UPDATE (6/21/09): Pizza Hut is not changing their name.

From pizzahut.com:

“Pizza Hut is not changing its name. We are proud of our name and heritage and will continue to be Pizza Hut. We do use ‘The Hut’ in some of our marketing efforts,” said Brian Niccol, CMO, Pizza Hut, Inc.

“To the loyal fans of Pizza Hut and pizza lovers around the world, we’re happy to tell you that nothing is changing, we’re still Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza.”

Here’s the previously-posted, but not entirely accurate information…
Stupid news of the day…

From msn.com:

Pizza Hut is reportedly slicing the “pizza” from its name. The fast food chain will now be known simply as “The Hut.”

The chain, which has recently expanded its menu beyond pizza to include pasta, could not immediately be reached for comment Friday. Media and advertising trade publication MediaWeek characterized the name change as an attempt to transform its stores into hip hangouts. There are more than 10,000 Pizza Huts worldwide.

The new “hut” stores will be more than simply places to place a delivery order, according to MediaWeek. They will include televisions that broadcast CBS programs such as “Wheel of Fortune” and “Entertainment Tonight.”

Great. Now I have even more reasons never go to Pizza Hut. Or “The Hut.” Or whatever they’re calling it a week from now. I can stomach their pan pizza and their breadsticks are sometimes good (when they remember to put the seasoning on them), but as an Italian who is quite fond of good, homemade Italian food, I definitely don’t ever want to eat pasta from anywhere called “The Hut.” And I certainly don’t want to do it while watching “Entertainment Tonight.”

Too bad Dom DeLuise isn’t around to reprise his “Pizza the Hutt” role from Spaceballs. It would have made for a great commercial.