Exciting news for pizza fans: Pizza Hut is set to return to UH, taking over the former
McDonald's spot in Student Center South.
Pizza Hut has a storied history at UH, with the restaurant chain previously having multiple locations on or near campus, the latest one being across from the UH Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. Conversations to bring Pizza Hut back to UH have been ongoing for over a year following the closure of McDonald’s in summer 2024.
Auxiliary Services, along with UH Dining Services, had an inkling that a pizza restaurant should be the one to replace McDonald’s due to student responses from surveys they have conducted in the past years.
“After the McDonald’s partnership was discontinued, UH Dining Services recognized the importance of identifying a strong, student-centered replacement for the space in Student Center South,” said Alexcis Mendoza, UH Dining Services District Marketing Director. “Using feedback gathered from surveys, focus groups, and key stakeholder groups — including the UH Food Service Advisory Committee and the Student Center Policy Board — we were able to narrow down potential concepts that aligned with student preferences.”
Aside from a pizza restaurant on campus, another metric point that stood out from the surveys and focus groups was value. During discussions about bringing a pizza to this location, value was among the boxes that needed to be checked.
“One of the key reasons Pizza Hut was selected by UH Dining Services as the new vendor is because it offers significant value,” said DaNesha Allen, Auxiliary Services Senior Director. “They can customize price points to ensure we provide affordable options for our students. Pizza Hut fills the gap for pizza on campus and brings value offerings that cater to our students' needs.”
For UH Dining Services, adding Pizza Hut as a result of surveys and focus groups reinforces their commitment to listening to the campus community. The renovation of the space will take a year to prepare for the menu offerings and to meet brand requirements, ensuring that the new Pizza Hut location meets the high standards expected by the brand and the university.
As Pizza Hut prepares to open its doors over the next year, UH students can anticipate a delicious and convenient dining experience that meets their needs and preferences.