View source for Papa John's

{{Short description|American restaurant business}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Papa John's International, Inc.
| trading_name = Papa Johns
| logo = Papa Johns logo.svg
| image = Papa Johns New HQ in Atlanta, Georgia.jpg
| image_caption = Headquarters in [[Cumberland, Georgia]]
| type = [[Public Company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|PZZA}}<br />[[S&P 600]] component
| foundation = {{start date and age|1984|10|02}}
| hq_location = [[Jeffersontown, Kentucky]], U.S.<br />[[Cumberland, Georgia]], U.S.
| num_locations = 5,400 (December 2020)<ref name=10K/>
| founder = [[John Schnatter]]
| key_people = {{indented plainlist|
* Todd Penegor ([[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
* Max Wetzel<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ir.papajohns.com/corporate-governance/management |date=November 2019 |title=Former Heinz executive joins Papa John's in management changes |work=Food Business News |access-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916224919/https://ir.papajohns.com/corporate-governance/management |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Chief marketing officer|CMO]])
* Jim Norberg<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190708005161/en/Papa-John%E2%80%99s-Appoints-Industry-Veteran-Jim-Norberg-as-SVP-and-Chief-of-Restaurant-Operations |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Papa John's Appoints Industry Veteran Jim Norberg as SVP and Chief of Restaurant Operations |work=[[Business Wire]] |access-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425010132/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190708005161/en/Papa-John%E2%80%99s-Appoints-Industry-Veteran-Jim-Norberg-as-SVP-and-Chief-of-Restaurant-Operations |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])
}}
| industry = [[Restaurant]]
| genre = [[Pizzeria]]<br />[[Fast food]]
| revenue = {{Increase}} US$1.81 billion (FY December 29, 2020)<ref name=10K>{{cite report |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/901491/000155837020001393/pzza-20191229x10kcbc0c2.htm |title=Papa John's International, Inc. Form 10-K for 2019 |website=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416190842/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/901491/000155837020001393/pzza-20191229x10kcbc0c2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| products = {{cslist|[[Pizza]]|[[Buffalo wing|chicken wings]]|[[dessert]]}}
| operating_income = {{Increase}} US$90.253 million (FY December 29, 2020)<ref name=10K/>
| net_income = {{Increase}} US$57.932 million (FY December 29, 2020)<ref name=10K/>
| assets = {{Increase}} US$872.770 million (FY December 29, 2020)<ref name=10K/>
| equity = {{decrease}} −US$266.939 million (FY December 29, 2020)<ref name=10K/>
| num_employees = ~16,700 (FY December 29, 2020)<ref name=10K/>
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.papajohns.com/|papajohns.com}}
}}

'''Papa John's International, Inc.''', [[trade name|trading as]] '''Papa Johns''',<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://fox2now.com/news/national/papa-johns-is-changing-its-name-sort-of/|title = Papa John's is changing its name – sort of|date = November 17, 2021|access-date = November 23, 2021|archive-date = November 23, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211123191826/https://fox2now.com/news/national/papa-johns-is-changing-its-name-sort-of/|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ir.papajohns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/papa-johnsr-delivers-new-brand-experience-match-its-premium|title=Papa Johns Delivers New Brand Experience to Match its Premium Products (press release)|website=Papa John's|date=November 16, 2021|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123193325/https://ir.papajohns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/papa-johnsr-delivers-new-brand-experience-match-its-premium|url-status=live}}</ref> is an American [[pizza]] restaurant chain. {{as of|2023}}, it is the fourth largest [[pizza delivery]] [[restaurant chain]] in the United States,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/10-largest-pizza-chains-us#page=0 |title= The 10 largest pizza chains in the U.S. |last= Maze |first= Jonathan |date= June 13, 2024 |website= Restaurant Business Online |access-date= August 22, 2024 |archive-date= June 13, 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240613222526/https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/10-largest-pizza-chains-us#page=0 |url-status= live }}</ref> with headquarters in the [[Louisville, Kentucky]] and [[Atlanta, Georgia]] metropolitan areas.

Papa John's [[Globalization|global presence]] has reached over 5,500 locations in 49 countries and territories, and it is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pizza giant Papa John's set to expand across the UAE in ENOC deal |newspaper=Arabian Business |date=March 27, 2022 |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/retail/pizza-giant-papa-johns-set-to-expand-across-the-uae-in-enoc-deal |access-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406141712/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/retail/pizza-giant-papa-johns-set-to-expand-across-the-uae-in-enoc-deal |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:A_Papa_John's_pizza_restaurant_in_Asheville,_North_Carolina_03.jpg|thumb|A Papa John's restaurant in [[Asheville, North Carolina]]]]

==History==
===1984–2009===
[[File:Papa John's Pizza 1994 logo.svg|thumb|Logo used from 1994 to 2018]]
[[File:Papa John's Logo 2019.svg|thumb|Logo used from 2019 to 2021]]
The Papa John's restaurant was founded in 1984 when "Papa" [[John Schnatter]] installed an oven inside a [[broom closet]] in the back of his father's tavern, Mick's Lounge, in [[Jeffersonville, Indiana]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wolfson|first1=Andrew|title=The real Papa John: Pizza entrepreneur John Schnatter makes no apologies for wealth, success, Obamacare remarks {{!}} Math whiz mixed pizza passion, finance|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2013/01/13/the-real-papa-john-pizza-entrepreneur-john-schnatter-m/28936389/|access-date=March 22, 2017|work=The Courier-Journal|date=January 13, 2013|archive-date=January 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128020849/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2013/01/13/the-real-papa-john-pizza-entrepreneur-john-schnatter-m/28936389/|url-status=live}}</ref> He sold his [[Chevrolet Camaro (second generation)|1971 Camaro Z28]] to purchase US$1,600 worth of used pizza equipment and began selling pizzas to the tavern's customers out of the converted closet.<ref name="PJStory2">{{cite web|title=The Papa John's Story|url=http://www.papajohns.co.uk/our-story/history.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710004930/http://www.papajohns.co.uk/our-story/history.aspx|archive-date=July 10, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2013|publisher=Papa John's (GB) Ltd}}</ref> His pizzas proved sufficiently popular that a year later he moved into an adjoining space. Dipping sauce specifically for pizza was invented by Papa John's Pizza that same year, and has since become popular when eating pizza, especially the crust.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shrikant|first1=Adit|title=How Dipping Sauce for Pizza Became Oddly Necessary|url=https://www.eater.com/2017/7/27/16021832/pizza-dipping-sauce-papa-johns-garlic-dominos-sauce|date=July 27, 2017|website=Eater|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=July 28, 2017|archive-date=July 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727210553/https://www.eater.com/2017/7/27/16021832/pizza-dipping-sauce-papa-johns-garlic-dominos-sauce|url-status=live}}</ref>

