 %       213,954     104.3 %
Comparable store sales (net product sales only)     10.9 %           -12.9 %    
Cost of sales (2)     65,879     29.1 %       53,855     26.3 %
Direct labor (3)     69,255     30.5 %       65,273     31.8 %
Other restaurant operating expenses (4)     76,381     33.7 %       73,442     35.8 %
General and administrative expenses     11,884     5.2 %       11,901     5.8 %
Corporate depreciation and amortization of intangibles     2,894     1.3 %       2,955     1.4 %
Other     329     0.1 %       718     0.4 %
Total costs and expenses     226,622     99.9 %       208,144     101.5 %
Operating income     10,545     4.7 %       5,810     2.8 %
Interest expense (5)     (7,278 )   -3.2 %       (7,695 )   -3.8 %
Income (loss) before income taxes     3,267     1.5 %       (1,885 )   -1.0 %
Income tax benefit     (222 )   0.0 %       (3,215 )   -1.6 %
                   
Net income   $ 3,489     1.5 %     $ 1,330     0.6 %
                   
Percentages are shown as a percent of net product sales.                  
                   
Capital Expenditures   $ 5,241           $ 4,771      
Cash Rent Expense   $ 12,499           $ 12,398      

(1) Fees and other income increased due to increased delivery transactions.
(2) Cost of sales, as a percentage of net product sales, increased primarily due to lower net pricing and product mix changes realized from promotional activity during the quarter and higher ingredient costs, primarily meat and cheese.
(3) Direct labor, as a percentage of net product sales, decreased largely due to the benefit of sales leverage on fixed and semi-fixed costs and favorable claims experience reducing health insurance costs for the quarter.
(4) Other restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of net product sales, decreased largely due to the benefit of sales leverage on fixed and semi-fixed costs, primarily depreciation and occupancy costs.
(5) Interest expense declined primarily due to lower average debt levels than the prior year.

Note: The explanations above are abbreviated disclosures. For complete disclosure see Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.

NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

    39 Weeks     39 Weeks
    Ended     Ended
    Sept. 28, 2010     Sept. 29, 2009
Net product sales   $ 715,332     100.0 %     $ 641,803     100.0 %
Fees and other income (1)     33,087     4.6 %       28,305     4.4 %
Total sales     748,419     104.6 %       670,108     104.4 %
Comparable store sales (net product sales only)     10.5 %           -10.1 %    
Cost of sales (2)     213,769     29.9 %       170,806     26.6 %
Direct labor (3)     214,929     30.0 %       197,002     30.7 %
Other restaurant operating expenses (4)     228,950     32.0 %       221,405     34.5 %
General and administrative expenses     36,328     5.1 %       36,671     5.7 %
Corporate depreciation and amortization of intangibles     8,570     1.2 %       8,810     1.4 %
Other     1,115     0.2 %       1,483     0.2 %
Total costs and expenses     703,661     98.4 %       636,177     99.1 %
Operating income     44,758     6.2 %       33,931     5.3 %
Interest expense (5)     (22,152 )   -3.1 %       (23,438 )   -3.7 %
Income before income taxes     22,606     3.1 %       10,493     1.6 %
Income tax expense (benefit)     4,537     0.6 %       (216 )   -0.1 %
                   
Income from continuing operations     18,069     2.5 %       10,709     1.7 %
Loss from discontinued operations     -     0.0 %       (59 )   0.0 %
Net income   $ 18,069     2.5 %     $ 10,650     1.7 %
                   
Percentages are shown as a percent of net product sales.                  
                   
Capital Expenditures   $ 13,884           $ 19,526      
Cash Rent Expense   $ 38,037           $ 37,348      

(1) Fees and other income increased due to increased delivery transactions.
(2) Cost of sales, as a percentage of net product sales, increased year-to-date primarily due to lower net pricing and product mix changes associated with the $10 Any Pizza promotion as well as higher ingredient costs, primarily meat.
(3) Direct labor, as a percentage of net product sales, decreased largely due to the benefit of sales leverage on fixed and semi-fixed costs, which more than offset the increased average wage rates related to the July 2009 minimum wage increase.
(4) Other restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of net product sales, decreased largely due to the benefit of sales leverage on fixed and semi-fixed costs, primarily depreciation and occupancy costs.
(5) Interest expense declined primarily due to lower average debt levels than the prior year.

