PIECE OUT
Pizza Hut closes 15 locations abruptly and the only clue came when manager logged in to ‘fatal error’ message
Not even a beloved program or nostalgia could attract customers, said employees
PIZZA Hut abruptly shuttered 15 locations with one of the managers receiving a warning on her computer shortly before the closures.
Northwest Indiana was hit with a wave of closings last week after a "fatal error," said a manager.
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"All of us were just stunned," the woman, who chose to remain anonymous told The NWI Times.
That morning, she had been unable to sign into her computer, she said with another clue coming from the area manager, who has having issues getting all of the employees together.
It was revealed that the area manager had learned of the closures the night before and told the others to file for unemployment.
Just a day later, multiple Pizza Hut employees were out of a job.
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"We were given no notice at all beforehand," said one of the employees.
The shuttered Pizza Huts had signs posted on the front door reading, "All Northwest Indiana Pizza Hut locations are temporarily closed until further notice."
It wasn't immediately made available how long the closures would be.
"I can’t imagine all these Pizza Hut stores not reopening in our Region," said the manager.
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"But who knows when."
YEARS IN THE MAKING
The affected stores were located in Munster, Hammond, Schererville, Griffith, Hobart, Crown Point, Winfield, Cedar Lake, Lowell, Portage, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Michigan City and LaPorte, according to court records.
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The franchisee, EYM Group, fell behind on royalties, advertising fees, and other payments, read the document.
A Pizza Hut spokesperson told the outlet that the chain is hoping to reopen most of the restaurants after taking control away from EYM Brands, one of its largest franchisees in the US.
Other workers say there was a decline in foot traffic in stores, adding that Pizza Hut was more of a nostalgic memory for customers rather than a restaurant they were eager to eat at.
"They ate at Pizza Hut when they were a kid and now they’re bringing in their own kids and grandkids for our pizza," the manager said.
"Or for the Book It program."
The program, introduced in 1984, is popular among schools to get kids into reading across the US.
"This work is more than just a corporate mission, it’s a personal challenge to turn ‘have to’ read into ‘want to’ read, and our time-tested incentives work," read Pizza Hut's website.
It is the largest and longest-running corporate supposed reading program.
"Customers love this program for their kids," the manager told the outlet.
Pizza Hut Closures Indiana:
Locations in the following areas in Indiana were closed as of June 14:
- Cedar Lake
- Chesterton
- Crown Point
- Griffith
- Hammon
- Hobart
- LaPorte
- Lowell
- Merrillville
- Michigan City
- Munster
- Portage
- Schererville
- Valparaiso
- Winfield
"And many of the parents enjoyed the program when they were kids."
But with Pizza Huts closed in her area, the manager, who has been an employee at the restaurant for many years, is now looking for managerial positions at other food service locations, such as Aldi Foods.
In the meantime, however, she is enjoying her break from working long hours each day, despite how unexpected it was.
"The hours are rough in this business but we enjoyed what we do," she said.
"I loved working there, making new friends, and for my loyal customers. I just feel sorry for everyone who has to start over."
Some of the employees were able to snag other jobs at retail food chains, however, a select few depended on their Pizza Hut paychecks for their families.
They hope the locations will open soon, ideally under a new franchise owner.
"I am hoping the hourly wages are better," said the manager.
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"I’m trying to have positive thoughts."
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Pizza Hut for comment.
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