The company went public in 1993 following an [[initial public offering]], becoming listed on the [[NASDAQ]] under the symbol {{code|PZZA}}. A year later it had 500 stores, and by 1997 it had opened 1,500 stores.<ref>{{cite web|title=This Marketing Insight Made Papa John's A Household Name|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/papa-johns-marketing-insight-2014-5?IR=T/|website=Business Insider|date=May 21, 2014|access-date=July 15, 2018|archive-date=July 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715151935/http://www.businessinsider.com/papa-johns-marketing-insight-2014-5?IR=T/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, Schnatter bought the Camaro back after offering a reward of $250,000 for the car.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Found: Papa John's Long-Lost Camaro! Kentucky Man Receives $250,000 Finder's Fee |date=August 25, 2009 |publisher=Papa John's |url=http://ir.papajohns.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=404954 |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140112012311/http://ir.papajohns.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=404954 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2010s ===

[[File:Bitcoin Pizza Day Papa John’s Atlantic Ave Jacksonville FL.jpg|thumb|The plaque at the Papa John's franchise on Atlantic Blvd in Jacksonville, Florida, from where two pizzas were made and delivered for the first notable retail bitcoin transaction]]

The first notable [[Bitcoin]] retail transaction involving physical goods was paid on May 22, 2010, by exchanging 10,000 mined BTC for two pizzas delivered from a Papa John's on Atlantic Boulevard in [[Jacksonville, Florida]]. Some cryptocurrency users have celebrated May 22 as "Bitcoin Pizza Day".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Becker |first1=Ben |title=Bitcoin history tied to Jacksonville; why the government may fear cryptocurrencies' potential |url=https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/bitcoin-history-tied-to-jacksonville-why-the-government-may-fear-cryptocurrencies-potential/1004080886/ |access-date=April 23, 2024 |agency=Action News JAX |date=November 1, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423213827/https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/bitcoin-history-tied-to-jacksonville-why-the-government-may-fear-cryptocurrencies-potential/1004080886/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 1, 2018, Schnatter stepped down as CEO of Papa John's Pizza in favor of company President [[Steve Ritchie (businessman)|Steve Ritchie]]; Schnatter remained chairman.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/12/21/papa-johns-ceo-john-schnatter-steps-down/974917001/ |title=Papa John's CEO, pizza titan John Schnatter, steps down |access-date=December 21, 2017 |date=December 21, 2017 |first=Zlati |last=Meyer |newspaper=USA Today |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222000205/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/12/21/papa-johns-ceo-john-schnatter-steps-down/974917001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2018, Papa John's and the [[NFL]]  ended their sponsorship agreement after Schnatter's criticism of the NFL made headlines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/27/papa-johns-nfl-end-sponsorship-agreement-after-anthem-protest-controversy/|title=Pizza Hut scores NFL pizza sponsorship deal after Papa John's bows out|last1=Boren|first1=Cindy|date=February 28, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 1, 2018|last2=Flaherty|first2=Bryan|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=March 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301020945/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/27/papa-johns-nfl-end-sponsorship-agreement-after-anthem-protest-controversy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 11, 2018, news outlets reported that during a conference call with the marketing agency Laundry Service that was working under contract for Papa John's, Schnatter had used the word "[[nigger]]" by saying "[[Colonel Sanders]] called blacks niggers and Sanders never faced public backlash." Schnatter said that referencing the quote by the [[KFC]] founder was meant to convey his dislike for racism.<ref>{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Kirsch|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2018/07/11/papa-johns-founder-john-schnatter-allegedly-used-n-word-on-conference-call/|title=Papa John's Founder Used N-Word On Conference Call|work=forbes.com|date=July 11, 2018|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711192033/https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2018/07/11/papa-johns-founder-john-schnatter-allegedly-used-n-word-on-conference-call/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the call, the owner of the marketing agency moved to end their contract with Papa John's. Schnatter resigned as chairman of the board on the day the incident was reported.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/07/11/news/companies/papa-johns-pizza-john-schnatter/index.html|title=Papa John's founder resigns as chairman after using N-word on conference call|first=Nathaniel|last=Meyersohn|date=July 11, 2018|access-date=July 15, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713011612/https://money.cnn.com/2018/07/11/news/companies/papa-johns-pizza-john-schnatter/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the incident, Ritchie apologized in an open letter, and ordered the company's workforce to undergo bias and diversity training.<ref>{{cite news |title=Papa John's orders workers to undergo bias and diversity training |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/08/24/papa-johns-bias-diversity-training/1085908002/ |first=Grace |last=Schneider |date=August 24, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |newspaper=USA Today |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224130320/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/08/24/papa-johns-bias-diversity-training/1085908002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Papa John's CEO Attempts Damage Control But Not An Apology |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/papa-johns-damage-control_n_5b49237de4b0bc69a78749ea |first=David |last=Moye |access-date=July 15, 2018 |work=[[Huffington Post]] |date=July 13, 2018 |archive-date=January 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121441/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/papa-johns-damage-control_n_5b49237de4b0bc69a78749ea |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 26, 2018, Schnatter filed a lawsuit against Papa John's Pizza to give him access to the company's internal books and records after they fired him from the company following the teleconference call scandal. He describes the company's procedures as an "unexplained and heavy-handed way" to cut ties between him and the company that he founded. In addition to preventing him from accessing information, the corporation also implemented a [[Shareholder rights plan|poison pill strategy]] in order to limit Schnatter's chances of buying back a [[majority stake]] in the company.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jul/26/papa-john-schnatter-lawsuit-racial-slur |title='Papa John' files lawsuit against Papa John's pizza chain |date=July 26, 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528024530/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jul/26/papa-john-schnatter-lawsuit-racial-slur |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 4, 2019, it was announced that the activist hedge fund [[Starboard Value]], which had played a large role in turning around the troubled [[Olive Garden]] restaurant chain, would be investing $200&nbsp;million into Papa John's Pizza and that Starboard could possibly invest an additional $50&nbsp;million by March 29, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/investing/papa-johns-starboard-investment/index.html |title=Papa John's gets a $200 million investment and new chairman |last=Wiener-Bronner |first=Danielle |website=CNN |date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020415/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/investing/papa-johns-starboard-investment/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was simultaneously announced that Starboard Value CEO [[Jeff Smith (hedge fund manager)|Jeff Smith]] would become the new Papa John's chairman and that Anthony Sanfilippo, former CEO of the gaming company [[Pinnacle Entertainment]], would be another addition to the company's board.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2019/02/04/after-failing-to-secure-buyout-papa-johns-announces-200-million-investment-from-hedge-fund-starboard-value/|title=After Failing To Secure Buyout, Papa John's Announces $200 Million Deal With Former Olive Garden Investor|last=Kirsch|first=Noah|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206162841/https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2019/02/04/after-failing-to-secure-buyout-papa-johns-announces-200-million-investment-from-hedge-fund-starboard-value/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following that announcement, Ritchie said that he hoped the deal would put an end to the ongoing feud with Schnatter, telling CNBC's David Faber, "Obviously, we're very hopeful that we can bring John along."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/05/papa-johns-ceo-is-hopeful-schnatter-will-come-along-post-starboard.html|title=Papa John's CEO is 'hopeful' Schnatter will come along post-Starboard|last=Lucas|first=Amelia|date=February 5, 2019|website=CNBC.com|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020242/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/05/papa-johns-ceo-is-hopeful-schnatter-will-come-along-post-starboard.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Schnatter has expressed concerns that Ritchie is not the right executive for Papa John's.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-papa-john-s-lawsuit/papa-johns-founder-says-successor-not-right-fit-for-ceo-idUSKBN1KG2ST|title=Papa John's founder says successor not right fit for CEO|work=Reuters|access-date=April 16, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418154125/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-papa-john-s-lawsuit/papa-johns-founder-says-successor-not-right-fit-for-ceo-idUSKBN1KG2ST|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 5, 2019, Papa John's announced a settlement with Schnatter under which he would resign from the company's board of directors at the company's annual meeting on April 30 or when a mutually acceptable independent director was appointed to replace him, whichever came first.<ref>{{cite web |title=Papa John's, Schnatter reach settlement agreement |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/papa-johns-schnatter-reach-settlement-agreement/ |website=CTV News |date=March 5, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305224928/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/papa-john-s-schnatter-reach-settlement-agreement-1.4322747 |url-status=live }}</ref> Schnatter agreed to dismiss two lawsuits filed against the company and to withdraw his plan to run for a seat on the board at the annual meeting. Papa John's agreed to remove the "acting in concert" provisions from its "poison pill" plan that prevented Schnatter from communicating with other company shareholders.  Schnatter, who then still controlled 31% of Papa John's shares, issued a statement saying he was "thankful that I've been able to resolve these important issues" and hoped everyone could now "focus on the company's business without the need for additional litigation".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mulier |first1=Thomas |last2=Moffat |first2=Anne Riley |title=Papa John's Founder John Schnatter to Quit Board |url=http://fortune.com/2019/03/05/papa-john-schnatter-resigns-board/ |website=Fortune |access-date=March 6, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305210648/http://fortune.com/2019/03/05/papa-john-schnatter-resigns-board/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The company also agreed to remove a requirement that [[Starboard Value]], which owns about 10% of the company, must vote in favor of the incumbent board.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/papa-johns-reaches-settlement-agreement-112632337.html |title=Papa John's founder Schnatter to exit board in settlement |first1=Soundarya |last1=J. |first2=Jessica |last2=DiNapoli |agency=Reuters |website=Yahoo Finance |date=March 5, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305213527/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/papa-johns-reaches-settlement-agreement-112632337.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2019, NBA Hall of Famer [[Shaquille O'Neal]] joined Papa John's board of directors and became a spokesman for the brand.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/22/business/shaq-papa-johns-trnd/index.html |title=Shaq is joining Papa John's board of directors |last=Meyersohn |first=Nathaniel |website=CNN |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322140325/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/22/business/shaq-papa-johns-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/papa-john-s-has-new-spokesperson-shaquille-o-neal-n986396 |title=Shaq joins Papa John's board: "Everyone loves pizza, and pizza loves everyone." |date=March 22, 2019 |first=Michael |last=Cappetta |publisher=[[NBC News]] |access-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128053102/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/papa-john-s-has-new-spokesperson-shaquille-o-neal-n986396 |url-status=live }}</ref> The next year, Papa John's introduced the Shaq-a-Roni, a pizza dedicated to O'Neal.

