# I pit Pizza Hut's new Italian Bistro **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 15, 2005, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849 "2005-09-15T20:11:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![HelloKitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecccb3/32.png) [@HelloKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelloKitty)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2005, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/21 "2005-09-16T22:35:30Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > I had a coupon once for papa johns supreme pizza. I asked the lady on the phone to leave off a couple of items. She said “no.” Thinking I was talking to a moron drone; I asked to speak to the manager. Her response was also “no” along with a snarky " If you want a pizza like that, you’re gonna have to pay full price." > > Now keep in mind, I wasn’t asking them to ADD extra stuff, just leave some stuff OFF! :rolleyes: I even tried to reason with her that she’s actually saving the company money by NOT putting some stuff on. > > She was so obtuse she just didn’t get it. Today’s Fun Fact: Did you know that most national chain pizza delivery companies (Pizza Hut, Dominoes, et al) use CALL CENTERS to take their pizza orders? Chances are very good that the “lady on the phone” was no where near your city, let alone near the pizza oven. Thus her obtuse-ness…she probably had no way of ordering a pizza that wasn’t on her clickable computer list. :rolleyes: This corporate mentality has forced me to frequent only my local “pizza joint” type places. It’s much more satisfying and they are always happy to alter my order any way I ask. Not to mention the pizza is TONS better! ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2005, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/22 "2005-09-16T22:54:30Z")
> [@HelloKitty](#): > > Today’s Fun Fact: > > Did you know that most national chain pizza delivery companies (Pizza Hut, Dominoes, et al) use CALL CENTERS to take their pizza orders? Chances are very good that the “lady on the phone” was no where near your city, let alone near the pizza oven. Thus her obtuse-ness…she probably had no way of ordering a pizza that wasn’t on her clickable computer list. :rolleyes: … That’s basically why they said they couldn’t leave onions off my pizza, “the computer won’t let us.” Of course I was actually _inside_ the restaurant and able to speak _directly_ the person making the pizza! ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Purl_McKnittington)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/23 "2005-09-16T22:58:40Z")
Is that everywhere, **HelloKitty**? Because all the times I’ve ordered from Pizza Hut, both in Milwaukee and home in SW WI, the order’s been taken by people who actually work there. Same goes for Dominoes. ---
**Author:** ![sinjin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@sinjin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinjin)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2005, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/24 "2005-09-16T23:00:31Z")
The “I can’t take the order” response is bs. My daughter is allergic to milk products.We have ordered cheeseless pizzas from all the big boxes for years and never had a problem ordering a supreme blah, blah, blah without the cheese. The problem was in the actual making of the pizza. Big box phone person takes the order, but pizza arrives with cheese 50% of the time. In every single case, dozens and dozens, big box pizza place leaves the orignal pizza and sends out a new cheeseless pizza post haste for free. At times we were tempted to just order her cheeseless pizza and hope to get the cheesey pizza for us (we never actually did this). But we have gotten a lot of free pizzas. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Stillwell\_Angel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@Stillwell\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stillwell_Angel)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/25 "2005-09-16T23:18:44Z")
> [@Miss Purl McKnittington](#): > > Is that everywhere, **HelloKitty**? Because all the times I’ve ordered from Pizza Hut, both in Milwaukee and home in SW WI, the order’s been taken by people who actually work there. Same goes for Dominoes. I usually use the online ordering with Papa Johns. I have this strange hatred of talking on the phone, especially to strangers. I just pick out my pizza, get a confirmation email, and shortly there is a pizza at my door! Now if I could just get rid of the delivery guy somehow, I could have my wish of ordering food with no human interaction whatsoever. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/26 "2005-09-17T06:26:38Z")
I got this from their customer service today. Of course I don’t actually expect anything more than an email defending their policy. > [@](#): > > Dear Valued Customer, > > Thank you for contacting Pizza Hut. We do apologize for your unpleasant > experience and we want to address this issue appropriately. > > The location you have provided us with is a franchised location and > therefore, we will notify their management offices immediately and share > with them your comments and concerns. You should be contacted by the > appropriate franchise management team in 2-3 business days. > > Again, thank you for taking the time to contact Pizza Hut. With input > from valuable customers like you, we are able to resolve situations that > might otherwise go unnoticed. > > Very truly yours, > > Pizza Hut Web Coordinator ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/27 "2005-09-17T06:48:30Z")
> [@HelloKitty](#): > > Today’s Fun Fact: > > Did you know that most national chain pizza delivery companies (Pizza Hut, Dominoes, et al) use CALL CENTERS to take their pizza orders? Chances are very good that the “lady on the phone” was no where near your city, let alone near the pizza oven. Thus her obtuse-ness…she probably had no way of ordering a pizza that wasn’t on her clickable computer list. :rolleyes: > > This corporate mentality has forced me to frequent only my local “pizza joint” type places. It’s much more satisfying and they are always happy to alter my order any way I ask. Not to mention the pizza is TONS better! This was years ago before they started doing all that. ---
**Author:** ![The\_New\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@The\_New\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_New_Guy)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/28 "2005-09-17T08:30:21Z")
> [@zagloba](#): > > This is why I’ve learned to confirm the total before I get off the phone. Right. But the sad part is that you shouldn’t _have_ to do that. A well-run business wouldn’t try to trick you with hidden charges, and wouldn’t force you to be constantly vigilant. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/29 "2005-09-17T15:19:43Z")
