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.

Pizza Hut® and If I Can Dream® join to offer one winner $10,000 to fulfill dream

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  Starting today, Pizza Hut® is joining with the break-through online-based If I Can Dream, which opens up and democratizes the Hollywood Dream, to give one lucky person $10,000 make their dream come true. Through September 25, Pizza Hut customers can watch the aspiring artists of the If I Can Dream cast pursue their dreams and then, in the spirit of the platform which puts the power in the hands of a global audience on an unprecedented scale, they can enter for a chance to fulfill their own.

To receive an entry code for the “Ultimate Dream Give Away,” order a Pepsi beverage with your meal at www.pizzahut.com (free alternate entry available)*.  Visit http://dream.pizzahut.com to enter the code and find out instantly if you have won. Winners will be greeted by an exclusive video message from an If I Can Dream cast member announcing their prize.  In addition to the grand prize of $10,000, Pizza Hut also will be giving away Pizza Hut pizza for one year and thousands of Pizza Hut gift cards.

If I Can Dream is an innovative new way for customers to enjoy original programming online,” said Tressie Lieberman, Senior Manager, Digital Marketing. “We are excited to work with them to bring one person’s dream to life.”

Created by the visionary force behind American Idol, Simon Fuller, If I Can Dream is designed to pull back the curtain and reveal the truth behind what it takes to “make it” in Hollywood. The platform invites the world to follow young aspiring artists as they pursue their dreams while living together in a house in the Hollywood Hills which gives viewers ultimate access as their every move is streamed live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on www.ificandream.com. Viewers also have full access to the artists through MySpace, Twitter and Facebook in real-time. If I Can Dream is the first original series on Hulu.com and expands the boundaries of mainstream entertainment and empowers a new generation of entertainment fans to decide who has what it takes and who should have the opportunity to be become a star.

Visit the http://dream.pizzahut.com site or the Pizza Hut Facebook Page to watch episodes and exclusive video clips from the If I Can Dream house and cast. Pizza Hut will be delivering the cast’s favorite Pizza Hut pizza, pasta and wings to the house and holding a special Twitter chat with Pizza Hut Tweetologist Alexa Robinson during the partnership.

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

*No purchase is necessary to participate. To receive a free alternate entry see Official Rules posted online at http://dream.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 Becomes one of the First Pizza Chains to Implement a National foursquare Promotion in the United States

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.comAttention, Pizza Hut® Mayors on foursquare.  Get a free single order of breadsticks with your order next time you check in!

Today, Pizza Hut is announcing a promotion with location-based service foursquare, becoming one of the first pizza chains to launch a national promotion with foursquare in the United States.  The promotion rewards the “Mayor” of each restaurant with a free single order of breadsticks with the purchase of a large pizza.  

The deal begins tomorrow and is currently planned to run through the end of the year.  The “Mayor” of each Pizza Hut location on foursquare must show on their phone that they are the “Mayor” in order to receive the special.  This offer is only valid for Dine-in and Carry Out orders placed at the restaurant.  The “Mayor” special can only be redeemed once a day at each participating location, and there can only be one “Mayor” per restaurant per day.

“Through past experience, we’ve learned that our customers are spending a considerable amount of time using social media and mobile tools, increasingly incorporating them into their daily lives,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut.  ”We see this promotion with foursquare as a win-win situation – loyal, digital-savvy customers will be able to take advantage of a fun promo, while we hope to see a bump in repeat traffic from Mayors looking to take advantage of this offer.”  

“We love to see QSRs using the foursquare platform to reward loyal patrons and bring in new customers,” said Tristan Walker, Director of Business Development for foursquare. “We’re very excited that Pizza Hut will be reaching out to their customers through foursquare on such a large scale.”

Over the past decade, Pizza Hut has surprised and delighted fans by continuing to expand their menu of digital offerings, emerging as a leader in the digital space.  In October 2008, Pizza Hut launched a Facebook ordering application, where customers could place orders without leaving the Facebook interface, and last July, Pizza Hut became the first national restaurant chain to launch an iPhone ordering app, an award-winning service that led to approximately $1 million in sales in three months.  

For more information on Pizza Hut, visit PizzaHut.com or interact with Pizza Hut at facebook.com/pizzahut and twitter.com/pizzahut.  And “Mayors,” we’ll see you 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.

About foursquare 

Founded in 2009, foursquare creates mobile phone applications that are designed to make cities easier to use and more interesting to explore. Foursquare combines friend finder functionality, social city guide elements, and game mechanics to reward people for seeking out new experiences. Visit http://foursquare.com for more information.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  NPC International, Inc. (the “Company”), today reported results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2010.

SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Comparable store sales increased 10.4% rolling over a decrease of -12.6% last year.
  • Free Cash Flow (reconciliation attached) of $14.1MM was $7.8MM or 125% greater than last year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (reconciliation attached) of $25.7MM was comparable with last year.
  • Net income of $5.1MM was $1.8MM or 53% greater than last year.
  • Cash balances increased to $26.8MM from $12.7MM last quarter and debt remained unchanged.

YEAR-TO-DATE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Comparable store sales from continuing operations increased 10.3% rolling over a decrease of -8.8% last year.
  • Free Cash Flow (reconciliation attached) of $41.4MM was $16.4MM or 66% greater than last year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (reconciliation attached) of $58.1MM increased by $2.6MM or 5% from last year.
  • Income from continuing operations of $14.6MM was $5.2MM or 55% greater than last year.
  • Debt has been reduced by $31.3MM and cash balances have increased by $12.1MM from last fiscal year end.
  • Our leverage ratio declined to 4.11X 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 $22.8MM, our leverage ratio would have improved to 3.88X.

The Company’s second 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 June 29, 2010 which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

NPC’s President and CEO Jim Schwartz said, “We maintained the exceptional sales momentum that we experienced in the first quarter this year with comparable store sales growth of 10.4% during our second quarter on the strength of our $10 Any Pizza promotion.

This promotion has resonated strongly with the consumer due in large part to the clarity of the message and the great value that it delivers to the consumer on their favorite abundantly topped Pizza Hut pizzas.

Our operators did an excellent job of controlling the business this quarter while confronting significant traffic increases and higher food costs associated with the lower selling price that accompanies the $10 Any Pizza promotion. The results of these efforts are reflected in lower labor costs versus last year, despite the July 2009 minimum wage increase, and excellent cost controls in the other restaurant operating expense category.

We are pleased to report that our free cash flow generation has remained strong during the first half of fiscal 2010 at $41.4MM, an increase of $16.4MM or 66% over last year. As a result, we have increased our cash balances by over $12 million from last fiscal year end while reducing debt by $31.3 million and improving our leverage ratio from 4.51X to 4.11X. Including the benefit of our excess cash balances our leverage position at the end of the second quarter would have been 3.88X.

The pizza segment has led the restaurant category in terms of category share of traffic growth as the consumer has found great value in the pizza segment. One of our on-going challenges will be balancing our value proposition with our cost structure, in a way that drives value and enhances profitability. However, we are pleased with the results to date and we look forward to sharing our progress with you as fiscal 2010 plays out.”

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION:

The Company’s second quarter earnings conference call will be held Monday, August 9, 2010 at 9:30 am CDT. You can access this call by dialing 866-510-0712. The international number is 617-597-5380. The access code for the call is 72484555.

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 August 16, 2010 by dialing 888-286-8010 or by dialing international at 617-801-6888. The access code for the replay is 92746130.

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
    June 29, 2010   June 30, 2009
                 
Net product sales   $ 235,955     100.0 %   $ 214,336     100.0 %
Fees and other income (1)     10,841     4.6 %     9,477     4.4 %
Total sales     246,796     104.6 %     223,813     104.4 %
Comparable store sales (net product sales only)     10.4 %         -12.6 %    
                 
Cost of sales (2)     71,919     30.5 %     57,421     26.8 %
Direct labor (3)     70,787     30.0 %     65,304     30.5 %
Other restaurant operating expenses (4)     74,578     31.6 %     73,807     34.4 %
General and administrative expenses     12,298     5.2 %     12,092     5.6 %
Corporate depreciation and amortization of intangibles     2,837     1.2 %     2,933     1.3 %
Other     426     0.2 %     123     0.1 %
Total costs and expenses     232,845     98.7 %     211,680     98.7 %
Operating income     13,951     5.9 %     12,133     5.7 %
                 
Interest expense (5)     (7,349 )   -3.1 %     (7,819 )   -3.7 %
Income before income taxes     6,602     2.8 %     4,314     2.0 %
Income tax expense     1,482     0.6 %     957     0.4 %
                 
Net income   $ 5,120     2.2 %   $ 3,357     1.6 %
                 
Percentages are shown as a percent of net product sales.                
                 
Capital Expenditures   $ 4,718         $ 7,552      
Cash Rent Expense   $ 12,665         $ 12,507      
                         
NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

     
    26 Weeks   26 Weeks
    Ended   Ended
    June 29, 2010   June 30, 2009
                 
Net product sales   $ 488,584   100.0%   $ 436,696   100.0%
Fees and other income (1)   22,668   4.6%   19,458   4.5%
Total sales   511,252   104.6%   456,154   104.5%
Comparable store sales (net product sales only)   10.3%       -8.8%    
                 