Amidst these changes, in May 2019, Schnatter began selling off his shares in the company, initially starting with 9.8 million shares.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2019/05/23/papa-john-schnatter-sells-portion-shares-series-block-sales/1211078001/|title=John Schnatter has begun selling slices of his Papa John's pizza fortune|first=Grace|last=Schneider|work=[[The Courier-Journal]]|date=May 23, 2019|access-date=May 27, 2024|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528024529/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2019/05/23/papa-john-schnatter-sells-portion-shares-series-block-sales/1211078001/|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the next year, he had reduced his stock ownership to just 4%.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cawthon |first=Haley |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2020/03/30/john-schnatter-now-owns-just-a-slice-of-papa-johns.html |title=John Schnatter now owns just a slice of Papa John's after another big sale |work=[[Louisville Business First]] |date=March 30, 2020 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325213148/https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2020/03/30/john-schnatter-now-owns-just-a-slice-of-papa-johns.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 27, 2019, Papa John's announced that [[Arby's]] President [[Robert M. Lynch]] would be the new CEO replacing Steve Ritchie, who was handpicked by founder Schnatter to succeed him in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lucas |first1=Amelia |title=Papa John's names Arby's President Rob Lynch as CEO, shares jump 7% |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/27/papa-johns-names-arbys-president-as-ceo.html |publisher=[[CNBC]] |language=en |date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904193957/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/27/papa-johns-names-arbys-president-as-ceo.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2020s ===

[[File:Papa Johns corporate HQ in Cumberland, Cobb County, GA.jpg|thumb|upright|Papa John's corporate HQ at Three Ballpark Center]]

In September 2020, Papa John's announced plans to establish a new headquarters in the [[Atlanta metropolitan area]]. In November, the company announced its new global headquarters would be located in Three Ballpark Center at [[The Battery Atlanta]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Fuhrmeister|first=Chris|title=Papa John's picks the Battery Atlanta for new HQ|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2020/11/17/papa-johns-atlanta-hq-battery.html|website=The Business Journals|language=en|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 28, 2020|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208235302/https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2020/11/17/papa-johns-atlanta-hq-battery.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fantozzi|first=Joanna|title=Papa John's new headquarters will open in The Battery Atlanta in summer 2021|url=https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/papa-john-s-new-headquarters-will-open-battery-atlanta-summer-2021|website=Nation's Restaurant News|language=en|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 28, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112061015/https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/papa-john-s-new-headquarters-will-open-battery-atlanta-summer-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The existing headquarters in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, a community within the [[Louisville Metro Council|merged government of Louisville]], was retained, and houses the IT, supply chain, and legal departments.<ref>{{cite news|last=Otts|first=Chris|date=November 7, 2007|title=Jeffersontown to dedicate new bike and walking path Saturday|page=C7|newspaper=The Courier-Journal|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/241428416|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326131049/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courier_journal/doc/241428416.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov%2007,%202007&author=&pub=Courier%20-%20Journal&edition=&startpage=&desc=Jeffersontown%20to%20dedicate%20new%20bike%20and%20walking%20path%20Saturday|archive-date=March 26, 2014|id={{ProQuest|241428416}} |quote=Papa John's office is in Jeffersontown}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=<!--not specified-->|title=Papa's Specialty Pizza Challenge|url=https://www.papajohns.com/pizzachallenge/index.shtm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801210325/http://www.papajohns.com/pizzachallenge/index.shtm|archive-date=August 1, 2010|access-date=December 6, 2012|website=Papa John's Pizza|quote=Papa John's International Inc., 2002 Papa John's Blvd, Louisville, KY 40299}}</ref><ref>{{cite map|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/GUBlock/st21_ky/place/p2140222_jeffersontown/DC10BLK_P2140222_001.pdf|title=2010 Census – Census Block Map (Index): Jeffersontown city, KY|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|date=2010|access-date=December 7, 2012|archive-date=March 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326093739/http://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/GUBlock/st21_ky/place/p2140222_jeffersontown/DC10BLK_P2140222_001.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sandler |first=Rachel |title=Papa John's To Add Headquarters In Atlanta, Shift Some Operations From Louisville |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelsandler/2020/09/17/papa-johns-to-move-global-headquarters-from-louisville-to-atlanta/#46fbb532122e |website=forbes.com |language=en |date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006010642/https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelsandler/2020/09/17/papa-johns-to-move-global-headquarters-from-louisville-to-atlanta/#46fbb532122e |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Geske |first=Dawn |title=What Papa John's Atlanta Move Means For Former Louisville HQ |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/what-papa-johns-atlanta-move-means-former-louisville-hq-3048166 |website=International Business Times |language=en |date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020212819/https://www.ibtimes.com/what-papa-johns-atlanta-move-means-former-louisville-hq-3048166 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2021, Papa John's announced it was rebranding its logo (by removing the apostrophe and simplifying the design) and store locations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wiener-Bronner|first=Danielle|title=Papa John's redesigns its logo and stores|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/16/business/papa-johns-new-logo/index.html|access-date=January 3, 2022|work=[[CNN Business]]|date=November 16, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103212632/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/16/business/papa-johns-new-logo/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2022, Papa John's suspended its business operations in Russia in response to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], but independent franchisee-owned locations remained open.<ref name="RU">{{cite news |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Papa John's Suspends Operations in Russia |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-03-09/card/papa-john-s-suspends-operations-in-russia-poMvWwKMJV8xFTUepK2T |access-date=March 9, 2022 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |language=en |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311082641/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-03-09/card/papa-john-s-suspends-operations-in-russia-poMvWwKMJV8xFTUepK2T |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2024, Todd Penegor was named President and CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Management Team |url=https://ir.papajohns.com/governance/management-team |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Papa John's International, Inc. |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116105324/https://ir.papajohns.com/governance/management-team |url-status=live }}</ref>

