Still Seeking the Magic of a Pizza Hut Classic

I’ve been meaning to go on a personal field trip to a Pizza Hut Classic ever since I saw this blog post about them two years ago. In a world where nostalgia and immersive experiences rule pop culture, a combination of the two with a side of breadsticks sounded like a slam dunk of a good time–even if it wouldn’t involve presenting a purple Book-It button with its stars filled with stickers in exchange for a personal pan pizza.

Finally there happened to be one both in my family’s path on a road trip and at an hour when we needed to eat. Perfection! Tucked away in Louisburg, NC (pop. ~3,000), the sign by the road heralded a welcoming “CLASSIC” label. These aren’t forgotten restaurants with 35-year-old decor. They’re locations that have been intentionally remodeled to look like the Pizza Hut of your childhood.

Alas, this specific location did not quite live up to the dream. There are retro posters of Pizza Hut history on the walls and the Tiffany-style lights over red checkered vinyl tablecloths, but that’s where the nostalgia ended. The only other patron, who was leaving as we arrived, did have a red plastic cup, but we were served paper cups, in which the only option for contents was sweet tea. There’s no soda fountain, just bottles. No two-player Pac-Man table. No kale-laden salad bar. (No salad bar at all!) We ordered at the counter and sat down. The staff there is very friendly–absolutely delightful–but the store itself is effectively a Pizza Hut takeout window with a few tables and light retro vibe.

Meanwhile my social media feeds continue to present me videos from other PHC locations that have all of those things! And thus my quest for perfect pizza nostalgia with a side of Pac-Man and red plastic continues. Until the next road trip!