By MATT LINDSEY

CANTON — A new Pizza Hut with a carryout window, updated decor and menu options has opened just a couple hundred yards from its previous location.

The new restaurant, which opened Sept. 6 in University Shopping Center on U.S. Highway 11, now sports several televisions, draft beer and sangria, a $5 express lunch and carryout window.

The new eatery features the latest design for new Pizza Hut locations and is one of six of its kind in the United States, Senior Director of Marketing Ami Wilson said.

The business hired more employees following the move and has plans to add several more in the coming months, she said.

The status of the old building has still not been decided, according to Leigh Rodriguez of the Village Office of Economic Development.

“The new building is a great addition to Canton,” Rodriquez said. “We are seeing most of the new development happening on that eastern end of the village with at least one more project in the works that has been approved for that general area.”

Rowlee Construction of Fulton completed the work.

“We appreciate the support we’ve received from the community since we first opened here 38 years ago,” said Bill Walsh, president of Daland Corporation, which owns Pizza Hut.

“Our investment in a new facility is a sign of our appreciation for the acceptance we’ve received, and our faith in the future of business in Canton and across the State of New York. There may be a national brand on our roof, but we’re committed to being a hometown restaurant. The strength of a community derives from the character of the people and businesses in that community. We are committed to being a good corporate citizen and employer in the Canton area.”

Pizza Hut originally opened in Canton on Oct. 11, 1978.