Young entrepreneurs are not exclusive to our modern era- young people have been breaking ground throughout history. The founders of Pizza Hut are a great example from the 20th century. When Frank and Dan Carney were in their twenties, they started the first restaurant with just a $600 loan from their mother which they used to convert a small bar in Wichita, Kansas into their storefront. These humble beginnings in 1958 quickly took root and Pizza Hut lead the charge in the franchising of restaurants. Within only 10 years they had grown from one store to over 300 locations. By 1970 Pizza Hut was international and in 1977 the Carney brothers sold the company to the powerhouse, PepsiCo.
The success of the Carney brothers was the result of their perceptiveness to the changes in the world around them and their anticipation of the future. As business graduates of Wichita State University, they had a background in the field and had studied the successful fast-food chains. Dan was especially interested in franchising foodservice -something that was not common at that time. So convinced that this was the future of foodservice, Dan attempted to write his master’s thesis on franchising, but his professor would not accept it. Ironically Dan failed to earn his master’s degree because of an idea that revolutionized the world of foodservice for good- his successes can attest to the validity of his views much stronger than any degree.
The first Pizza Hut
These brothers foresaw the future of fast food and used their simple means and education to pizza into the game-a food which is now viewed as a staple in the industry. They did not have the luxury of entrepreneurship classes to learn how to start a franchise, but through careful observation, they were able to find their niche and rupture the market. After selling Pizza Hut both brothers stayed involved in the business world. Dan remained as President and board member for a few more years and has sat on the board of various Kansas branches of charities and businesses. Frank even went on to help in the founding of another popular pizza chain-Papa John’s. The Carney brothers are remarkable examples of resourcefulness, determination, and character as they have used their successes to give back to their community in many ways.
This is such a cool story and well written! I had no idea how Pizza Hut was started and found it so interesting how Dan wanted to write his thesis on franchising, but his professor would not let him. Fast forward to today and franchising is huge in the food industry. This story shows that maybe someone might not have the knowledge or background in a subject, but they can make an impact and find their niche through observation. I think every entrepreneur has been in the stage where they observe the market or products.
I learned something new from this. It is amazing how you can create a successful business if you have a vision and you pursue it with everything you have. Just a small loan can give someone the inspiration to act on their dreams and make their dreams become a realty.
That is such an interesting story. Pizza Hut is a dying chain but they jumpstarted the entire pizza industry in the United States. I think that its crazy how so many of these people who founded one successful chain sell it and go start another one. Its almost like they didn’t get enough of a thrill the first time so that want to do it again but better!
This is such an interesting and impressive story. So cool that these brothers foresaw a future need and market for fast food chains and acted upon it. Amazing what young entrepreneurs can do. Also, great read.