Cost of sales (2)   147,890   30.3%   116,951   26.8%
Direct labor (3)   145,674   29.8%   131,729   30.2%
Other restaurant operating expenses (4)   152,569   31.2%   147,963   33.9%
General and administrative expenses   24,444   5.0%   24,770   5.7%
Corporate depreciation and amortization of intangibles   5,676   1.2%   5,855   1.3%
Other   786   0.1%   765   0.2%
Total costs and expenses   477,039   97.6%   428,033   98.1%
Operating income   34,213   7.0%   28,121   6.4%
                 
Interest expense (5)   (14,874)   -3.0%   (15,743)   -3.6%
Income before income taxes   19,339   4.0%   12,378   2.8%
Income tax expense   4,759   1.0%   2,999   0.7%
                 
Income from continuing operations   14,580   3.0%   9,379   2.1%
Loss from discontinued operations   -   0.0%   (59)   0.0%
Net income   $ 14,580   3.0%   $ 9,320   2.1%
                 
Percentages are shown as a percent of net product sales.                
                 
Capital Expenditures   $ 8,643       $ 14,755    
Cash Rent Expense   $ 25,538       $ 24,950    
                 
(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 associated with the $10 Any Pizza promotion.
(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 effect of 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.
(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)

         
    June 29, 2010   December 29, 2009
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 26,814   $ 14,669
Other current assets     20,645     22,845
Total current assets     47,459     37,514
         
Facilities and equipment, net     152,859     164,413
Franchise rights, net     404,001     408,714
Other noncurrent assets     217,230     218,683
Total assets   $ 821,549   $ 829,324
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Current portion of debt   $ 1,190   $ 31,340
Other current liabilities     85,075     74,412
Total current liabilities     86,265     105,752
         
Long-term debt, less current portion     401,180     402,370
Other noncurrent liabilities     159,756     162,627
Total liabilities     647,201     670,749
Stockholders’ equity     174,348     158,575
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 821,549   $ 829,324
             
NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

         
    26 weeks Ended
    June 29, 2010   June 30, 2009
Operating activities        
Net income   $ 14,580     $ 9,320  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization     22,523       25,995  
Amortization of debt issue costs     1,285       997  
Deferred income taxes     (282 )     480  
Other adjustments     773       353  
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:        
Assets     (302 )     584  
Liabilities     11,496       2,002  
Net cash provided by operating activities     50,073       39,731  
Investing activities        
Capital expenditures     (8,643 )     (14,755 )
Net proceeds from sale of units     -       19,463  
Purchase of business assets, net of cash acquired     -       (32,968 )
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets     2,081       640  
Net cash used in investing activities     (6,562 )     (27,620 )
Financing activities        
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility     -       2,000  
Payments on term bank facilities     (31,340 )     (17,094 )
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions     -       3,793  
Other     (26 )     (21 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (31,366 )     (11,322 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     12,145       789  
Beginning cash and cash equivalents     14,669       5,327  
Ending cash and cash equivalents   $ 26,814     $ 6,116  
                 
NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 
    13 Weeks Ended   26 Weeks Ended
    June 29, 2010   June 30, 2009   June 29, 2010   June 30, 2009
Adjusted EBITDA:                
Net income from continuing operations   $ 5,120     $ 3,357     $ 14,580     $ 9,379  
Adjustments:                
Interest expense     7,349       7,819       14,874       15,743  
Income tax expense     1,482       957       4,759       2,999  
Depreciation and amortization     11,100       13,031       22,523       25,985  
Net facility impairment charges     437       100       844       251  
Pre-opening expenses and other     224       362       508       1,086  
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations     25,712       25,626       58,088       55,443  
Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations     -       -       -       142  
Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $ 25,712     $ 25,626     $ 58,088     $ 55,585  
                 
Free Cash Flow:                
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 18,792     $ 13,817     $ 50,073     $ 39,731  
Less:                
Capital expenditures     (4,718 )     (7,552 )     (8,643 )     (14,755 )
Free Cash Flow (2)   $ 14,074     $ 6,265     $ 41,430     $ 24,976  
                                 
Unit Count Activity
 
    26 Weeks Ended
    June 29, 2010   June 30, 2009
         
Beginning of period   1,149     1,098  
Developed   -     3  
Acquired   -     105  
Closed   (4 )   (11 )
Sold   -     (42 )
End of period   1,145     1,153  
         
Equivalent units, continuing operations(3)   1,146     1,141  
 

(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.

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  Pizza Hut, the world’s largest pizza chain, has launched PizzaHutFranchise.com.  The new website showcases franchising opportunities nationwide and makes it easier for potential franchisees to join the Pizza Hut team.

“We’re excited to offer people a way to really understand, step by step, what it means to become part of the Pizza Hut franchise system,” said Jim Avery, Senior Manager, New Franchise Business Development at Pizza Hut.  ”With the new site, potential franchisees will find it easier to pinpoint possible opportunities in their areas and learn more about franchising with the Pizza Hut brand.”

