by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Hungry people driving along Merrill Road in Arlington Thursday evening with Pizza Hut on their minds had to find another option because the restaurant had been reserved by corporate officials for a reception to debut a new look and menu for the franchise.
The seven dine-in and 23 delivery and carryout-only units in Jacksonville are the first in the nation to get the new signage and graphics, said Pizza Hut COO Pat Murtha.
“We’re investing about $6 million in our 30 stores in Jacksonville because we have had such great success here for a long time. We’re looking to use what we’re doing here as a model and take it to our 6,000 stores nationwide,” he added.
Several members of the Duval County Legislative Delegation came to see the new look and sample the new menu that includes pasta and chicken wings in addition to pizza.
“Pizza Hut is a fixture and it’s great for them to get a new look. It helps revitalize the community,” commented State Rep. Jennifer Carroll.
The company is also increasing its presence at Jacksonville Beach. In addition to sponsoring the Moonlight Movies series, a portable sales unit, “The Hut,” will be set up at the beach access point at Seawalk Pavilion in July and August.
The restaurant on Merrill Road is a block away and across the street from Pizza Hut’s original Arlington location, said State Rep. Lake Ray. He also said the Merrill Road Pizza Hut will always be special to him because, “That’s where my wife and I had our first date 27 years ago.”
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