50 jobs created as Pizza Hut opens first new restaurant in six years

Following a million-pound investment, Pizza Hut Restaurants has officially opened its first new restaurant in over six years, creating 50 jobs.

Set within the 65,000 sq ft leisure extension of the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds, named The Village, the restaurant sits alongside the new 11-screen Cineworld IMAX cinema, due to open later this year.

The new Pizza Hut was just one of several new restaurants to open at The Village, including TGI Friday’s, Five Guys, Chiquito, and Limeyard, with Wagamama set to open on 10th July.

Featuring the dining chain’s latest American inspired offerings, the Hut features a cocktail bar and new menu options such as sweet chilli chicken pizza, chicken wings, Kentucky style BBQ ribs, and American style waffles.

Over the past five years, Pizza Hut Restaurants has undergone a significant refurbishment strategy, funded through a £60m investment which began in 2012 when Rutland Partners acquired the business.

Speaking at the White Rose opening ceremony, COO Mike Spencer said: “Leeds is a real powerhouse with huge economic potential and the extension to White Rose has cemented the shopping centre as a serious destination for consumers and businesses alike.

“We’re delighted to have snapped up a space in the extension which we believe is a fitting venue for our first new Hut in over six years.

“Today’s opening marks a significant landmark in our business strategy which has, for the past five years, focused on the restructure of our existing portfolio of restaurants across the UK.”

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