=={{anchor|Business ventures}}Operations==
Papa John's primarily takes carryout and delivery orders, although some restaurants have tables and chairs for dining in.

[[File:Papa Johns Springboro OH USA.JPG|thumb|Papa John's in [[Springboro, Ohio]], built specifically for home delivery]] [[Franchising|Franchise]] owners pay a one-off franchise fee of [[US$]]25,000 per restaurant, then a royalty fee of 5% of net sales, plus a charge for advertising of 8% of net sales. The company requires franchisees to have net worth of at least $250,000, the approximate amount of investment needed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-it-costs-to-open-a-papa-johns-2015-5 |title=How much it costs to open a Papa John's |website=Business Insider UK |date=May 22, 2015 |first=Hayley |last=Peterson |access-date=July 24, 2017 |archive-date=January 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114091150/http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-much-it-costs-to-open-a-papa-johns-2015-5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://company.papajohns.com/franchise_opps/us_requirements.shtm |title=U.S. Franchising Opportunities – Requirements & Fees – Papa John's Pizza |publisher=Papa John's International, Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502155324/http://company.papajohns.com/franchise_opps/us_requirements.shtm |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Corporate operations look over franchisees to ensure brand consistency.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} Papa John's International is a publicly traded company.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

Based on 2019 sales information provided by Technomic, ''PMQ Pizza Magazine'' reported that the company was the fourth-largest take-out and pizza delivery restaurant chain in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 2020|title=The 2021 Pizza Power Report|url=https://www.pmq.com/pizza-power-report-2021/|access-date=October 9, 2021|website=PMQ Pizza Magazine|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008064105/https://www.pmq.com/pizza-power-report-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> (According to ''PMQ'', [[Little Caesars]] is the third-largest [[pizzeria|pizza chain]].) The company's net profitability though, is far behind its main competitors. In 2014, its net margin was 4.6% of total sales, whereas [[Domino's Pizza]]'s net margin was 8.2% and [[Yum! Brands]], which owns [[Pizza Hut]], was 7.9%.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nathan|first=Ralph|date=December 10, 2015|title=Papa John's Marketing and Promotional Strategies: What's in the Oven?|url=https://marketrealist.com/2015/12/comparing-papa-johns-net-margins-quick-service-big-guns|access-date=July 15, 2018|newspaper=Market Realist|archive-date=July 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715152030/https://marketrealist.com/2015/12/comparing-papa-johns-net-margins-quick-service-big-guns|url-status=live}}</ref> Its slogan is "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. Papa John's."{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

Papa John's has over 5,199 establishments—4,456 franchised restaurants operating domestically in all 50 states, and in 44 countries and territories, Papa John's operates 246 "company owned stores" under joint ventures and 35 units in Beijing and North China. In September 2012 the 4,000th Papa John's Pizza restaurant opened, in [[New Hyde Park, New York]]. The company celebrated the event by giving away 4,000 free pizzas to customers throughout New York City.<ref name="PJStory2"/><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ir.papajohns.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=706740|title=Papa John's Celebrates Opening of 4,000th Restaurant Worldwide|access-date=September 16, 2012|date=September 13, 2012|publisher=Papa John's International, Inc.|archive-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131032128/http://ir.papajohns.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=706740|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Papa John's Int'l. Inc. Franchise Information|url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/papajohnsintlinc/282662|access-date=September 16, 2012|magazine=Entrepreneur|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110161535/http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/papajohnsintlinc/282662|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2002, Papa John's became the first national pizza chain to make online ordering available to all of its U.S. customers.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.just-food.com/news/papa-johns-first-pizza-chain-to-offer-nationwide-online-ordering_id74126.aspx |access-date=February 18, 2007 |title=USA: Papa John's first pizza chain to offer nationwide online ordering |date=January 10, 2002 |website=Just Food |archive-date=April 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404115845/http://www.just-food.com/news/papa-johns-first-pizza-chain-to-offer-nationwide-online-ordering_id74126.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Most other national chains later added online ordering to their services. On July 10, 2004, Papa John's controlled an estimated 6.6% of the market, according to Technomic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-189205.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061518/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-189205.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |title=Domino's Prepares to Go Public as Pizza Chains Are Challenged |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 10, 2004 |first=Michael |last=Barbaro |via=[[HighBeam Research]] }}</ref>

===Franchises outside the U.S.===
[[File:Papa John's Locations.svg|thumb|Papa John's locations in the world as of May 2025]]

====South Korea====
In 2003, Papa John's opened its first branch in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea and the second branch in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} Compared to Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut, which started business in Korea in the 1980s, Papa John's started business late in Korea.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} In 2006, they opened the 50th restaurant in Seoul.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Sternberg |date=June 21, 2006 |url=https://ir.papajohns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/papa-johns-opens-50th-restaurant-south-korea |title=Papa John's Opens 50th Restaurant in South Korea |work=Papa John's |access-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822222506/https://ir.papajohns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/papa-johns-opens-50th-restaurant-south-korea |url-status=live }}</ref> As of the end of 2022, Papa John's has a total of 239 stores in Korea.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} In other countries, Papa John's has menus which are localized to each country.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} However, in Korea, Papa John's is selling the original American pizzas with special Korean localized pizzas together.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} Papa John's also has various side menus such as spaghetti in Korea.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

