Which fast food chain was founded by brothers Frank and Dan Carney?

Pizza Hut was founded by brothers Frank and Dan Carney. The Wichita, Kansas, brothers opened the first restaurant on May 31, 1958, while they were students at Wichita State University. Their mother loaned them $600 to help launch the business in a small building near the university.

The name “Pizza Hut” reportedly came from the limited space on the restaurant’s original sign, which could accommodate only eight letters. The concept expanded quickly: the brothers opened another location within six months and began franchising in 1959. By the 1960s, the chain was known for its distinctive red-roofed buildings.

A common mix-up is confusing Pizza Hut’s founders with Frank Carney’s later connection to Papa John’s. After leaving Pizza Hut, Frank became a Papa John’s franchisee and eventually owned many of its restaurants, but he and Dan founded Pizza Hut. PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut in 1977, and the brand later became part of Yum! Brands.