The Food That Built America Snack Sized Season 1 Episode 7 Making the Hut

The Food That Built America Snack Sized is a television series that delves deep into the history of American food companies and their products. In season one episode seven titled Making the Hut, the show examines the rise of Pizza Hut, one of the world's leading pizza chains.

The episode begins with an introduction to the two brothers responsible for the creation of Pizza Hut – Dan and Frank Carney. The brothers had a dream of starting their own business and decided to open a pizza joint after a friend suggested the idea. They borrowed $600 from their mother and opened the first Pizza Hut restaurant in Wichita, Kansas, in 1958.

The episode then takes viewers through the early struggles of the Carney brothers and their determination to make their business work. It highlights how they came up with the name Pizza Hut and their decision to differentiate themselves from other pizza restaurants by offering a sit-down dining experience with a family-friendly atmosphere.

The show also explores the challenges Dan and Frank faced in expanding their business. They initially struggled to find a franchise model that would work, and it wasn't until a friend suggested they offer their signature pan-style pizza that their fortunes changed. Customers loved the thick, crispy crust, and with the introduction of the unique pizza, franchising became possible, and Pizza Hut grew to become a nationwide phenomenon.

Viewers get an insight into the marketing strategies employed by the Carney brothers and their team. For instance, Pizza Hut was one of the first business to open stores in shopping malls, and they also took advantage of the TV advertising boom in the '60s to advertise their product. With a focus on families, Pizza Hut became known as a place where people could go to have a fun and enjoyable time while enjoying good food.

Making the Hut also touches on the controversy surrounding the sale of Pizza Hut to PepsiCo in 1977. The Carney brothers were hesitant to sell their beloved business, but the company's rapid expansion had taken a toll on their health, and they eventually agreed to the deal. Despite the change of ownership, Pizza Hut continued to thrive under the guidance of PepsiCo.

The episode also features interviews with industry experts and former employees of Pizza Hut, giving viewers a unique insight into the inner workings of the business. The show reveals how Pizza Hut became a household name and how it has influenced the pizza industry as a whole.

Overall, Making the Hut is an entertaining and informative episode of The Food That Built America Snack Sized. It offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of Pizza Hut and how two brothers turned a simple idea into a multimillion-dollar empire. The episode is a testament to the hard work and determination of the Carney brothers and is a must-see for anyone who loves pizza and American food history.