Note: The explanations above are abbreviated disclosures. For complete disclosure see Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.

NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    September 28, 2010     December 29, 2009
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 41,446     $ 14,669
Other current assets     20,249       22,845
Total current assets     61,695       37,514
           
Facilities and equipment, net     148,269       164,413
Franchise rights, net     401,624       408,714
Other noncurrent assets     216,888       218,683
Total assets   $ 828,476     $ 829,324
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Current portion of debt   $ 1,190     $ 31,340
Other current liabilities     85,985       74,412
Total current liabilities     87,175       105,752
           
Long-term debt, less current portion     401,180       402,370
Other noncurrent liabilities     161,875       162,627
Total liabilities     650,230       670,749
Stockholders’ equity     178,246       158,575
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 828,476     $ 829,324
               
NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    39 Weeks Ended
    Sept. 28, 2010     Sept. 29, 2009
Operating activities          
Net income   $ 18,069       $ 10,650  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization     34,217         39,077  
Amortization of debt issue costs     1,930         1,515  
Deferred income taxes     2,634         (30 )
Other adjustments     1,133         1,011  
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:          
Assets     (320 )       1,407  
Liabilities     11,371         (1,832 )
Net cash provided by operating activities     69,034         51,798  
Investing activities          
Capital expenditures     (13,884 )       (19,526 )
Net proceeds from sale of units     -         19,463  
Purchase of business assets, net of cash acquired     -         (32,798 )
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets     2,102         660  
Net cash used in investing activities     (11,782 )       (32,201 )
Financing activities          
Net payments under revolving credit facility     -         (3,000 )
Payments on term bank facilities     (31,340 )       (17,094 )
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions     865         6,402  
Other     -         (796 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (30,475 )       (14,488 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     26,777         5,109  
Beginning cash and cash equivalents     14,669         5,327  
Ending cash and cash equivalents   $ 41,446       $ 10,436  
                   
NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 
    13 Weeks Ended         39 Weeks Ended
    Sept. 28, 2010   Sept. 29, 2009         Sept. 28, 2010   Sept. 29, 2009
Adjusted EBITDA:                      
Net income from continuing operations   $ 3,489     $ 1,330           $ 18,069     $ 10,709  
Adjustments:                      
Interest expense     7,278       7,695             22,152       23,438  
Income tax (benefit) expense     (222 )     (3,215 )           4,537       (216 )
Depreciation and amortization     11,694       13,082             34,217       39,067  
Net facility impairment charges     339       696             1,183       947  
Pre-opening expenses and other     267       425             775       1,511  
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations     22,845       20,013             80,933       75,456  
Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations     -       -             -       142  
Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $ 22,845     $ 20,013           $ 80,933     $ 75,598  
                       
Free Cash Flow:                      
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 18,961     $ 12,067           $ 69,034     $ 51,798  
Less:                      
Capital expenditures     (5,241 )     (4,771 )           (13,884 )     (19,526 )
Free Cash Flow (2)   $ 13,720     $ 7,296           $ 55,150     $ 32,272  
 
Unit Count Activity
 
    39 Weeks Ended
    Sept. 28, 2010     Sept. 29, 2009
           
Beginning of period   1,149       1,098  
Developed   1       4  
Acquired   -       105  
Closed   (7 )     (13 )
Sold   -       (42 )
End of period   1,143       1,152  
           
Equivalent units, continuing operations(3)   1,145       1,145  
 

(1) The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated net income plus interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, facility impairment charges and pre-opening expenses. The Company has substantial interest expense relating to the financing of the acquisition of us in 2006 and substantial depreciation and amortization expense relating to the acquisition of us in 2006 and to our acquisition of units in recent years. Management believes the elimination of these items, as well as taxes, pre-opening and other expenses and facility impairment charges give investors useful information to compare the performance of our core operations over different periods. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for analysis of, the Company’s financial information reported under generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, may not be similar to EBITDA measures of other companies. The Company has included Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides investors a helpful measure for comparing the Company’s operating performance with the performance of other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates.

