Pizza Hut Delivery is to hire 2,500 staff in a recruitment spree after its plans for rapid expansion were boosted by surging demand for takeaways during the pandemic.
The delivery arm of the fast food giant has said it is currently recruiting for the roles and has plans to create around 2,000 additional jobs over the next three years as part of significant growth plans.
Christie & Co has been appointed by Pizza Hut Delivery to expand its offering across the UK. It will assist Pizza Hut in acquiring new sites by converting existing operators to franchisees.
Through its existing franchise network, Pizza Hut Delivery already has over 600 sites in the UK, 380 of which are delivery and takeaway only locations in the UK.
The company is initially seeking 125 new sites to expand its delivery and takeaway offerings, seeking franchisees in the North East and South West of England in particular.
It is looking for either new partners who will share its love for the brand, the product and its customers, or to work with experienced and proven operators who are committed to company growth and who are willing to invest over the short, medium, and long term in all aspects of the business.
Opportunity for growth in the current climate is significant. Demand for delivery has grown during lockdown, with more than half a million more orders compared to the same period in 2019 – a trend that's expected to be here to stay.
Neil Manhas, General Manager UK at Pizza Hut Delivery, commented, “Pizza Hut Delivery has been a beloved brand in communities across the UK for decades and we’re excited to build on this strength and continue expanding our reach in the UK.
'Pizza Hut Delivery was designated an essential service during lockdown and continued to operate, successfully feeding the nation during these difficult times and donating over 250,000 free meals to the NHS. We have always played a part in our local communities and we’re delighted to build on this as the demand for delivery services only increases.”
Pizza Hut Delivery has similar growth aspirations across Europe, with an immediate focus on priority markets France, Germany and Russia.