Pizza Hut returns to Riverdale Shopping Center

If you have been longing for this for a long time, Pizza Hut want to return to Riverdale, you are in luck. The franchise is officially back in Riverdale Shopping Centerjust a few doors down from the former location on the east end of the complex where Eat My Catfish now operates.

According to a press release, the 1,500-square-foot store at 2516 Cantrell Road will feature a more modern, compact design ideal for delivery, takeout and curbside pickup for all your on-the-go needs.

The store's franchisee, Flynn Group LP, owns and operates more than 975 Pizza Hut locations in 27 states, including locations in the nearby cities of Jacksonville, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Sherwood.

To celebrate the grand opening on Friday, the Flynn Group is giving the first 25 customers a free pizza for a year (two free specialty or up to large pizzas with three toppings per month).

Pizza Hut is the third food business to open in the 19,584-square-foot complex since it was purchased for redevelopment in 2022 by a group of Arkansas partners, including TJ Lefler of Fayetteville-based Lefler Capital and Travis Hester, owner of Eat My Catfish.

Eat My Catfish opened at the mall in June 2023, and a Taco Bell opened earlier this year. According to Lefler Capital's website, a few properties are available, including the 65,000-square-foot building formerly used by Walmart Neighborhood Market, which most recently served as a temporary home for the Arkansas Arts Center before becoming the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. It looks like a restaurant called Wing it Forward is set to take over the space next to Whole Hog Cafe, where Tuesday Morning operated until the company ceased operations and closed all eight of its Arkansas stores.

Pizza Hut's hours are 9:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Here's the fine print on the giveaway:

*Winners will receive (2) free specialty pizzas or large pizzas with up to three toppings per month for one year.

*Pizzas can be redeemed individually or together.

*Takeaway only.

*Applies to Hand Tossed, Thin 'N Crispy and Original Pan crusts only.

*Limited to one certificate per party.

*No purchase necessary, while supplies last.

*Void where prohibited.

*Cannot be combined with other vouchers, offers or discounts.

*Product availability and participation may vary.