PizzaHutFranchise.com will impact franchisee engagement and growth by giving potential franchisees access to the following:

  • Buzz data about the pizza business
  • News and information about the Pizza Hut brand, mission and position as a category leader
  • Clear geographic breakdown of opportunities across the United States
  • Schedule of the training and support exercises in place for new franchisees
  • Breakdown of the Pizza Hut new franchisee process, from qualification to developing multiple restaurants
  • Detailed information concerning the initial investment costs of becoming a Pizza Hut franchisee

In addition to functionality, the site also resembles the newly revamped PizzaHut.com website, creating a sense of familiarity for the visitor.  With the April re-launch of the “Virtual Flagship” and the new franchising presence online, Pizza Hut continues to display its innovation in the tech category and commitment to engaging consumers and potential franchisees across 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.

Media Contact  
Luke DeRouen  
214.727.3708  
luke.derouen@zenogroup.com

Overland Park, Kansas  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  NPC International, Inc. today announced its 2010 second fiscal quarter results conference call will be held on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. CDT. This call can be accessed in the U.S. by dialing 866-510-0712. The international number is 617-597-5380. The access code for the call is 72484555.

The conference call can also be accessed through the Company’s website at www.npcinternational.com by clicking on the Thomson Financial logo in the investor information section or by accessing the Thomson Financial website at www.earnings.com. For those unable to participate live, a replay of the call will be available until August 16, 2010 by dialing (888)286-8010 or by dialing international at (617)801-6888. The access code for the replay is 92746130. A replay of the call will also be available through the Company’s website.

The Company’s quarterly financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations will be included within the Company’s Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC on Friday, August 6, 2010 which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.

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.

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  Pizza Hut, the bold pizza chain that introduced America to the now famous $10 Any Pizza deal, has announced a sweeping national menu pricing reduction.  The new lower, simplified pricing is available now in nearly two-thirds of America’s Pizza Hut restaurants and will be effective nationally in August.

“This isn’t just another deal, this is an everyday menu pizza pricing change taking place,” said Brian Niccol, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut.  “High, overcomplicated pricing has been a category issue in the pizza world for the last several decades.  Much like our $10 Any Pizza shifted America’s focus on how much a single pizza should cost, our new pricing structure will set the industry tone for what is a holistic, everyday value solution.”

The foundation of Pizza Hut’s new cost structure is revamped menu pizza prices, now set at $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).

“The motivation behind this change wasn’t just value, but simplification and transparency,” added Niccol.  ”Our new menu pricing makes it easier for our customers to access great value everyday when ordering without having to worry about coupons or special limited offers.”

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 10 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 Fans Show Support with 98 Percent ‘YES’ Vote at Facebook.com/PizzaHut

DALLAS  (RestaurantNewsRelease.com)  With a landslide victory at the polls, pizza lovers across the country have united to keep Pizza Hut’s $10 Any Pizza deal – any size, any crust, any toppings for just $10*.  From May 11-June 10, 2010, Pizza Hut asked America to vote on the fate of the incumbent deal at Facebook.com/PizzaHut.  An overwhelming 98 percent of voters clicked “Yes,” resulting in a resounding victory for the $10 Any Pizza deal.

“America has voted and the $10 Any Pizza deal will be extended at Pizza Hut,” said Brian Niccol, Pizza Hut Chief Marketing Officer.  ”The one-sided victory shows that pizza fans remain hungry for the combination of great taste and value.  We’re excited to continue offering that combination with our $10 Any Pizza deal.”

With a determination to keep the $10 Any Pizza deal alive, Pizza Hut Tweetologist Alexa Robinson packed up campaign materials and embarked on a tour across America to rally support.  As campaign manager, Alexa visited state capitols, engaged voters at city landmarks and made media appearances in New York City, Philadelphia, Little Rock, Richmond, Va., Columbia, S.C., and Des Moines, Iowa.

“From New York City to Des Moines, I met with hundreds of loyal Pizza Hut fans who voiced their support of the $10 Any Pizza deal,” Robinson said.  ”And that support resulted in an overwhelming victory in the Facebook vote.  The $10 Any Pizza deal at Pizza Hut is clearly a popular choice.”

Alexa tracked her progress on Twitter (twitter.com/pizzahut) and Foursquare (foursquare.com/user/pizzahut), giving Pizza Hut fans exclusive news of her whereabouts and access to photos from the campaign trail.  Fans can also visit Flickr (flickr.com/pizzahuttwintern) to view photos from the tour.

About the Pizza Hut Tweetologist

Pizza Hut invented the first-ever Twinternship in April 2009 with a call for college students to apply for an internship chronicling the company on Twitter, the micro-blogging platform that challenges users to think in 140 characters or less.  Alexa Robinson was the company’s inaugural Twintern and is now the full time Tweetologist 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.

* For an additional charge, customers can enjoy Pizza Hut’s signature Stuffed Crust Pizza.