Foodie takes a trip to one of Australia's LAST dine-in Pizza Huts - still remember these foods from back in the day?
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For Aussies of a certain age, there's nothing quite like nostalgic comfort food to take you back to simpler times. Foods that bring us back to our childhood always seem to taste better than anything else, don't they?
That might explain the recent resurgence in popularity of foods like Kraft mac and cheese, Spag Bol --- and yes, even pizza!
While most of us have moved on from greasy takeaway pizzas in favour of healthier (and tastier) home-cooked meals or restaurant dining experiences, there's still something special about a big slice (or two) every now and again.
And when it comes to pizza chains in Australia, one name stands out above the rest: Pizza Hut. Whether you remember tucking into their super-cheesy pizzas at your friend's birthday parties as a kid or scarfing down slices after work with your mates - chances are good that Pizza Hut holds a special place in your heart (and stomach).
Sadly though, due to changes in consumer tastes and preferences over the years (not to mention several government lockdowns), many dine-in Pizza Huts around the country have been forced to close their doors for good.
These days if you want that old-school pizza joint experience complete with all you can eat buffets and games rooms --- you'll be hard pressed to find it anywhere as more stores have adjusted to life post-COVID where takeouts and online orders are increasingly becoming the norm.
Now, if you want a chance at some serious '90s nostalgia, well do we have a story for you!
Popular food influencer Bec Hardgrave recently visited one of the country’s last Pizza Hut stores with dine-in options for an all-you-can-eat treat with her boyfriend Tim and for sure, it was a blast from the past,
In a video uploaded on YouTube, Bec and Tim started off reminiscing the good old days when you’d order via phone for pickup, and the operator never got the order right.
‘I remember my Mum would get so worked up,’ she said, admitting she would have too had she done a call presently. Honestly, we would too — and we miss it!
They also recalled Dougie, the iconic pizza delivery boy tied to Pizza Hut through a series of commercials.
Once at the location, Bec and her beau wasted no time ordering Pizza Hut’s All-You-Can Eat meal for $14.95, along with a $9.95 jug of zero sugar Coke.
First on the couple’s nostalgic hit list — of course — pizza!
‘I got three pieces of pizza,’ Bec said.
‘They literally don’t label what any of the pizzas are, so I don’t have any idea what (their flavours) are.’
Meanwhile, Tim also got himself some garlic bread and Bolognese sauce along with two pizza slices.
‘It’s won me over,’ he said of his choice.
Next plates in, the two got some more pizza, and added some pasta and potato gems. Yum!
‘Potato gems are a bit cold, pasta’s a bit average, Pizza’s good though,’ Bec said as her boyfriend returned with his own plate.
The couple wanted to make the most out of their time and money, so they went in for their third helpings!
Their next target was some potato and pasta salad, which the both of them found all right. Bec though, wasn’t really a fan, but to each their own. Honestly, we’d love a bite right about now!
Unable to fit more food in their stomachs, the pair then went for those classic, delicious desserts we all used to love.
Bec got some jelly, ice cream, and topped hers off with some sprinkles, while her boyfriend also had ice cream but had his with some chocolate brownies.
In total, Bec was able to get through three plates of food, while Tim had two (plus some dessert!)
Of their experience, the pair recommended going back, if only for nostalgia.
‘They haven’t changed one thing about (the Pizza Hut store) since I was about two years old… everything’s the same, not one renovation’s been done.’
They sure make a good case for trooping to the nearest dine-in store, eh?
Source: YouTube/Bec Hardgrave
If you have time, do be sure to check out our place at SDC for reminiscing about the Australia we grew up with!
So, what can you say about this story? Can you think about more things you miss at Pizza Hut — or other restaurants for that matter?
Please share your memories and comments below!
That might explain the recent resurgence in popularity of foods like Kraft mac and cheese, Spag Bol --- and yes, even pizza!
While most of us have moved on from greasy takeaway pizzas in favour of healthier (and tastier) home-cooked meals or restaurant dining experiences, there's still something special about a big slice (or two) every now and again.
And when it comes to pizza chains in Australia, one name stands out above the rest: Pizza Hut. Whether you remember tucking into their super-cheesy pizzas at your friend's birthday parties as a kid or scarfing down slices after work with your mates - chances are good that Pizza Hut holds a special place in your heart (and stomach).
Sadly though, due to changes in consumer tastes and preferences over the years (not to mention several government lockdowns), many dine-in Pizza Huts around the country have been forced to close their doors for good.
These days if you want that old-school pizza joint experience complete with all you can eat buffets and games rooms --- you'll be hard pressed to find it anywhere as more stores have adjusted to life post-COVID where takeouts and online orders are increasingly becoming the norm.
Now, if you want a chance at some serious '90s nostalgia, well do we have a story for you!
Popular food influencer Bec Hardgrave recently visited one of the country’s last Pizza Hut stores with dine-in options for an all-you-can-eat treat with her boyfriend Tim and for sure, it was a blast from the past,
In a video uploaded on YouTube, Bec and Tim started off reminiscing the good old days when you’d order via phone for pickup, and the operator never got the order right.
‘I remember my Mum would get so worked up,’ she said, admitting she would have too had she done a call presently. Honestly, we would too — and we miss it!
They also recalled Dougie, the iconic pizza delivery boy tied to Pizza Hut through a series of commercials.
Once at the location, Bec and her beau wasted no time ordering Pizza Hut’s All-You-Can Eat meal for $14.95, along with a $9.95 jug of zero sugar Coke.
First on the couple’s nostalgic hit list — of course — pizza!
‘I got three pieces of pizza,’ Bec said.
‘They literally don’t label what any of the pizzas are, so I don’t have any idea what (their flavours) are.’
Meanwhile, Tim also got himself some garlic bread and Bolognese sauce along with two pizza slices.
‘It’s won me over,’ he said of his choice.
Next plates in, the two got some more pizza, and added some pasta and potato gems. Yum!
‘Potato gems are a bit cold, pasta’s a bit average, Pizza’s good though,’ Bec said as her boyfriend returned with his own plate.
The couple wanted to make the most out of their time and money, so they went in for their third helpings!
Their next target was some potato and pasta salad, which the both of them found all right. Bec though, wasn’t really a fan, but to each their own. Honestly, we’d love a bite right about now!
Unable to fit more food in their stomachs, the pair then went for those classic, delicious desserts we all used to love.
Bec got some jelly, ice cream, and topped hers off with some sprinkles, while her boyfriend also had ice cream but had his with some chocolate brownies.
Key Takeaways
- Food influencer Bec Hardgrave has taken us inside one of the few dine-in Pizza Huts that remain.
- There are just seven dine in Pizza Huts left in Australia, with Bec and her partner Tim heading to their nearest dine in Pizza Hut, paying just $14.95 each to experience it plus another $9.95 for a jug of soft drink.
- The Queensland woman revealed in her YouTube video that pizza, potato gems, garlic bread, salads and desserts were among the items on offer.
- Bec and Tim left full after three plates and dessert each. He said: 'If you’re thinking of going to Pizza Hut – do it. I just probably wouldn’t make a date out of it.'
Of their experience, the pair recommended going back, if only for nostalgia.
‘They haven’t changed one thing about (the Pizza Hut store) since I was about two years old… everything’s the same, not one renovation’s been done.’
They sure make a good case for trooping to the nearest dine-in store, eh?
Source: YouTube/Bec Hardgrave
If you have time, do be sure to check out our place at SDC for reminiscing about the Australia we grew up with!
So, what can you say about this story? Can you think about more things you miss at Pizza Hut — or other restaurants for that matter?
Please share your memories and comments below!