====Europe====
Papa John's has operated in the United Kingdom since 1999.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} In July 2015, the company had 300 shops in the UK,<ref>{{cite news |first=Rachel |last=Swatman |date=June 29, 2015 |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/brand-or-agency/2015/6/papa-john-launches-300th-uk-store-by-leading-army-of-staff-to-world-record-title-386608 |title=Papa John launches 300th UK store by leading army of staff to pizza making world record |work=[[Guinness World Records]] |access-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-date=February 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221000957/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/brand-or-agency/2015/6/papa-john-launches-300th-uk-store-by-leading-army-of-staff-to-world-record-title-386608 |url-status=live }}</ref> although in 2010 it had plans for the number rising to between 400 and 500 within the next five years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7970736/Papa-Johns-after-slice-of-Dominos-pizza-action.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7970736/Papa-Johns-after-slice-of-Dominos-pizza-action.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Papa John's after slice of Domino's pizza action. |last=Wilson |first=Amy |date=August 29, 2010 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=April 5, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2023, Papa Johns had plans to open a new takeaway store in [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] turned down by the [[Planning Inspectorate]], making it the first organisation in the United Kingdom to have a [[Planning permission in the United Kingdom|planning]] appeal rejected by the [[Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities]] on the grounds that to grant permission to open a new takeaway store in the area would "undermine [[North Tyneside Council|local authority]] plans to tackle high local levels of [[Obesity in the United Kingdom|obesity]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.localgov.co.uk/Planning-Inspectorate-rejects-pizza-shop-appeal/56330|title=Planning Inspectorate rejects pizza shop appeal|last=Whitehead|first=Mark|date=June 12, 2023|work=LocalGov.co.uk|accessdate=August 24, 2023|archive-date=August 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824163139/https://www.localgov.co.uk/Planning-Inspectorate-rejects-pizza-shop-appeal/56330|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/for-the-children-the-war-against-pizza/|title='For the Children': The War against Pizza|last=Stuttaford|first=Andrew|authorlink=Andrew Stuttaford|date=June 11, 2023|work=[[National Review]]|accessdate=August 24, 2023|archive-date=August 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824163139/https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/for-the-children-the-war-against-pizza/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foodserviceequipmentjournal.com/michael-goves-inspectors-reportedly-block-papa-johns-opening-over-obesity-fears/|title=Michael Gove's planning officials reportedly block Papa Johns opening over obesity fears|last=Walton|first=Josh|date=June 12, 2023|work=Food Service Equipment Journal|accessdate=August 24, 2023|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528024529/https://www.foodserviceequipmentjournal.com/michael-goves-inspectors-reportedly-block-papa-johns-opening-over-obesity-fears/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/06/11/michael-gove-stops-papa-johns-store-opening-obesity-fears/|title=Michael Gove stops Papa John's store opening over obesity fears for local children|last=Gill|first=Oliver|date=June 11, 2023|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=August 24, 2023|archive-date=August 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824163138/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/06/11/michael-gove-stops-papa-johns-store-opening-obesity-fears/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2024, Papa John's announced it would close 43 "underperforming" stores – almost a tenth of its 450 units in the UK.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Papa Johns pizza to shut nearly a tenth of UK sites |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68663844 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514154030/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68663844 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Papa John's operates throughout Ireland, with its head office at Ballybrit, [[County Galway]]. The company has over 50 locations and operates mobile units around the country. The franchises are often located adjacent to [[Supermac's]] fast food outlets,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://supermacs.ie |title=Supermac's |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202065841/http://supermacs.ie/ |archive-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref> whose parent company owns the exclusive franchise rights for the chain in Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McCaffrey|first=Una|title=Goodbye to education and hello to Mr Chips|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/goodbye-to-education-and-hello-to-mr-chips-1.584189|access-date=November 26, 2021|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404010925/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/goodbye-to-education-and-hello-to-mr-chips-1.584189|url-status=live}}</ref>

Spain is the second most important European market for Papa John's.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} The chain has been operating in Spain since 2016, and  had 42 restaurants by late 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.papajohns.es/Locales|title=Pizza cerca de mi – Papa John's España|website=papajohns.es|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134941/https://www.papajohns.es/Locales|url-status=live}}</ref> In particular, the restaurants achieved a significant presence in the [[Community of Madrid|Madrid]] province with more than half of the Spanish restaurants being located there. Papa John's expects to open at least 100 restaurants just in the province of Madrid, as well as expanding to other regions across Spain.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eleconomista.es/empresas-finanzas/noticias/7599060/05/16/Papa-Johns-International-celebra-la-inauguracion-de-su-primer-restaurante-en-Madrid-Espana.html |title=Papa John's International celebra la inauguración de su primer restaurante en Madrid (España) |newspaper=[[El Economista (Spain)|El Economista]] |language=es |access-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528024534/https://www.eleconomista.es/empresas-finanzas/noticias/7599060/05/16/Papa-Johns-International-celebra-la-inauguracion-de-su-primer-restaurante-en-Madrid-Espana.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Papa John's also operated in Russia and Belarus with plans to expand to several other European and Central Asian countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-papa-john-s-expansion/papa-johns-russian-franchisee-to-expand-in-central-asia-poland-idUSKCN1B41PL |title=Papa John's Russian franchisee to expand in Central Asia, Poland |date=August 24, 2017 |work=Reuters |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013110/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-papa-john-s-expansion/papa-johns-russian-franchisee-to-expand-in-central-asia-poland-idUSKCN1B41PL |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Papa John's cars 1.jpg|thumb|Papa John's delivery cars in [[Novosibirsk]], Russia in 2016]]

Papa John's restaurants in Portugal began operating in 2005 but closed some time later.<ref>{{cite journal |page=4440 |title=Processo: 1028/09.0TYLSB Insolvência pessoa colectiva (Apresentação) Data: 11-01-2010 |language=pt-pt |journal=Diário da República |volume=2 |issue=20 |date=January 29, 2010 |url=http://dre.pt/pdf2sdip/2010/01/020000000/0444004440.pdf |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109053627/http://dre.pt/pdf2sdip/2010/01/020000000/0444004440.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Poland, Papa John's opened their first location in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://businessinsider.com.pl/lifestyle/jedzenie/pizzerie-papa-johns-wchodza-na-polski-rynek/5lnz5mr |title=Legendarne pizzerie Papa John's wkraczają do Polski |date=October 20, 2017 |website=Business Insider Polska |language=pl |access-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922171505/https://businessinsider.com.pl/lifestyle/jedzenie/pizzerie-papa-johns-wchodza-na-polski-rynek/5lnz5mr |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018, Papa John's opened their first restaurant in [[Kazakhstan]], which became the 46th country in the world where the chain is represented.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vlast.kz/novosti/29146-set-piccerij-papa-johns-otkryvaet-pervyj-restoran-v-kazahstane.html|title=Сеть пиццерий Papa John's открывает первый ресторан в Казахстане|website=vlast.kz|date=August 25, 2018|language=ru|access-date=December 14, 2019|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826214606/https://vlast.kz/novosti/29146-set-piccerij-papa-johns-otkryvaet-pervyj-restoran-v-kazahstane.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2019, it was announced that Papa John's would enter the German market by taking over [[Halle (Saale)|Halle/Salle]]-based Uno Pizza and converting their stores into Papa John's, with the aim of opening up to 250 locations in Germany in the following five to seven years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.food-service.de/maerkte/news/pj-western-papa-johns-kommt-nach-deutschland-42905 |title=PJ Western: Papa John's kommt nach Deutschland |website=Food-service.de |language=de |access-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709094334/https://www.food-service.de/maerkte/news/pj-western-papa-johns-kommt-nach-deutschland-42905 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After a failed step in the early 2000s, in 2019 Papa John's  returned to Portugal with a restaurant in [[Lisbon]] and plans to expand to other parts of the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nit.pt/comida/restaurantes/papa-johns-nova-pizza-americana-lisboa-quer-conquistar-pais|title=Papa John's: a nova pizzaria americana de Lisboa que quer conquistar o País|website=nit.pt|language=pt-pt|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014011731/https://www.nit.pt/comida/restaurantes/papa-johns-nova-pizza-americana-lisboa-quer-conquistar-pais|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the Netherlands Papa John's opened its doors in 2017, starting in Amsterdam and expanding further through the Netherlands in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lunchroom.nl/nieuwe-vestiging-van-papa-johns-in-amsterdam|title=Nieuwe vestiging van Papa John's in Amsterdam|website=Lunchroom.nl|language=nl|access-date=August 11, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811192321/https://www.lunchroom.nl/nieuwe-vestiging-van-papa-johns-in-amsterdam|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Papa John's scooters.jpg|thumb|A Papa John's Pizza restaurant in [[Hoofddorp]], [[Netherlands]]]]

