Good stuff. Pizza is a communal, celebratory food, and every town has a Pizza Hut nearby. The place evokes a ton of memories. I can even get flashbacks when I hear the specific phone ringer sound my local Pizza Hut had. Takes me back.
Well said! It is funny how things like a phone ringer can take you back to a time and place. For me, it's the ringer inside a Western Electric Trimline, which my family had from 1977 to 1985 or so ... so of course, I have a Trimline (that works) in my home today!
My first job in 1984 was at a Pizza Hut (which is still there but is now mainly for takeout). I agree that a juke box is a must along with the brown uniforms I had to wear that reeked of oil from oiling the pan pizza pans. Oh and bring back the Priazzo!
I’ll never forget traveling abroad in Jordan + Israel for over a month and stumbled across a Pizza Hut. Although very modern and zero nostalgia to the signage or “vibe” inside, the pizza was great and a true taste of home. Pizza Hut will forever be a classic ❤️
The main thing the PHCs need to add are jukeboxes and video games--especially the cocktail-table models. The PHC in Dahlonega, GA doesn't have either.
I know old video games are hard to come by and have gotten pricey--often because of collector demand and the need for restoration (any old electronics needs new capacitors and other parts after 40 years, just ask the people restoring old Pioneer and Marantz receivers from the 70s or old stereo consoles from the 60s), but even one of the modern versions like what shows up at Costco periodically would be acceptable.
A CD jukebox is fine. I know people may not want loud music with their pizza, but you could keep the volume reasonable for the time of day and the crowd.
Totally agree! Even a nod to the consoles with a cheapie knockoff would do the trick! I think some restaurants actually do have them -- but not enough!
They do, but for some, myself included, for the sorts of reasons I discuss that have less to do with the food than the ambiance of nostalgia. And there are those who actually like the pizza. Different strokes. Like you, I’m lucky to have choices as many people fortunately do these days.
it's all perspective. I remember once having a conversation with a couple at heathrow airport who told me they were excited to get back to America because it's the only place they could get Totino's frozen pizza. You know, the budget crap that barely tastes better than cardboard. Sentimentality is a thing.
Good stuff. Pizza is a communal, celebratory food, and every town has a Pizza Hut nearby. The place evokes a ton of memories. I can even get flashbacks when I hear the specific phone ringer sound my local Pizza Hut had. Takes me back.
Well said! It is funny how things like a phone ringer can take you back to a time and place. For me, it's the ringer inside a Western Electric Trimline, which my family had from 1977 to 1985 or so ... so of course, I have a Trimline (that works) in my home today!
My first job in 1984 was at a Pizza Hut (which is still there but is now mainly for takeout). I agree that a juke box is a must along with the brown uniforms I had to wear that reeked of oil from oiling the pan pizza pans. Oh and bring back the Priazzo!
Hope PH is reading -- those are great suggestions!
I’ll never forget traveling abroad in Jordan + Israel for over a month and stumbled across a Pizza Hut. Although very modern and zero nostalgia to the signage or “vibe” inside, the pizza was great and a true taste of home. Pizza Hut will forever be a classic ❤️
Love this story!
Next stop is to the Mazzio's in Winder, GA which still sells Ken's Pizza.
Oooh!
The main thing the PHCs need to add are jukeboxes and video games--especially the cocktail-table models. The PHC in Dahlonega, GA doesn't have either.
I know old video games are hard to come by and have gotten pricey--often because of collector demand and the need for restoration (any old electronics needs new capacitors and other parts after 40 years, just ask the people restoring old Pioneer and Marantz receivers from the 70s or old stereo consoles from the 60s), but even one of the modern versions like what shows up at Costco periodically would be acceptable.
A CD jukebox is fine. I know people may not want loud music with their pizza, but you could keep the volume reasonable for the time of day and the crowd.
Totally agree! Even a nod to the consoles with a cheapie knockoff would do the trick! I think some restaurants actually do have them -- but not enough!
My friends and I always loved the creamy dressing on the salad bar - I think we were under the illusion that it was healthy because it was salad!
People love Pizza Hut? It's horrible pizza. Maybe I'm lucky to have a lot of great choices.
They do, but for some, myself included, for the sorts of reasons I discuss that have less to do with the food than the ambiance of nostalgia. And there are those who actually like the pizza. Different strokes. Like you, I’m lucky to have choices as many people fortunately do these days.
it's all perspective. I remember once having a conversation with a couple at heathrow airport who told me they were excited to get back to America because it's the only place they could get Totino's frozen pizza. You know, the budget crap that barely tastes better than cardboard. Sentimentality is a thing.
Truly is!