The Pizza Hut Museum In Kansas: A Tasty Journey Into A Humble Start
🍕 Discover the mind-blowing origin story of Pizza Hut at the original restaurant turned museum! 🎓 Free admission, student guides, and a tasty slice of history await you at Wichita State. 🎉 #PizzaHutMuseum #WichitaStateUniversity #PizzaHistory
Wichita, Kansas – In 1958, two broke college students from Wichita State University had a wild idea. Dan and Frank Carney decided to open a pizza joint with just $600 borrowed from their mom. They called it Pizza Hut because their sign only had room for eight letters. Talk about starting small!
From College Dream to Pizza Domination 🚀
The Carney brothers never imagined their little pizza place in Kansas would become a global phenomenon. But their incredible pizza, homey service, and treating customers like family made Pizza Hut an instant hit. In just six months, they opened a second location, and within a year, they had six pizza joints!
Even Football Legends Loved It 🏈
One of Pizza Hut’s early employees was none other than future Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. He worked there as a college student and football player at Wichita State. Parcells almost bought a Pizza Hut franchise, but he chose coaching instead. Imagine how different things could’ve been!
The Iconic Hut is Born 🛖
In 1963, Chicago architect George Lindstrom designed the iconic Pizza Hut building that we all know and love. By 1969, the distinct red roof and cozy interior became Pizza Hut’s signature style. It’s a design that screams delicious pizza!
Pizza Hut’s Wild Ride 🎢
PepsiCo gobbled up Pizza Hut in 1977, but the pizza chain’s journey was just beginning. In 1997, PepsiCo spun off Pizza Hut, along with Taco Bell and KFC, into a new company called Tricon Global Restaurants. In 2002, Tricon transformed into the mouthwatering Yum! Brands we know today.
Experience Pizza History at Wichita State 🍕🎓
The original Pizza Hut building now sits on the Wichita State University campus as a museum. Visitors can explore Pizza Hut’s incredible story and even chat with student tour guides. It’s a tasty slice of history that’s totally free!
Plan Your Pizza Pilgrimage 🗺️
The Pizza Hut Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is always free. Visit their website here. Parking is a breeze, with spots north of the museum at the Marcus Welcome Center or west by Eck Stadium. Visits usually last 15-30 minutes, but you can make a day of it by checking out Wichita State’s other awesome museums and outdoor sculptures.
If you’re anything like my hubby Jack, you’ll want to finish your visit to the Pizza Hut Museum with a stop for a lunch at, well, Pizza Hut. Seriously guys, he could eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner! LOL. We know you’ll have fun visiting this fun (and free) attraction in Wichita, Kansas!
FAQ: Pizza Hut Museum
Q: What is the Pizza Hut Museum?
A: The Pizza Hut Museum is housed inside the original Pizza Hut building and showcases the history of the famous pizza chain. It features artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the incredible story of Pizza Hut’s humble beginnings and rise to global success.
Q: Where is the Pizza Hut Museum located?
A: The Pizza Hut Museum is located on the Wichita State University campus, just behind the Marcus Welcome Center off 21st Street.
Q: Is there an admission fee for the Pizza Hut Museum?
A: No, admission to the Pizza Hut Museum is completely free for all visitors!
Q: Can I get pizza at the Pizza Hut Museum?
A: Unfortunately, no food is available at the museum. It’s purely a historical exhibit showcasing the origins and growth of the Pizza Hut brand.
Q: What are the museum’s hours of operation?
A: The Pizza Hut Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Q: How long does a typical visit to the Pizza Hut Museum take?
A: Most visitors spend around 15-30 minutes exploring the museum and its exhibits.
Q: What other attractions are nearby on the Wichita State University campus?
A: Wichita State University is home to several other fascinating museums and attractions, including the Ulrich Museum of Art, the Cadman Art Gallery, the Lowell Holmes Anthropology Museum, and one of the largest outdoor sculpture collections in the country.
🗣 Seriously, how much do you love Pizza Hut? Let us know your go-to pizza in the comments section below! ⬇️
