Pizza Hut has a brand new deal.
According to the Associated Press, the pizza chain announced plans to begin selling their famous pizza by the slice, starting Tuesday as a test run in two small markets. This will be the first time, the chain is testing their experiment.
Pizza Hut stated that its locations will be in Pawtucket, R.I., and a franchise store in York, Neb. The chain plans to wade into a market reportedly being invaded by food courts and small eateries.
"These are the first examples of concepts we anticipate rolling out elsewhere," spokesman Doug Terfehr said. "These are brand-new concepts, completely different than anything before seen from Pizza Hut - definitely the next generation of our stores."
Pizza Hut currently sells personal pan pizzas that are 6 inches in diameter, but the slices being offered at the two locations will be cut from an 18-inch pie. The AP reported that individual slices will cost $2 to $3. The slices will also be made with newer recipes.
Terfehr said the chain is "very excited and bullish on these new options for our consumers, options that they have asked for and we are very pleased to be bringing to them."
The AP reported that Pizza Hut's experiment is a reflection on the industry's rapid change. Diners are reportedly finding less experience eateries that also sell restaurant-quality food, like Chipotle.
"We're seeing the trends for quick and ready products," Carrie Walsh, Pizza Hut's chief marketing officer, said.
The new location's oven will take two to three minutes to heat up the food, instead of the traditional ovens, which take about 7 to 10 minutes to cook pies. Al Litchenburg, the chain's chief development officer said the restaurant will have an "open environment," with salad and pasta stations.
According to the Associated Press, Pizza Huts Rhode Island location will feature a "slice bar," with thinner slices that the Nebraska location. Pizza Hut has over 6,400 U.S. locations.
