Papa John's brings new pizza crust for the first time in 35 yrs

Aiming for a 2025 launch, Papa John's, one of the biggest pizza restaurants in the world, has refocused its approach to breaking into India's cut-throat foodservice industry.

Following a one-year postponement from the initial 2024 timeline, the move indicates a more measured strategy as the company looks to stand out in a sector dominated by well-established competitors like Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut. In an increasingly urbanized and dining-out nation, the US-based company is placing its bet on long-term growth as inflationary pressures constrain consumer budgets.

Delayed entry aims to ensure sustainable growth
International foodservice brands have a rich yet challenging opportunity in India. Papa John's, which left the nation in 2017 because to issues with operations and branding, is not taking any chances this time. In order to benefit from local knowledge in supply chain management, real estate, and technology adoption, the chain is collaborating with Indian franchisees. The objective is to guarantee that its new stores are suited to Indian preferences, something it acknowledged was absent from its prior entry into the market.

Papa John's has over 5,900 locations worldwide and India is a key component of its international growth strategy. In contrast to mature markets where competition often centers on product innovation, emerging markets like India demand a fine-tuned balance of price, localization, and operational efficiency. 

While the revised strategy calls for scaling up to 650 outlets across India over the next ten years, the expansion will begin cautiously, focusing first on metro cities before moving into smaller towns—a stark contrast to the aggressive rollouts seen by competitors.

Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Jenna Bromberg as Chief Marketing Officer, effective Nov. 14. With experience in the quick-service restaurant industry and modern retail marketing, Bromberg is expected to bring a focused approach to her new role.

Todd Penegor, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Jenna’s track record of building strong brands and driving innovative marketing campaigns makes her the ideal leader to help take the Papa Johns brand into its next chapter. Her proven ability to connect with modern consumers, combined with her deep understanding of the restaurant industry, particularly her experience in the pizza segment, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market presence.”

Bromberg joins Papa John’s from Carter’s Inc., where she held the position of Vice President of Brand Marketing and Creative. During her time there, she successfully led multiple brands through the pandemic and launched several impactful marketing campaigns. Her return to the pizza industry builds on her prior experience as Director of Core Brand Marketing at Pizza Hut.

Bromberg remarked, “I am eager to join Papa John’s at such an exciting time in the company’s journey. The pizza industry has always been close to my heart, and I'm energized by the opportunity to combine my consumer retail experience with my restaurant industry background to create compelling, innovative marketing strategies that will connect with our customers as well as bring new consumers to the brand.”

In her new position, Bromberg will oversee the company’s marketing strategy, brand development, digital customer experience, and creative efforts. Her responsibilities will include engaging current and new audiences through data-driven campaigns and managing product innovation to introduce new offerings to the menu.

Bromberg will report directly to Penegor and will be a member of the Papa John’s Executive Leadership Team.

Papa John's International, Inc. has revealed changes to its executive leadership team.

Amanda Clark, formerly Chief International and Development Officer, will now serve as Chief Operating Officer for International, with a primary focus on managing and expanding Papa John's presence in global markets.

Joe Sieve, Chief Restaurant Officer, will take on additional responsibilities for North American development while still overseeing restaurant operations for both corporate and franchise locations in North America.

Papa John's President and CEO, Rob Lynch, emphasized the significance of their global presence, spanning around 50 countries and territories. He highlighted the essential role of international expansion in Papa John's future.

The company remains committed to making strategic investments in its international operations and infrastructure. Lynch expressed confidence in Amanda's leadership, as she concentrates on executing these strategies and facilitating profitable growth for international franchisees.

The objective is to establish Papa John's as the preferred quick-service restaurant (QSR) pizza brand for international franchise partners.

Since Joe came on board at Papa John's last year, he and his team have made substantial enhancements to our restaurant operations.

These improvements have translated into noticeable increases in comparable sales and improved margins throughout our domestic network.

With over 25 years of experience in restaurant operations and development with other prominent franchise restaurant brands, Joe's expertise will be instrumental in advancing Papa John's growth objectives in North America.

Ms. Clark and Mr. Sieve will officially assume their new roles on September 18, 2023.

Papa John’s International has announced the acquisition of restaurants previously operated by the M25 division of Drake Food Service International (DFSI) in the United Kingdom.

The transition of restaurants will establish a portfolio of Company-owned restaurants in the market. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The UK is important within our international footprint with the largest number of stores outside of North America, strong brand awareness with consumers and potential for long-term growth as we still have tremendous whitespace in the market,” said Amanda Clark, Chief International and Development Officer for Papa Johns by adding that owning and operating restaurants will allow Papa Johns to follow a similar model that they’ve created in the US.