> [@archmichael](#): > > It’s heartening to know that they have invented boneless buffalo wings You don’t want to KNOW what they all do down on the Pizza Hut Chicken Factory Farm. [sub]Yeesh, yet another “I Went to a Fast Food Joint and Got Crappy Food” thread. When will they ever learn?[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![The\_King\_of\_Soup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@The\_King\_of\_Soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_King_of_Soup)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/30 "2005-09-17T16:55:32Z")
A pizza without onions? No, I’m sorry sir, we’re all out of onions. Would you like to have it without peppers instead? ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/31 "2005-09-17T17:05:25Z")
> [@HelloKitty](#): > > Did you know that most national chain pizza delivery companies (Pizza Hut, Dominoes, et al) use CALL CENTERS to take their pizza orders? Chances are very good that the “lady on the phone” was no where near your city, let alone near the pizza oven. Aha, so that’s why the last time I called Domino’s, the guy who answered had an Indian accent… ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/32 "2005-09-17T21:35:28Z")
> [@HelloKitty](#): > > Did you know that most national chain pizza delivery companies (Pizza Hut, Dominoes, et al) use CALL CENTERS to take their pizza orders? Chances are very good that the “lady on the phone” was no where near your city, let alone near the pizza oven. Pizza Hut here in Denver has abandoned the call center idea, and gone back to having the customer call the store directly. ---
**Author:** ![zagloba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/977dab/32.png) [@zagloba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zagloba)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/33 "2005-09-17T21:41:25Z")
> [@The New Guy](#): > > Right. But the sad part is that you shouldn’t _have_ to do that. A well-run business wouldn’t try to trick you with hidden charges, and wouldn’t force you to be constantly vigilant. Couldn’t agree more. ---
**Author:** ![Odinoneeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/97f17d/32.png) [@Odinoneeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odinoneeye)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2005, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/34 "2005-09-18T01:59:36Z")
I try to avoid pizza as much as possible these days. I mean, I would enjoy it if I could have it when I wanted it, not when everyone else I know want it every hour of every day… sorry… But this is not a new phenomenon. 20 years ago, I remember Little Ceasars was promoting a new mexican pizza. Looked nasty to me, but my frined wanted one. now you had to order 2 pizzas, two mexican, two supremem or one of each, so I tried to get a suprememe without green peppers. They wouldn’t let me. and my friend’s mexican pizza smelled horrible ---
**Author:** ![ripopgome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@ripopgome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ripopgome)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2005, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/35 "2005-09-18T02:18:29Z")
Disclaimer: I worked at a Pizza Hut (takeout/delivery only one) around 1990. I delievered, which wsas a fairly good gig, as you kept your tips. There was no delivery charge at the time, and I purposely worked at one in the 'burbs, far enough from my house (in Detroit), that I wouldn’t (a) get shot at (b) carjacked, or © stiffed for tips. Or at least, all of those things would happen less often. Anyhow, I can understand not tipping when there’s a delivery charge–that really SHOULD go to the driver. At least when I worked, you could submit expenses for gas somehow but I don’t think I ever did–I believe it was too much effort. I do understand why SOMETIMES they won’t let you make any substitutions or remove anything–if they pre-prepare the pizzas, especially for the common popular ones. We didn’t do this, but I bet many places do. Best parts about the job, besides tips, were being able to listen to the radio in the car a lot while working, always hoping whoever answered the door would be a hot, horny 18 year old girl short on funds (never happened), and getting to take unclaimed pizzas home with me (well, they didn’t go home–I’d just go to school and give it to friends… it was a commuter campus but I knew a lot of student teachers with offices who would hang out and drink late into the night, and if I showed up with pizza around 11:30… well, you can bet that went over well!) Now, I actually never patronize the big chains. Besides being permanently sick of Pizza Hut, I live in Cali, and while basically noone here knows how to make a decent pizza, the local jernts are definitely the closest. We actually order something weird now, half-modified-Margherita, half-meaty-thing, which I am fortunate for automation for… because I just call and give my phone number and ask for the same thing I ordered last time… they pull it up on the computer, and off we go. Me and wiff happy. ---
**Author:** ![SlickRoenick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@SlickRoenick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlickRoenick)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/36 "2005-09-19T00:03:00Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > The local Pizza Hut recently reopened as Pizza Hut: Italian Bistro. You wouldn’t happen to live in Westminster, MD? ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/37 "2005-09-19T03:00:28Z")
Don’t most towns have at least a half-a-dozen **independent** pizza joints? So why go to a mega-chain like Pizza-Hut? ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/38 "2005-09-19T18:43:01Z")
> [@ripopgome](#): > > Besides being permanently sick of Pizza Hut, I live in Cali, and while basically noone here knows how to make a decent pizza, the local jernts are definitely the closest. [hijack] Ain’t it the truth. I’ve been casting about ineffectually for a place that makes decent pizza in Santa Barbara for over a year. The best I’ve found could only really be classified as “not bad.” What gives? At least the best one so far is only a few blocks from my apartment. [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/39 "2005-09-20T18:35:02Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > That’s basically why they said they couldn’t leave onions off my pizza, “the computer won’t let us.” Of course I was actually _inside_ the restaurant and able to speak _directly_ the person making the pizza! Cash Register: Dave. What are you doing, Dave? Dave. I know you and Frank were planning to remove the onions from that Southwest Tostada Pizza, and I’m afraid that’s something I cannot allow to happen. Dave. ---
**Author:** ![Corii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aeb1de/32.png) [@Corii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corii)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849/40 "2005-09-20T22:02:58Z")
> [@archmichael](#): > > When Taco Bell finally opens their Taco Bell: Mexican Trattoria, I am sooooo there to order the Chinese General Tso’s Burrito sans beans and a side order of calamari. After the great Food Wars, all restaurants are now Taco Bell! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-pizza-huts-new-italian-bistro/321849.md?page=1)