Pizza Hut franchisee expects customer shift to carryout as gas prices rise

As gasoline prices continue to rise, Pizza Hut’s largest franchisee said its delivery-oriented restaurants expect to see more consumers picking up their orders.

That shift from delivery to carryout could help NPC International Inc., which operates 1,135 stores Pizza Huts, save on the reimbursements for delivery drivers, which are adjusted monthly as gas prices rise, the Overland Park, Kan.-based company said Friday.

“Our history tells us that traditionally when gas p