====Latin America====
[[File:PapaJohnsRD.JPG|thumb|upright|Papa John's in [[Santo Domingo]], [[Dominican Republic]]]]
Papa John's operates in 13 Latin American countries, including Colombia, Chile, and Mexico.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170410005263/en/Papa-John%E2%80%99s-International-Opens-100th-Restaurant-Mexico |title=Papa John's International Opens 100th Restaurant in Mexico |date=April 10, 2017 |website=BusinessWire |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201014723/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170410005263/en/Papa-John%E2%80%99s-International-Opens-100th-Restaurant-Mexico |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foodbev.com/news/papa-johns-to-open-more-pizza-restaurants-in-chile-and-spain/ |title=Papa John's to open more pizza restaurants in Chile and Spain |date=June 7, 2017 |website=FoodBev |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201070749/https://www.foodbev.com/news/papa-johns-to-open-more-pizza-restaurants-in-chile-and-spain/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://medellinliving.com/papa-johns-pizza/ |title=Papa John's Pizza Opens in Medellín |date=September 24, 2015 |website=Medellín Living |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013227/https://medellinliving.com/papa-johns-pizza/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====India====
Papa John's entered the Indian market in 2006 with its first store opening in [[Noida]], Uttar Pradesh with an aim to open up 100 stores in India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Papa John's to widen India's pizza base |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/papa-johns-to-widen-indias-pizza-base/articleshow/1644973.cms?from=mdr |access-date=December 10, 2020 |work=The Economic Times |date=June 14, 2006 |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202144743/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/papa-johns-to-widen-indias-pizza-base/articleshow/1644973.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> They couldn't keep up the efficient sophisticated ordering technology and fast delivery methods of their rivals Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut in India. When Papa John's started in 2006, Domino's Pizza already had 126 branches. By 2017, Papa John's decided to exit the country completely, having opened only 66 stores and being unable to compete with Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut, which had  entered in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Geeter |first1=Darren |title=How Domino's beat Papa John's and Pizza Hut in India's pizza war |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/28/how-dominos-beat-papa-johns-and-pizza-hut-in-indias-pizza-war.html |access-date=December 10, 2020 |work=CNBC |date=April 28, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625115524/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/28/how-dominos-beat-papa-johns-and-pizza-hut-in-indias-pizza-war.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====China====
In 2018, Papa John's sold ownership of its 34 corporate-owned locations in Beijing, shutting down their operations in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/aaa83693d5fd4aba83c8eae32c3f8827 |title=Papa John's International Completes Sale of China Restaurants |date=June 28, 2018 |work=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065511/https://www.apnews.com/aaa83693d5fd4aba83c8eae32c3f8827 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Pakistan====
Papa John's opened its first store in Lahore, Pakistan in early 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190129005194/en/Papa-John%27s-International-Celebrates-Restaurant-Lahore-Pakistan|title=Papa John's International Celebrates First Restaurant in Lahore, Pakistan|work=[[Business Wire]]|date=January 29, 2019|language=en|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=December 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222174310/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190129005194/en/Papa-John%27s-International-Celebrates-Restaurant-Lahore-Pakistan|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sponsorships===
On March 30, 2006, [[Six Flags]] announced that its parks' pizza would exclusively be from Papa John's. In turn, Six Flags received an annual sponsorship and promotional opportunities from Papa John's.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/papa-johns-be-exclusive-pizza-vendor-six-flags-parks |title=Papa John's to be Exclusive Pizza Vendor at Six Flags Parks |date=March 30, 2006 |website=QSR |access-date=February 14, 2019 |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050521/https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/papa-johns-be-exclusive-pizza-vendor-six-flags-parks |url-status=live }}</ref> Papa John's is also the official pizza supplier of the [[Olympic Oval|Olympic Speedskating Oval]] in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], Canada.

In November 2006, Papa John's signed with [[ESPN]] Regional Television to become the title sponsor of the annual [[PapaJohns.com Bowl]], a college post-season football [[bowl game]] in [[Birmingham, Alabama]], which Papa John's continued to sponsor through 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/12/whats_the_future_hold_for_birmingham_bowl_without_title_sponsor.html |title=What's the future hold for Birmingham Bowl without title sponsor? |newspaper=[[Birmingham News]] |date=December 15, 2015 |first=Brandon |last=Marcello |access-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-date=December 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225153504/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/12/whats_the_future_hold_for_birmingham_bowl_without_title_sponsor.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2010, Papa John's signed an agreement to be the Official Pizza Sponsor of the [[National Football League]] and [[Super Bowl XLV|Super Bowls XLV]], [[Super Bowl XLVI|XLVI]] and [[Super Bowl XLVII|XLVII]].<ref name=nfl>{{cite press release|url=http://ir.papajohns.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=616659|title=Papa John's Pizza Expands Relationship with NFL by Signing Multi-Year Deal to Be Official Pizza Sponsor of NFL in Canada, Mexico and United Kingdom|date=October 20, 2011|access-date=September 18, 2016|archive-date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918234932/http://ir.papajohns.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=616659|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, Papa John's became the official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.<ref name=nfl/> In October 2012, [[Denver Broncos]] quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] became a franchisee in the [[Denver]] area for Papa John's, and also purchased 21 franchises in the area.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-27/broncos-peyton-manning-to-own-21-papa-john-s-pizza-franchises.html |title=Broncos' Peyton Manning to Own 21 Papa John's Pizza Franchises |date=October 27, 2012 |access-date=October 29, 2012 |first=Nancy |last=Kercheval |website=[[Bloomberg News]] |archive-date=October 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030175147/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-27/broncos-peyton-manning-to-own-21-papa-john-s-pizza-franchises.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2013, Papa John's announced it had become the Official Pizza Partner of [[The Football League]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20130715/papa-johns-announces-football-league-sponsorship_2293334_3238361 |title=Papa John's announces Football League sponsorship |date=July 15, 2013 |website=[[The Football League]] |access-date=August 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718100856/http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20130715/papa-johns-announces-football-league-sponsorship_2293334_3238361 |archive-date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> The sponsorship ended after the 2017 season when Pizza Hut became the official pizza of the NFL in February 2018.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