(2) The Company defines Free Cash Flow as cash flows from operations less capital expenditures. Management believes that the free cash flow measure is important to investors to provide a measure of how much cash flow is available, after current changes in working capital and acquisition of property and equipment, to be used for working capital needs or for strategic opportunities, including servicing debt, making acquisitions, and making investments in the business. It should not be inferred that the entire Free Cash Flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures.

(3) Equivalent units represent the number of units open at the beginning of a given period, adjusted for units opened, closed, acquired or sold during the period on a weighted average basis.

10,000 Books to be Donated in Celebration of National Young Readers Week

Pizza Hut and BOOK IT! Announce Big Book Giveaway WinnersDALLAS  (Restaurant News Release)  In preparation for National Young Readers Week, Pizza Hut and BOOK IT! have announced the ten Pizza Hut restaurants chosen as winners of the first ever Big Book Giveaway. Each winner will be awarded 1,000 books to distribute within their communities during National Young Readers Week, which will be held Nov. 8-12, 2010.

For the Big Book Giveaway contest, the more than 6,200 Pizza Hut restaurants nationwide were invited to submit ideas on how they would distribute 1,000 books to children in their communities. Each entry completed a form describing how the donation of books would impact the community and support literacy tied to the BOOK IT! Program. Many of the winners are hosting parties for local children and families to award the books.

“The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by our restaurant system during the Big Book Giveaway entry process was amazing,” said Leslie Brunt, program director of BOOK IT! “National Young Readers Week is all about bringing out the fun in reading.  With these clever ideas for distributing books to children, we’ll be able to bring joy to deserving communities across the country.”

Founded in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, National Young Readers Week is an annual event that encourages young readers to get excited about reading. Events are hosted in schools across the country, where local officials, sports figures, public safety officers, parents and other “celebrities” from the community share their favorite stories with students to help reinforce the importance of reading and to encourage reading for enjoyment.

BOOK IT! Big Book Giveaway Winning Locations and Concepts:

  • Louisburg, Kan. – Essay/art challenge to students, teacher tug-of-war, and BOOK IT! celebration night for two local schools.
  • Oak Grove, Mo. – City-wide carnival with the local school district complete with literacy awareness and BOOK IT! booths. Students will earn tickets to “buy” a book.
  • Muncie, Ind. – Promote reading in the Ball State homecoming parade complete with the WingStreet chicken sporting a BOOK IT! t-shirt, encouraging kids to Rock the Red and READ!
  • Portsmouth, Ohio – Partner with local organizations to improve high illiteracy rates. Host a community party at Portsmouth Elementary to kickoff monthly Community Reading Days.
  • Miami, Okla. – Fun-filled family reading nights at five local elementary schools where each child takes home a brand new book.
  • Gunnison, Colo. – Saturday celebration in the Pizza Hut parking lot with sirens blasting as the Gunnison Valley Fire Department delivers the books to local youth.
  • Ottawa, Ohio – After a devastating flood destroyed much of this small community in 2007, a new library re-opens with the help of new books from Pizza Hut.
  • Fairbury, Neb. – Fundraiser during National Young Readers Week to raise dollars and deliver books to local children.  Patrons have the opportunity to sponsor a book for $1.  
  • West Point, Neb. – Create a “book flood” of new books for 2nd generation BOOK IT! readers in need of gently used books.
  • Golden Valley, Minn. – An interactive texting promotion for schools during National Young Readers Week. Students and families text the school name and amount of books they pledge to read. The top five schools with the most entries win the books.

About BOOK IT!

In 1985, Pizza Hut established the BOOK IT! National Reading Incentive Program to motivate children to read more and help them develop a lifelong love of reading. BOOK IT! is a six-month program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. For more information, visit www.bookitprogram.com.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com.

Real Pizza Hut Employees Star in New Ads Saluting Favorite Food, Moments

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  A new Pizza Hut brand campaign – “Your Favorites. Your Pizza Hut.” – launches this week with national advertising that celebrates the special bond that Pizza Hut has with its customers.  The ads feature real employees from Pizza Hut restaurants across the United States sharing their passion for serving “more than just pizza.”

