What is Pizza Hut Classic? And Where Is It In Michigan
What is Pizza Hut Classic? It’s the new OLD concept that Pizza Hut won’t formally acknowledge. Really. Here’s the deal:
In 2019, Pizza Hut brought back its 1974 logo, banking on its nostalgic appeal. Cool retro feel and that’s it, right? Nope. They’ve slowly been taking legacy stores and converting them into “Classics” (see TikTok below…although there are now more than just that one – including a couple in Michigan)
- The old logo is used in pole signage as well as at the top of the (usually but not always) red-roofed restaurant. The pole sign features the addition of the word “Classic.”
- The interior features cozy red booths and old-school Pizza Hut lamps.
- Stickers featuring the long-discarded character Pizza Hut Pete are found on the door.
- Posters feature classic photos from Pizza Huts of yore.
- A plaque displays a quote from Pizza Hut co-founder Dan Carney, explaining the concept as a celebration of the brand’s heritage.
@big.jims.house #duet with @Abe Kanan @Pizza Hut #pizza #pizzahutclassic there are more than this one in the #USA - but its still pretty damn cool
♬ original sound - Abe Kanan
Rolando Pulol did a wonderful piece about it last year – pointing out that Pizza Hut won’t formally acknowledge these stores exist…or the marketing behind them. Most of them have shown up in smaller towns around the country…including five here in Michigan (scroll down)
Pizza Hut Classics are like stepping into a time machine to Friday nights in America of the 1970s-1990s. And there are dozens of them. These are NOT vintage pictures! See my list and putt putt to the @pizzahut! https://t.co/TCCyahFqCG pic.twitter.com/pXFVgZn0rJ
— Rolando Pujol (@RolandoPujol) December 24, 2023
Pizza Hut Classic
1303 Bridge St.
Charlevoix, MI
330 W. Main St.
Fremont, MI
Phone: 231-924-0376
Iron Mountain, MI
3050 Hwy. 31
Traverse City, MI
Phone: 231-947-2022
412 Sanilac Rd.
Sandusky, MI
Phone: 810-648-4555
Okay, so we have all this information – but we haven’t answered the question: What is this place? Is it a viral marketing attempt by our friends at Pizza Hut? (if so, it’s working) – is it simply a way to re-purpose smaller market stores.
Or are they trying to create “new-stalgia” – that’s when you take something classic and repackage it for newer consumers. “Cobra Kai” on Netflix is a good example…most people know it’s based on The Karate Kid, but you can enjoy it even if you never saw the movie.
