Pizza Hut is on the move in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions of New South Wales. The global pizza business opened a store in Belmont, hiring 10 local residents to join its new local team.

Andy Masood, head of development at Pizza Hut said the new store is the franchisee’s second outlet in New South Wales.

“Our Belmont franchisee, Jack Sidhu, started at Pizza Hut washing dishes more than seven years ago and today owns and operates two Pizza Hut outlets of his own.

“Jack is quite possibly one of our most passionate young franchisees who is already working towards further expansion across the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions.

“The Pizza Hut franchise model supports new and existing franchisees helping them to grow when the timing is right.”

Masood said the support is one of the many benefits of the franchising industry.

“Not only do franchisors, such as Pizza Hut, offer the power of a global brand and network, our franchise managers provide constant support throughout the start-up, ongoing management of, and when the time is right, growth of the franchisee’s personal franchise network,” he said.

Franchisee Jack Sidhu said he was looking forward to becoming involved in the local community through his latest store.

“We’re really looking forward to making a solid contribution to the economy and employment in the region,” he said.