“With our new brand campaign we really wanted to hone in on what sets Pizza Hut apart,” said Kurt Kane, Vice-President of Marketing at Pizza Hut.  ”Pizza Hut customers know that they’ll get great tasting pizza, pasta or wings from us.  But what keeps them loyal to the brand is a connection between our food and the special moments in their daily lives.  Whether it’s family pizza night or a get together with friends; at Pizza Hut we believe every moment deserves to be a favorite moment.”

To deliver that message, Pizza Hut and its advertising agency, The Martin Agency, turned to actual employees working at Pizza Hut restaurants throughout America.  The employees were chosen through video submissions highlighting their personalities and desire to share Pizza Hut’s “Your Favorites” story.  Eight Pizza Hut employees were chosen from hundreds of entries.

Introducing the new voices of Pizza Hut:

  • Aimee Mullahey, 19 – Alpine, Calif.: For two years, Aimee has worked as a cashier at Pizza Hut greeting guests with a smile and making their Pizza Hut experience a favorite.
  • Ashley Lewis, 17 – Highlands Ranch, Colo.: Ashley uses her cheerleading background to root for Pizza Hut customers. She has been a part of the team for over a year and her favorite menu item is cheese sticks.
  • Briana Rico, 17 – Long Beach, Calif.: An aspiring actress, Briana works as a customer service representative and can’t get enough of Pizza Hut Stuffed Pizza Rolls.
  • Carlos Camelo, 29 – Jacksonville, Fla.: A regional general manager since 2009, Carlos enjoys treating his four kids to all their favorites from Pizza Hut.
  • Ethan Washic, 19 – Philipsburg, Penn.: Over the past two years, Ethan has worked his way up in the Pizza Hut ranks to manager. His favorite pizza is barbeque chicken pizza from Pizza Hut.
  • Jonathan Kichamu, 21 – Cypress, Texas: A former linebacker at Texas Tech, Jonathan is a regional general manager at Pizza Hut and has been a team member for more than four years.
  • Michael Spano, 24 – Frisco, Texas: Michael loves serving the new Big Italy Pizza to Pizza Hut customers as well as to his own dinner table.
  • Michelle Leachman, 20 – Moscow, Idaho: Michelle loves every topping at Pizza Hut, as long as it is on Pizza Hut’s Hand-Tossed Style crust.  She dreams of racing in a demolition derby one day.

Pizza Hut will release exclusive video of the team members participating in the ad shoot, as well as behind-the-scenes videos and winning entries in the coming weeks.  Visit social.PizzaHut.com to interact with the brand or for more information visit PizzaHut.com.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com.

Pizza Hut Unveils what’s ‘Under the Roof’ with Launch of New Social Media Hub

Pizza Hut's Big Italy Pizza

Pizza Hut's Big Italy Pizza

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  Pizza lovers who believe bigger is better will say bravissimo! to the launch of Pizza Hut’s new Big Italy Pizza – which measures nearly 2 feet long and is bigger than two medium Pizza Hut pizzas. To kick off the launch of the Big Italy Pizza in a big way, Pizza Hut is giving away 1,000 $15 Pizza Hut gift cards to Pizza Hut’s loyal Facebook fans (Facebook.com/PizzaHut) with the Big Italy Pizza Big Giveaway.

“The launch of the Big Italy Pizza calls for a big celebration,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “That’s why we’re giving away 1,000 pizzas to our loyal Facebook family. When it comes to feeding a hungry crowd, it doesn’t get better – or bigger – than our new Big Italy Pizza.”

The Big Italy Pizza features Italian spices baked into Pizza Hut’s signature Hand-Tossed Style crust – a delicious base for any pizza fan’s favorite toppings from Pizza Hut. The oval-shaped pizza has 18 slices – enough for the whole family – and is just $12 for up to three toppings. The Big Italy Pizza is a limited time offer.

