Pizza Hut's latest dish, the cheeseburger melt, has not lived up to some customers' expectations. Many have criticized the chain for lacking creativity, claiming that Domino's has delivered a better version of the same item.
New Twist on Classic Flavors: Pizza Hut's Cheeseburger Melt
Pizza Hut is spicing its menu with a new limited-time offering, the Cheeseburger Melt. This innovative dish features all the classic ingredients of a bacon cheeseburger-beef, applewood-smoked bacon, onions, and cheddar cheese.
What sets it apart is the addition of mozzarella and the sandwich being encased between two parmesan-crusted thin pizza crusts. It also comes with a special dipping sauce on the side.
Rachel Antalek, Pizza Hut's Chief Innovation Officer, highlighted the dish's unique aspect: "This isn't your average cheeseburger. Our Cheeseburger Melt pairs wonderfully with what we believe is the finest burger dipping sauce available. We invite everyone to compare it with any other burger and sauce pairing out there."
As part of its marketing strategy, Pizza Hut is deploying red SUVs in Miami and Chicago, known for their iconic burger joints, to promote the new item. The vehicles are adorned with images of the Cheeseburger Melt and the phrase "Want a Better Burger?" They also feature a scannable QR code that allows customers to win a free Cheeseburger Melt.
Pizza Hut's Chief Marketing Officer Lindsay Morgan expressed excitement about the brand's new direction.
"Known primarily for our pizzas, stepping into the burger arena is a thrilling first for us," Morgan stated. We wanted to start our burger offerings with a bold statement. That's why we're directly challenging burger chains, bringing our delectable new Cheeseburger Melt to the heart of their territory, aiming to win over burger enthusiasts everywhere."
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Mixed Reviews for Pizza Hut's New Cheeseburger Melt
Pizza Hut's latest addition, the Cheeseburger Melt, has stirred varied reactions among customers. While the innovative item merges classic burger ingredients with pizza elements, it hasn't won over everyone.
One customer expressed disappointment on Reddit, stating, "Is it just me, or does this whole product come off as uninspired and boring?" Another added, "I'm glad they're trying something, but... try something else." Others echoed the sentiment of trying to innovate but missing the mark.
A third reviewer noted similarities with offerings from other chains but did not find the concept appealing: "It's like the Papadias at Papa John's, but I'm not interested in a cheeseburger pizza." Criticism also came for the meal's texture, with a customer mentioning, "The thin crust is way too crunchy for a sandwich like this."
Questions about competitors were also raised, with one person recalling, "Didn't Domino's have a pretty decent cheeseburger?"
Indeed, Domino's introduced a cheeseburger pizza in 2020, complete with mustard sauce, American cheese, beef, onions, tomatoes, provolone, and cheddar, as reported in The U.S. Sun.
This creation followed customer feedback about "soggy burgers" during the peak of pandemic-driven delivery services. However, the item was a limited-time offer and is not currently available.
Despite the critiques, some Pizza Hut enthusiasts have praised the new Cheeseburger Melt. On social media, fans have shared positive reviews, with one declaring on Facebook, "Get you one. They are fantastic. Try the new cheeseburger melt!!"
Another fan praised the item on X, posting, "Deeeeliicious as always-my compliments to the chef."
As Pizza Hut navigates the mixed feedback, the Cheeseburger Melt continues to be a talking point among fast food lovers, highlighting the ongoing challenge of blending different culinary worlds successfully.
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