The company was the former beneficiary of the [[naming rights]] to [[Papa John's Cardinal Stadium]] used by the [[Louisville Cardinals|University of Louisville's football team]], in exchange for Schnatter personally donating $5 million for the rights.<ref name=insider>{{cite web |url=https://insiderlouisville.com/education-community/papa-john-koch-brother-give-multimillion-dollar-gifts-u-l/ |last=George |first=Stephen |title=Papa John, Koch brother give multimillion-dollar gifts to U of L |website=Insider Louisville |date=March 10, 2015 |access-date=September 18, 2016 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141725/https://insiderlouisville.com/education-community/papa-john-koch-brother-give-multimillion-dollar-gifts-u-l/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref> Schnatter made a further $10 million donation for the stadium's expansion,<ref name=insider/> and extended the naming rights to the year 2040. The Papa John's name was taken off the stadium in July 2018, after Schnatter's resignation from the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/University-of-Louisville-removes-Papa-Johns-name-from-Cardinal-Stadium-488123961.html |title=University of Louisville removes Papa John's name from Cardinal Stadium |website=WKYT News |date=July 13, 2018 |access-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715212007/http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/University-of-Louisville-removes-Papa-Johns-name-from-Cardinal-Stadium-488123961.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2020, Papa John's became the main sponsor of the [[EFL Trophy]], a football competition for lower league and under-23 clubs in England.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Papa John's becomes Title Sponsor of the EFL Trophy|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2020/october/papa-johns-becomes-title-sponsor-of-the-efl-trophy/|access-date=November 10, 2020|website=efl.com|language=en-gb|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127164625/https://www.efl.com/news/2020/october/papa-johns-becomes-title-sponsor-of-the-efl-trophy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Controversies==
[[File:Papa John's Pizza small pepperoni and black olives pizza pie.jpeg|thumb|Papa John's pizza with pepperoni and black olives]]
Papa John's received attention in May 2008 when a [[Washington, D.C.]] franchise distributed T-shirts making fun of [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] star player [[LeBron James]] at a [[NBA Playoffs|playoff]] game against the [[Washington Wizards]]. Photographs of the shirts quickly spread from the Internet<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/05/03/papa-johns-pizza-hates-the-state-of-ohio/ |title=Does Papa John's Pizza Hate the State of Ohio? |website=So Good Blog |date=May 3, 2008 |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227013856/http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/05/03/papa-johns-pizza-hates-the-state-of-ohio/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> to Cleveland television. Increasing awareness of the controversy prompted an apology from the Papa John's national headquarters on May 5.<ref>{{cite news|last=Eick|first=Jon|url=http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/19390.asp|title=How Papa John's averted a WOM disaster|website=iMedia Connection|date=May 28, 2008|access-date=February 18, 2009|archive-date=February 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223234736/http://imediaconnection.com/content/19390.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> To apologize, Papa John's offered large single-topping pizzas for 23 cents (matching James' [[jersey number]]) at all locations in [[Greater Cleveland]] and throughout northern Ohio. The chain sold over 172,000 pizzas at 23 cents a piece, with customers waiting in lines outside of some stores for as long as three hours.<ref>{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Zicari|date=May 9, 2008|title=Editors' Picks for Friday from The PD|url=http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/05/editors_picks_for_friday_from_50.html|newspaper=[[Cleveland Plain Dealer]]|access-date=January 17, 2015|archive-date=December 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227012944/http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/05/editors_picks_for_friday_from_50.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Papa John's also received media attention on January 6, 2012, when an employee typed the phrase "lady chinky eyes" on a receipt issued to an [[Asian American]] customer at a restaurant in New York City.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-01-07/news/30603058_1_receipt-tweeted-papa-john |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711142037/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-01-07/news/30603058_1_receipt-tweeted-papa-john |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |title=Papa John's customer: Pizza joint called me 'lady chinky eyes' |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |first=Nina |last=Mandell |date=January 7, 2012}}</ref> The employee was fired and the company issued a formal apology.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jordan |last=Chittley |url=http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/papa-john-employee-fired-racial-slur-receipt-180158302.html |title=Papa John's employee fired for racial slur on receipt |website=[[Yahoo!]] News |date=January 10, 2012 |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018165120/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/papa-john-employee-fired-racial-slur-receipt-180158302.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A manager at the restaurant where the incident occurred told the ''[[New York Post]]'' that the cashier, a teenager, did not intend to offend saying, "It's a busy place, and it was a way to identify her and her order. You know, we do stuff like that sometimes. We'll write 'the lady with the blue eyes' or 'the guy in the green shirt.' I think the lady put it out there just to get some attention, some people like that type of attention."<ref>{{cite news |date=January 8, 2012 |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/01/08/woman-claims-papa-johns-used-racial-slur-to-id-her |title=Papa John's Fires Employee For Using Racial Slur To ID Korean Woman On Receipt |website=[[WCBS-TV]] |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020201653/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/01/08/woman-claims-papa-johns-used-racial-slur-to-id-her/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Schnatter's claim that a reverse in [[NFL]] viewer ratings (supposedly because of the [[NFL kneeling controversy]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://truthout.org/articles/a-year-since-trump-s-election-as-explained-by-terrible-pizza/ |title=William Rivers Pitt – The Year Since Trump's Election, as Explained by Bad Pizza |work=truth-out.org |date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142834/https://truthout.org/articles/a-year-since-trump-s-election-as-explained-by-terrible-pizza/ |url-status=live }}</ref> had directly led to decreased same-store sales across Papa John's franchises was extensively reported in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/papa-john-slams-nfl-following-national-anthem-protests-2017-11 |title=Papa John slams NFL for 'poor leadership' after player protests lead to sales slump |work=Business Insider |access-date=November 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112021739/http://www.businessinsider.com/papa-john-slams-nfl-following-national-anthem-protests-2017-11 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21250448/nfl-sponsor-papa-john-not-happy-anthem-protests|title=Papa John's boss: NFL protests hurting sales|website=ESPN.com|date=November 2017|access-date=November 11, 2017|archive-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102011930/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21250448/nfl-sponsor-papa-john-not-happy-anthem-protests|url-status=live}}</ref> It was estimated that Schnatter's personal holdings in the chain had lost millions of dollars in value.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2017/11/01/papa-johns-founder-net-worth-falls-70-million-in-hours-blames-nfl-protests/|title=Papa John Loses Dough: Pizza Chain Founder Loses $70 Million In Hours, Blames NFL|first=Noah|last=Kirsch|work=Forbes|access-date=November 11, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112023129/https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2017/11/01/papa-johns-founder-net-worth-falls-70-million-in-hours-blames-nfl-protests/|url-status=live}}</ref> Papa John's disavowed statements by [[white supremacist]] groups expressing support for the brand in the wake of Schnatter's comments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://qz.com/1137806/a-complete-list-of-brands-white-supremacists-have-given-their-unwanted-endorsement/ |title=A complete list of brands white supremacists have given their unwanted endorsement |last=Coren |first=Michael J. |date=November 30, 2017 |website=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]] |publisher=[[Atlantic Media]] |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715064512/https://qz.com/1137806/a-complete-list-of-brands-white-supremacists-have-given-their-unwanted-endorsement/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A media report surfaced on July 11, 2018, claiming that Schnatter had used a racial epithet in a conference call the previous May, along with graphic descriptions of violence against racial minorities. ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine reported that a media agency working with Papa John's severed its relationship with the company following the report. Steve Ritchie, who had replaced Schnatter as CEO, responded with a memo stating that "racism has no place at Papa John's," and a company spokesman wrote in an email that Papa John's "condemns racism".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Giammona |first1=Craig |last2=Boyle |first2=Matthew |date=July 11, 2018 |title=Papa John's slides after founder finds himself in hot water again |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/topstocks/papa-johns-slides-after-founder-finds-himself-in-hot-water-again/ar-AAzV5Mk?ocid=spartanntp |work=Bloomberg |access-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712002602/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/topstocks/papa-johns-slides-after-founder-finds-himself-in-hot-water-again/ar-AAzV5Mk?ocid=spartanntp |url-status=live }}</ref> The same day, Schnatter admitted to using the racial epithet during the conference call and resigned as chairman of the company's board of directors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/10/papa-johns-founder-john-schnatter-resigns-as-chairman-of-company-boar.html |title=Papa John's shares surge after founder John Schnatter resigns as chairman following N-word comment |first1=Sarah |last1=Whitten |first2=Yen Nee |last2=Lee |date=July 12, 2018 |website=CNBC |access-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712051003/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/10/papa-johns-founder-john-schnatter-resigns-as-chairman-of-company-boar.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44803163|title=Papa John's founder Schnatter resigns over N-word use|date=July 12, 2018|work=[[BBC News Online]]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712054312/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44803163|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 13, 2018, top executives of the company decided to remove Schnatter's image from marketing materials.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/07/13/news/companies/papa-johns-schnatter-out/index.html|title=Papa John's to remove founder's image from ads|work=CNN Money|date=July 13, 2018|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713162528/https://money.cnn.com/2018/07/13/news/companies/papa-johns-schnatter-out/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Litigation==
In 1997, Pizza Hut filed a lawsuit against Papa John's based on a series of advertisements that compared the ingredients of Papa John's and its competitors. Pizza Hut successfully argued that Papa John's slogan did not constitute statements of literal fact – that "fresher ingredients" do not necessarily account for a "better" pizza.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} This ruling was overturned in 2000 when Papa John's appealed the decision. Although the jury's decision on the misleading advertising was upheld, the appeals court determined that Pizza Hut failed to prove, under the requirements of the [[Lanham Act]], that the misleading advertising and [[puffery]] had a material effect on consumers' purchasing decisions.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

