Papa John's

Papa John's International, Inc., commonly known as Papa John's, is a prominent American pizza restaurant chain that has been serving customers since 1984. Founded by John Schnatter, the company began with a single location in Jeffersonville, Indiana, where Schnatter converted a broom closet into a pizza kitchen. He sold his 1971 Camaro Z28 to purchase $1,600 worth of used pizza equipment, marking the humble beginnings of a global brand.

The company's philosophy centers on the slogan "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. Papa John's," emphasizing the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients to create superior pizzas. Their original dough is made from six simple ingredients and is fresh, never frozen. The pizzas are topped with real mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes processed the same day they are harvested. Additionally, Papa John's ensures that their meats are free from fillers, maintaining a commitment to quality.

Over the years, Papa John's has expanded its menu to include a variety of items such as chicken wings, breadsticks, and desserts, catering to a wide range of customer preferences. The company operates both company-owned and franchised restaurants, offering carryout and delivery services, with some locations providing dine-in options.

As of 2023, Papa John's has a global presence with over 5,500 locations across 49 countries and territories, making it the world's third-largest pizza delivery company.

In the United States, Papa John's has a significant footprint, with approximately 3,027 locations as of April 2023. The state of California hosts 182 of these locations, accounting for about 6% of the total Papa John's locations in the U.S.

Headquarters and Locations

The company's headquarters are co-located in Atlanta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky. In 2020, Papa John's announced plans to establish a new global headquarters at The Battery Atlanta, a development adjacent to Truist Park, the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves.

The existing headquarters in Louisville continues to house the IT, supply chain, and legal departments.

Papa John's has additional locations in several U.S. cities such as:

• Orlando, FL
• Chicago, IL
• San Francisco, CA
• Gresham, OR
• Norfolk, VA
• Newport News, VA

Company Challenges and Growth

Papa John's has faced challenges over the years, including controversies involving its founder, John Schnatter, which led to leadership changes and a period of restructuring. Despite this, the company has made significant strides in improving its brand image and operational performance.

In 2019, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal joined the board of directors and became a spokesman for the brand, contributing to its revitalization efforts.

Investment and Future Outlook

In June 2025, investment firms Apollo Global Management and Irth Capital Management proposed taking Papa John's private in a deal valuing the company at over $60 per share, equating to a market capitalization of approximately $1.7 billion. This reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the company's growth and performance away from public market scrutiny.

Customer Experience and Commitment

Papa John's continues to offer a user-friendly online ordering system and a mobile app, allowing for easy access to their menu and delivery services. The company remains committed to providing high-quality pizzas and customer satisfaction, upholding its reputation as a leading pizza chain in the industry.