The new corporate-owned restaurant portfolio will consist of 91 locations across London and other parts of the UK.

The company sees opportunities to implement operating model enhancements including revenue management capabilities, product and technological innovation and operational efficiencies, to improve sales and restaurant-level profitability.

As part of the transition, approximately 1,000 employees working for DFSI M25 will become team members of the company.

However, DFSI will continue to hold its master franchise rights for Papa Johns in Spain, Portugal, Chile and Central America.

“By exiting our stake in the UK, we will be able to focus our efforts on our Papa Johns portfolio in Iberia and Latin America,” said Fernando Frauca, Managing Partner and CEO of DFSI.

Papa John’s International, Inc. opened its doors in 1984 and today it is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 5,700 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.

Papa Johns has announced a milestone step in the company’s journey to deliver better experiences for its customers and team members as it accelerates its record-breaking growth and momentum.

The pizza chain that began its journey in 1984 by John Schnatter who was popularly called as ‘Papa John’ is changing its name, and the founder has a problem with it as the brand is dropping apostrophe in its name.

The brand announced that customers will now have a new feel of the brand; including a new design for its restaurants, a new logo and new visual brand identity.

“The loyalty and love people have for Papa Johns has been built on our well-known promise of Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.® – and today, we are signaling to the world that Papa Johns is ‘Hungry for Better,’” said Max Wetzel, Papa Johns’ Chief Commercial Officer by adding that they are evolving how the Papa Johns experience comes to life across all touchpoints, while remaining true to what got them where they are today.

New Customer-Centric Restaurant Design

Papa Johns’ new streamlined, flexible environment will provide seamless purchasing and pick-up experiences for customers and empower Papa Johns team members to more efficiently prepare quality food. The new open-floorplan restaurant design blends modern simplicity with the warmth of the experience that invites people to enjoy pizza. Through handcrafted, personalized details, customers will be surrounded by premium ingredients and delicious food in a modern, inviting atmosphere.

Based on extensive research, Papa Johns carefully crafted the new restaurant design to provide its customers with better pick-up options – in the drive-thru, at “Drive-Up Pick Up” and inside at the pick-up counter, which now includes a self-service option that allows customers to quickly grab their order without waiting in line.

“Part of making it easier to say yes to Papa Johns development is having a smart and seamless design. We worked with customers and our operations team to understand how we can have our stores be a true reflection of our brand while delivering an efficient operational experience, and this design delivers on that,” added, “Amanda Clark, Papa Johns’ Chief Development Officer.

New Brand Visual Identity

Papa Johns new visual identity draws inspiration from the premium ingredients it is known for and is brought to life through a variety of elements, including; colour, typography, photography and illustration.

Started in 1984, it is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 5,500 restaurants in 50 countries and territories as of Sept. 26, 2021.

Papa John’s International, Inc. has announced new hiring, referral and appreciation bonuses for its approximately 14,000 front-line team members in the company’s corporate restaurants and supply chain, recognizing again their essential role in the company’s record growth and industry outperformance.

Papa John’s also plans to make additional investments in its full-time staff in its higher volume company-owned stores to support continued growth.

The company expects to invest approximately $2.5 million in these initiatives during the remainder of 2021.

“The incredible hard work and commitment of our team members, which powered Papa John’s tremendous performance and transformation over the past 18 months, is just as important to our sustained long-term growth. Similar to programs being offered by our franchisees, these new bonuses for our team members in our corporate restaurants and QCCs reflect the value we place on growing, retaining and supporting our dedicated team,” said Rob Lynch, President & CEO, Papa John’s that has also expanded health, wellness, paid time-off and college tuition benefits we rolled out during the pandemic.

Papa John’s new bonus programs offer $50 referral bonuses for corporate team members for every new hire they bring in, with an additional $50 bonus paid to the new team member.

Existing corporate team members are also eligible for up $400 in appreciation bonuses to be paid in increments throughout the remainder of the year.

American-restaurant franchisee chain Papa John's International Inc. PZZA, -2.73% shares rose 4.2% in Thursday premarket trading after the pizza delivery company reported first-quarter earnings

The pizza chain has also repeated revenue that beat expectations. Net income totaled $27.1 million, or 82 cents per share, up from $8.4 million, or 15 cents per share, last year.