What’s Cooking in the Social Media Kitchen

Pizza Hut fans who are hungry for more information about what’s going on Under the Roof at Pizza Hut now have one place to go for all of the latest news, http://social.PizzaHut.com. For the first time ever, Pizza Hut will provide fans, followers and friends with the latest and greatest from Pizza Hut social media in one place. The hub will host all updates, photo sharing and deals for Pizza Hut fans. With the launch of Under the Roof, social-savvy Pizza Hut aficionados will never miss out on an exclusive mayorship deal or a first peek at news.  

How to Enter the Big Italy Pizza Big Giveaway

Pizza lovers can enter the Big Italy Pizza Big Giveaway by visiting Facebook.com/PizzaHut, becoming a fan of Pizza Hut and submitting to become an instant winner on the Win Big Italy tab. Fans can enter one time per day and winners will be notified instantly. The giveaway runs Sept. 7-16, 2010. Official rules are available on the Win Big Italy tab at Facebook.com/PizzaHut.

Big Italy Pizza Big Giveaway Prize

1,000 pizza fans will win free Big Italy pizzas (in the form of a $15 Pizza Hut gift cards). 100 gift cards will be given away each day from Sept. 7-16, 2010.

For more information on Pizza Hut, visit PizzaHut.com or interact with Pizza Hut at social.PizzaHut.com.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com.

KFC India Receives Recognition in Top Food Service Brands

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  The Economic Times’ (India) Brand Equity Most Trusted Brands 2010 annual survey has named Pizza Hut the “Most Trusted Food Service Brand’ in India for the sixth year, ahead of all other Indian and global food service brands. Pizza Hut is also the only restaurant company to place in the Top 20 Service Brands list. KFC India was recognized for the first time by the survey with a spot in the top five of trusted food service brands. Pizza Hut and KFC India are part of Yum! Restaurants International (YRI), a division of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of system units.

“Congratulations to our entire team in India,” said Graham Allan, Chief Executive Officer, Yum! Restaurants International. “To be recognized for the sixth year as the most trusted food service brand is a true testament to our employees and franchisees. Their hard work, passion and professionalism have been instrumental in making Pizza Hut and KFC leaders in the food service rankings. India is an important emerging market for us. Both Pizza Hut and KFC are proving very popular with consumers and we recently introduced Taco Bell to India with a restaurant in Bangalore. We continue to make significant investments in India as part of our plan to capitalize on this large and rapidly growing market of more than 1 billion people,” added Allan.

The Brand Equity Most Trusted Brands Survey, which appears in The Economic Times’ September 1 edition, ranks the brands that have earned the trust and loyalty of consumers across India. The survey, conducted by ACNielsen’s ORG–MARG market research company, asked more than 8,000 participants, across different socio–economic, age, income and geographic backgrounds, various questions in order to determine each company’s overall trust score about the brands that consumers believe provide quality, consistency and reassurance.

“We are honored to have our Pizza Hut and KFC brands recognized as the most trusted food service brands in India,” said Niren Chaudhary, managing director, Yum! Restaurants International India. “The recognition reflects six years of Pizza Hut’s leading reputation in India and consumers’ enthusiasm for the Brand and demonstrates how we have successfully developed a strong Pizza Hut and KFC presence, highly skilled workforce and an innovative menu. This honor also recognizes the hard work of our passionate franchisees and Customer Maniacs in our restaurants who help provide outstanding service to our customers daily.”

Over the past 12 years, Yum! has become the largest and fastest growing restaurant company in India. As of the second quarter 2010 earnings, the Company had 159 Pizza Huts in 33 cities offering a range of localized products including masala pizza, chicken tikka appetizers and spicy Indian drinks. KFC is the fastest growing quick–service restaurant brand in India with 75 restaurants in 13 cities as of second quarter 2010 earnings. KFC is a young, vibrant brand in India from its contemporary restaurant designs featuring bold colors, open seating areas for large groups and flat–panel televisions to innovative marketing programs to unique signature products, including vegetarian items. The Company also opened the first Taco Bell in India earlier this year. By 2015, the Company forecasts 1,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants in India, up from 235 restaurants as of second quarter 2010.

YRI, based in Dallas, Texas, is the largest division of Yum! Brands with more than 14,000 restaurants outside the U.S. and China. One of Yum! Brands’ four key business strategies is to drive aggressive international expansion and build strong brands everywhere. In 2009, operating profit for YRI was $491 million. The year 2009 also marked the tenth year that YRI has opened more than 900 new restaurants outside the U.S. and China.

