Pizza Hut East Maitland to close on August 7, 2016

In a Facebook post, franchisee Ebony Prescott informed customers that the decision to close the dine-in restaurant had been “forced” upon them, and “is a consequence of the redevelopment of the Green Hills shopping centre.”

However, Stockland Green Hills centre manager Chris Travers has clarified that “Stockland does not own the Pizza Hut site or have any control or influence over its lease arrangements.”

Pizza Hut confirmed the land is being sold, but has not revealed the buyer. 

As for why the restaurant is closing, a Pizza Hut spokesperson said “that is information Pizza Hut and the franchisee are not sharing at the moment.”

Ms Prescott, who owns the store with Darren MacClure, said they intended to renovate and continue the business in it’s current location, but that they were given two weeks notice to vacate.

“This closure signals the end of an era as there is no possibility of a dine in Pizza Hut being rebuilt in the area,”Ms Prescott said.

The store was one of 15 dine-in Pizza Hut restaurants left in Australia.

Mr MacClure bought the East Maitland store in 2006, after 17 years working for Pizza Hut corporate.

He and Ms Prescott opened a second store at Rutherford in 2008, which will remain open.

Mr MacClure said they have a lot of good memories from their 10 years at East Maitland.

“We’ve had a great time running the business,” he said. 

“We were ready to sign a new lease.”

“We’re really sad and disappointed that this has happened.”

Mr MacClure and Ms Prescott were among 190 out of 200 Pizza Hut franchisees who filed a class action against parent company YUM! Restaurants.

The case alleged that the pricing strategy decided by the franchisors in 2014 was too low to make a profit.

The case was dismissed earlier this year.

Eagle Boys has also felt the burn of the pricing war in the pizza market.

It was announced earlier this month that Eagle Boys, which has a store at East Maitland, had fallen into voluntary administration.

East Maitland franchisee David Austin said it was “business as usual” for the store until they hear further information from head office.

Since 2011, Domino's received a 28 per cent increase in customer numbers, while Eagle Boys numbers dropped 61 per cent.

In terms of the pizza market share, more than half is owned by others than the five main chains.

Domino’s operates a quarter of the market, Pizza Hut owns 10.7 per cent, Eagle Boys 4.6 per cent, and Pizza Capers, Crust and La Porchetta cover the remaining 5.9 per cent.

Residents shared their memories of the Pizza Hut dine-in restaurant at East Maitland.

It's sad that Pizza Hut is closing and I have some great memories of that place. When I was little and Pizza Hut was up the other end in the old day before greenhills became Stockland. I had my first birthday party there and still have the photos of them. It was always a place my family went to very Friday night for dinner. The people who own it have done a lot for the community and we love eating there and very sad to see it go.

I hope they find jobs for the people who work there.

- Crystal Korner 

One of the best icons in town...

Kids and families love going here and talking about fond memories.

We took our three kids there from when they were 1 yr old and made it a tradition each birthday after the original Pizza Hut also got demolished.

So sad.

- Amanda Playford 

Many years ago my mum and I went there for lunch . My dad was having sangas at work so mum told me not to tell him we had Pizza Hut . We put what we thought was parmesan cheese all over our pasta. It was garlic granules. Let's just say our secret didn't last. We lost our dad this year and mum still loves that memory.

- Michelle Price 

Man I had a blast there. I remember when I was but a kid 6 or so years old, it was my first big birthday with the family. I still remember how the place was, it was a very unforgettable setting and still is. In fact its probably like the only restaurant of its kind so it will be sad to see it go.

- Allyshia Moore 

We are going to miss this place. We've had plenty of celebrations here over many many years.

- Melissa Murphy 

I was there on my 10th birthday, when there was a fire whilst they were doing renovations around 11 year ago.

- Andrew Skelton

Worked there for three years with Mai-Wel, had so much fun and had a lot of friends to talk to. Darren treated us well.

- Kane Shakespeare

Lots of memories of going here, piles of chocolate mousse with sprinkles.

- Maria Cross

Do you have fond memories of Pizza Hut East Maitland? Tell us your stories, share your pictures, send them to jessica.brown@fairfaxmedia.com.au.