Pizza Hut® Airs First Presidential Get-Out-The-Vote Ad Aimed at Youth

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pizza Hut® is airing a new ad encouraging young Americans to get involved in the political process by voting for the next U.S. President. Pizza Hut is the first company in this Presidential election to remind Americans to vote with the tagline, “It’s your choice. Please vote.”

The new 30-second ad features two college students, one of whom is questioning whether he should vote in this year’s Presidential election. The other student stresses the importance of voting, and encourages the doubting student to let his voice be heard by voting, convincing him to cast his ballot. This is the first time in Pizza Hut’s 50-year history the company has run an ad to promote a public policy issue rather than promoting its pizza. The company’s new Pizza Mia $5 value pizza is shown in the ad as a product placement, but is never referenced or specifically promoted.

“Today's youth have the power to change history with their vote in this Presidential election. At a time when the number one issue in this election is the economy, we're using our new Pizza Mia ad to encourage everyone to vote and make sure their voice is heard,” said Scott Bergren, Pizza Hut president. Young voters, age 18-29, reportedly will account for up to 25% of the electorate in this Presidential election1. “There's something about pizza and politics - they just go hand-in-hand,” Bergren said.

The new ad is the second in a series of Pizza Hut’s Pizza Mia Presidential Election ads. It will run in the Presidential primary states of South Carolina and Nevada just before the primaries, and on national network television. The company’s first political ad, which debuted during the Iowa Caucuses and featured snippets of each of the Democratic and Republican Presidential
candidates appearing on a debate stage together to address concerns about the economy. It was the first time a company had used actual Presidential candidate snippets in a commercial ad, and was well-received by youth on blogs and social media sites.

Pizza Mia offers an economic solution for families feeling the financial pinch today, particularly under current economic conditions, by providing everyday value at just $5 with the purchase of three pizzas, or $6.99 for one pizza. It is the company’s most affordable, high-quality pizza, made with 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese and old world sauce from sweet vine-ripened tomatoes. Orders for Pizza Mia are accepted at local Pizza Hut restaurants and online at pizzahut.com for delivery or carry out.