Adjusted EPS of 90 cents beat the FactSet consensus for 56 cents. Revenue of $511.7 million was up from $409.9 million last year and ahead of the FactSet consensus for $470.0 million.

However, comparable sales in North America grew 26.2% and were up 23.2% on an international basis.

The pizza chain has attributed the growth to the new Epic Stuffed Crust pizza in North America and the company's expanding customer base.

The FactSet consensus was for domestic comparable sales growth of 14.9% and international growth of 17.4%. Papa John's stock has gained 10.8% for the year to date while the S&P 500 index SPX, +0.07% is up 11% for the period.

Pizza-franchise chain Papa John’s has announced the opening of its new global headquarter at Atlanta.

The pizza chain will move its corporate functions as part of broader company reorganization. Also, it is planning to look for a new location for its current headquarter in Louisville, Ky.

According to the release, the new headquarters will feature menu innovation, marketing, customer experience, human resources, diversity, equity and inclusion, communications and development.

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However, the existing headquarters will have information technology, supply chain and legal.

It also runs a headquarters outside of London for its international business.

“Shortly after setting a new strategic direction for Papa John’s late last year, we began to assess the optimal corporate organization to support our restaurants and our brand’s long-term growth,” said Rob Lynch, CEO, Papa John’s in a statement.

The Louisville headquarters is home for Papa John’s home from last 36 years, remains essential to the company’s success.

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“Metro Atlanta’s deep talent pool and its world-class airport connecting us to the domestic and international markets that are key to our brand’s future will accelerate our long-term growth,” he added.

The new headquarters makes Papa John’s the latest major restaurant chain to build a new corporate office as part of a transformation strategy.

Papa John's International has roped in Amanda Clark as its Chief Development Officer. In her new role, Clark will be leading the pizza chain’s strategy to continue expanding its restaurant footprint in North America and internationally.

Rob Lynch, President and CEO, Papa John’s, said, “Amanda is a passionate leader with a proven track record of driving growth at one of the restaurant industry’s biggest success stories over the past 10 years,”

“I had the pleasure of working with Amanda during my time at both Procter & Gamble and Taco Bell, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to Papa John’s. Her energy, ideas, and expertise will help us to achieve our goal of driving continued net unit growth through expansion in both the US and around the world,” Lynch added.

Clark will also be overseeing franchise development and sales, building design and new concepts, and the programs and personnel that provide ongoing facilities support to existing restaurants.

Clark stated, “I believe Papa John’s is on a path to be one of the great brand turnaround stories, and I’m excited to be a part of it. I’m passionate about helping companies grow. Continuing to open more units is one of the key metrics that define the health of a restaurant brand. I’m looking forward to working with Rob and the leaders of Papa John have to write the next chapter in the company’s history.”

Clark is joining Papa John’s from Taco Bell. She was Executive Vice President of Restaurant Experience at Taco Bell.

Growing Pizza Market

The Italian food format stood third in preference after Indian and Chinese five to six years ago. However, recent studies show that pizza is the biggest and the most profitable segment in the Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) format.

The Indian pizza market is dominated by Jubilant Food Works and Yum Brands, who own the widely recognisable brands Domino’s and Pizza Hut, respectively. However, other brands such as Sbarro, Papa John’s and Marco’s Pizza are also competing to spread their base in India. Thus, with the increase in the number of players, the market is ripe for investors.

Serving pizza via franchise route

Global and domestic pizza brands in India are expanding their stores through the franchise route throwing many opportunities for entrepreneurs in the country. Be it Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s,  Sbarro, Neopolitan Pizza or any other pizza brand, the majority of them are spreading their footprints via a franchise model in India. Domino’s Pizza has Jubilant FoodWorks Limited as it Master Franchisee.

Papa John's International, Inc. has forayed into Portugal by launching its first store in Lisbon's Amoreiras zone. With this, Papa John's Pizza has strengthened its global presence.

The new restaurant is being started by Drake Food Service International, who is the master franchisee in the Iberian Peninsula, Chile, Panamá, and Costa Rica.

Javier Aranguiz, CEO of Drake Food Service International, said, “We are committed to developing the Papa John’s brand in Latin America and Europe. We look forward to becoming the most beloved pizza brand, one neighborhood at the time.”

Jack Swaysland, COO, Papa John's International, stated, “The opening of this new restaurant in Portugal with Drake Food Service International shows the importance of building strong relationships with our global partners,”

“As highlighted in the past, international development is the long term growth engine for Papa John’s. Pizza is loved by consumers across the world. Friends and families gather around and have fun moments around the pizza. And at Papa John’s we are thrilled to deliver on our BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.® promise to customers in Portugal,” he added.

