Flynn Group acquires 45 Pizza Hut locations, expands to 1,027 Units in US

USA – Flynn Group has acquired 45 Pizza Hut locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, bringing its total to 1,027 units and accounting for nearly 20% of Pizza Hut’s U.S. system, the company announced in a press release.

Flynn Group is expanding its Pizza Hut operations with a new acquisition in the Southeast, strengthening its presence in a market where it already operates several quick-service and fast-casual brands.

Since entering the Pizza Hut system in 2021 through the purchase of 937 locations from NPC International, the company has continued to grow its footprint, including acquiring a master franchise license for Australia in 2023, marking its first international investment.

By adding more Pizza Hut locations, Flynn Group aims to leverage existing best practices and operational efficiencies to enhance performance and ensure a strong customer experience.

Its growing portfolio and experience in restaurant operations could also support Pizza Hut’s broader efforts to improve its value proposition, menu innovation, and digital experience, critical areas as the chain navigates declining same-store sales.

The QSR pizza segment has been increasingly focused on value, with Domino’s emerging as the leader.

In the third quarter, Domino’s U.S. same-store sales grew by 3%, while Papa Johns saw a 6% decline in North America, and Pizza Hut reported a 1% drop in U.S. sales.

Flynn Group has used acquisitions to expand its portfolio across multiple brands in recent years.

In 2023, the company added 26 Applebee’s units and 32 Wendy’s locations to its holdings.

Flynn Group became the largest U.S. franchisee in 2018 when it acquired 368 Arby’s locations from US Beef Corp., increasing its portfolio to over 1,500 units.

Today, the group operates more than 2,900 locations across Applebee’s, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, and Planet Fitness.

Other major franchisees have been similarly active in acquiring brands and locations.

In 2024, Sun Holdings purchased Uncle Julio’s and Freebirds World Burritos, while KBP Brands expanded into Sonic Drive-In by acquiring 85 units from Boom Inc. Delight Restaurant Group also grew its Wendy’s footprint by acquiring 65 units, bringing its total count to nearly 300 locations.

Flynn Group’s latest expansion reinforces its strategy of growing through acquisitions, solidifying its position as a dominant multi-brand franchise operator in the U.S. and beyond.

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