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Ky., is the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of system restaurants with more than 37,000 restaurants in more than 110 countries and territories. The company is ranked #216 on the Fortune 500 List, with revenues of nearly $11 billion in 2009. Four of the company’s restaurant brands – KFC, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver’s and Taco Bell – are the global leaders of the chicken, quick–service seafood, pizza and Mexican–style food categories. A&W Restaurants is the longest running quick–service franchise chain in America. Outside the United States, the Yum! Brands system opened more than four new restaurants each day of the year, making it a leader in international retail development. The Company has consistently been recognized for its reward and recognition culture, diversity leadership, community giving, and consistent shareholder returns. In 2007, the Company launched World Hunger Relief, the world’s largest private sector hunger relief effort to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds to benefit the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger relief agencies. To date, this effort has raised nearly $60 million for WFP and other hunger relief agencies and is helping to provide approximately 250 million meals, saving the lives of millions of people in remote corners of the world where hunger is most prevalent.

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  What’s your lucky number? Next week, the numbers 8, 10 and 12 will take center stage at participating nationwide Pizza Hut restaurants.

Following the national announcement of new simplified menu pricing, Pizza Hut will reward all walk-in customers wearing a jersey featuring the numbers 8, 10 or 12 a free single order of breadsticks with the purchase of any medium or large pizza from Sept. 8-12. While celebrating after a well played game, pizza lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy a free single order of breadsticks while eating with teammates and family at their local Pizza Hut restaurant.

“As fall sports seasons get going and teams are preparing to defend titles and start fresh, Pizza Hut has a special deal for sports fans and players alike,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “To match up with our new simplified pricing menu, we are rewarding Pizza Hut fans with a free single order of breadsticks for wearing a number 8, 10 or 12 jerseys. It’s as simple as that.”

Pizza Hut’s new cost structure has revamped the way America orders pizza. Pizza Hut customers now pay $8 for a medium (up to three toppings), $10 for a large (up to three toppings with additional charge for Stuffed Crust Pizza) and $2 more for a specialty pizza (additional charges vary by location). This new menu pricing offers ease and convenience for pizza lovers to get all their favorite Pizza Hut pizzas without the confusion and expiration dates of coupons and limited time offers.

Whether celebrating a victory or nursing a loss, you can win big at Pizza Hut Sept. 8-12 by sporting your favorite 8, 10 or 12 jersey.  That’s any jersey in your closet with one of the magic numbers for a free single order of breadsticks with the purchase of a medium or large pizza at any participating Pizza Hut restaurant in America.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant.  The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries.  Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM).  To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

Pizza Hut® Surprises Savvis, Inc. Employees Around the World

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  Today, Pizza Hut will complete a global delivery to five countries totaling more than 900 pizzas. At 11:30 a.m. local time, Savvis, Inc. will reward more than 2,300 global employees with their favorite pizzas as recognition for all their work.

The pizzas will be delivered to Savvis, Inc. employees in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Singapore.

“We are excited to deliver pizzas to the global office party hosted by Savvis,” said Pat Murtha, Pizza Hut Chief Operations Officer. “Providing Pizza Hut Pizza to these employees world-wide shows our continued promise to surprise and satisfy our customers in unique ways.”

The global delivery marks the largest one-time order the company has completed in its 50-year history, and quite possibly the largest one-time delivery for the entire industry.

“Our employees continue to deliver for Savvis, so we enlisted Pizza Hut to deliver for them and to help us celebrate our successful second quarter on a global scale,” said Jim Ousley, chief executive officer at Savvis.

For more information on Pizza Hut, visit PizzaHut.com or interact with Pizza Hut at facebook.com/pizzahut and twitter.com/pizzahut

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

About Savvis

Savvis, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVVS) is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprises.  More than 2,500 unique clients, including 30 of the top 100 companies in the Fortune 500, use Savvis to reduce capital expense, improve service levels and harness the latest advances in cloud computing. For more information, please visit www.savvis.net.