Currently, Papa John’s has a presence in 48 international countries and territories around the globe. The pizza franchise forayed into 12 new countries in the past three years, including France, Spain, Tunisia, Iraq, the Netherlands, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Bahamas, Pakistan and Portugal.

Papa John's will continue with its rapid global development and is seeking potential franchisees in Brazil, Australia, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

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Global bee declines main reasons are linked to industrial agriculture, parasites/pathogens and climate change. Bees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in ecosystems, and our food depends on their pollination.

Honeybees are one of the world's leading pollinators, for they are responsible for $30 billion a year in crops, and we depend on them and other pollinators for one-third of our food supply. Our produce sections in supermarkets would look bare without bees and our favorite foods, such as apples, carrots, lemons, onions, broccoli, and honey, would become a luxury of the past.

As per reports, bees die off from season to season, around 17% annually. But in recent years, losses have been more than twice as high.

After observing that bee populations are in decline and to inspire the public to help look after bees, several fast food chains are introducing innovative concepts.

Earlier, McDonald’s has opened its smallest restaurant, named McHive, in order to help protect bees. The tiny franchise is actually a fully functioning beehive, which is complete with everything the endangered insects need to thrive.

McHive’s idea has been developed in response to the already existing sustainability efforts in many Swedish McDonald’s restaurants, where individual stores have installed beehives on their rooftops.

Recently, Papa John's has created the world's first pizza for bees. Called the 'Beezza', the world's first pizza for bees is less than one inch in diameter and made with actual Papa John’s pizza dough. It has a passata base and is then topped with wild flowers. 

Thom Whitchurch from The Tiny Cookery School has developed this mini masterpiece. He hopes to inspire others to create bee-friendly areas in gardens, parks and green spaces.

Whitchurch said, “We did a lot of research into which ingredients should go on the pizza, and along with the knowledge and expertise from the team at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, we seem to have got the recipe spot on – the bees were loving it.”

Giles Codd, Marketing Director, Papa John's UK, added, “Bees are fundamental to the making of pizzas, so we wanted to give them a slice of the action and create one perfect for them, whilst raising awareness of the well-publicised issue of declining bee populations both here in the UK and across the globe.”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has launched his first Papa John’s location in Atlanta. This is one of nine locations he’s opening across the area.

O’Neal’s new Papa John’s franchise is located at 990 State St. NW on Georgia Tech University’s main campus. The restaurant features design elements chosen by the former NBA star, including his signature on the front of the building and his size 22 footprints at the front door.

O’Neal said, “I am thrilled to be taking my investment in Papa John’s to the next level. My investment shows my commitment to the company and was a natural fit. I’ve been a fan of Papa John’s pizza since my days playing basketball at LSU. I could not be prouder of what we have in store for Atlanta as we strive to deliver the city a great pizza experience.”

Steve Ritchie, CEO of Papa John’s, stated, “O’Neal’s new partnership with Papa John’s, which has more than 5,000 locations across the world,  will bring a new face to the company that represents a passion for pizza and expert business acumen.”

“Papa John’s franchisees are entrepreneurs who have a shared passion for pizza and the communities they serve. Shaquille is no exception. Shaquille’s experience in the restaurant industry and his love for our products make him a welcome addition to our team,” he added.

Papa John's International Inc has launched its 2000th restaurant outside North America, expanding its global presence. The milestone restaurant has been opened in Moscow, Russia, which is one of the company’s fastest growing markets.

Steve Ritchie, President and CEO, Papa John’s, said, “We are thrilled to reach this important milestone of 2000 international restaurants. It is an accomplishment few restaurant brands achieve. Papa John’s will continue to focus on its quality product as well as being a strong partner to our franchisees as we seek additional opportunities to build growth around the globe.”

Jack Swaysland, COO, Papa John's International, added, “Our franchisees are doing a wonderful job of bringing our pizzas to more people around the world. International development is the long term growth engine for Papa John’s. We will continue to deliver on our BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA. promise to customers everywhere.”

The 2000th international restaurant of Papa John’s has been introduced by PJ Western, the master franchisee in Russia, the Commonwealth of the Independent States and Poland.

Christopher Wynne, President and CEO of PJ Western, stated, “The opening of restaurant number 2000 outside of North America is definitely a point of pride for us. Even as we continue to grow, our priority remains quality in every single restaurant. Guests can count on hot, delicious pizza that follows the original Papa John’s recipe as well as excellent service.”