GPS Hospitality, a large, Atlanta-based franchisee of Burger King and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, on Thursday said it is buying 75 Pizza Hut locations in Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee.
A spokeswoman for the company said the operator is buying the restaurants from existing franchisees in a pair of deals, one of which is complete and another is nearing completion. The deals give the growing operator a third brand and restaurants in 13 states. The company, formed by former Arby’s executive Tom Garrett, says it expects to reach 500 restaurants this year. The Pizza Hut deal gives GPS 475 locations.
It also sees future growth within Yum Brands, the Louisville, Ky.-based parent of Pizza Hut.
“Pizza Hut is a mature and beloved brand with dominance in its space,” Garrett said in a statement. He said the brand is “positioning itself as an industry leader” with its NFL sponsorship, app innovations and delivery offerings.
“Our partnership with Pizza Hut is a deliberate move to align ourselves with a brand that reflects our values and business sensibilities,” he added.
GPS said it has added Kent Dawdy as vice president of operations to lead its new division. Dawdy has 30 years of experience in the quick-service industry, including more than 20 years with Arby’s. He most recently worked with Atlanta-based Sterling Restaurants, which operates Shane’s Rib Shack and Moe’s Southwest Grill. He previously held an equity position with KBP Foods, a national operator of KFC and Taco Bell locations.
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