In 2012, the company was the subject of a [[class-action lawsuit]] for allegedly sending over 500,000 unwanted text messages to customers.<ref name="latimes 2012">{{cite news | last=Hsu | first=Tiffany | title=Papa John's faces $250-million class action spam lawsuit | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=November 14, 2012 | url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-nov-14-la-fi-mo-papa-johns-spam-lawsuit-appreciation-20121114-story.html | access-date=March 15, 2019 | archive-date=May 27, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527022042/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/14/business/la-fi-mo-papa-johns-spam-lawsuit-appreciation-20121114 | url-status=live }}</ref> The suit sought over $250 million in damages, though the company settled to pay $16.5 million, awarding claimants up to $50 in damages, and a free, large, one-topping pizza.<ref>{{cite news |title=Papa John's Agrees to $16.5M Text Spam Class Action Settlement |first=Sarah |last=Mirando |date=May 20, 2013 |work=Top Class Actions |url=http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/4146-papa-john-s-agrees-to-16-5m-text-spam-class-action-settlement |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109230832/http://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/4146-papa-john-s-agrees-to-16-5m-text-spam-class-action-settlement/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2015, Papa John's agreed to pay $12.3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in which the company was accused of undercompensating 19,000 delivery drivers in the states of [[Arizona]], [[Florida]], [[Illinois]], [[Maryland]], [[Missouri]] and [[North Carolina]]. The complaint stated that the flat reimbursement amount per delivery for drivers failed to equal minimum wage.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNair |first=James |title=Papa John's To Settle Claims It Underpaid Delivery Drivers |url=http://wfpl.org/papa-johns-to-settle-claims-it-underpaid-delivery-drivers/ |work=[[WFPL]] |date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |archive-date=August 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817021950/http://wfpl.org/papa-johns-to-settle-claims-it-underpaid-delivery-drivers/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2016, [[Panera Bread]] filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Eastern District Court in Missouri accusing Papa John's of stealing digital trade secrets and proprietary data management strategies by hiring Michael Nettles, a former Panera executive who was in charge of the chain's corporate digital technologies deployment.<ref name=lcj-2016jul21>{{cite news |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2016/07/21/panera-papa-johns-exec-took-trade-secrets/87377258/ |title=Panera: Papa John's exec took trade secrets |newspaper=[[The Courier-Journal]] |date=July 21, 2016 |first=Jere |last=Downs |access-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528024530/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2016/07/21/panera-papa-johns-exec-took-trade-secrets/87377258/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August, a Federal judge issued a restraining order, preventing Nettles from reporting to work at Papa John's while the case was active.<ref name=lcj-2016aug13>{{cite news |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2016/08/13/papa-johns-exec-out-pending-panera-secrets-suit/88673140/ |title=Papa John's exec out pending Panera secrets suit |newspaper=[[The Courier-Journal]] |date=August 13, 2016 |first=Jere |last=Downs |access-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528024531/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2016/08/13/papa-johns-exec-out-pending-panera-secrets-suit/88673140/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that year, Panera told the Federal court that it had agreed to drop the lawsuit in December 2016. Details that led to the lawsuit being dropped were not made public.<ref name="law360-2016dec22">{{cite news |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/876287/panera-agrees-to-drop-noncompete-suit-against-papa-john-s |title=Panera Agrees To Drop Noncompete Suit Against Papa John's |website=[[Law360]] |date=December 22, 2016 |first=Matthew |last=Perlman |access-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327171221/https://www.law360.com/articles/876287/panera-agrees-to-drop-noncompete-suit-against-papa-john-s |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Animal welfare ==
In 2013, Papa John's announced plans to eliminate the use of [[gestation crate]]s in its pork supply chain by 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Papa John's Sets Gestation Crate Deadline |url=https://www.farmprogress.com/management/papa-john-s-sets-gestation-crate-deadline |website=FarmProgress |access-date=9 May 2025}}</ref> In 2024, the animal protection organization Animal Equality criticized the company for continuing to source pork from producers using gestation crates.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mridul |first1=Anay |title=KFC, Chick-Fil-A, Denny's Among Major Chains That Still Use Caged Pigs for Pork |url=https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/gestation-cages-pigs-cage-free-kfc-dennys-taco-bell/ |website=Green Queen |date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-date=June 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250603235506/https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/gestation-cages-pigs-cage-free-kfc-dennys-taco-bell/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, the company committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs by 2030. In 2025, it announced a temporary pause on this commitment, citing egg shortages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Corporate Responsibility {{!}} Papa Johns |url=https://www.papajohns.com/company/csr-updates.html |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=www.papajohns.com |archive-date=May 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512195357/https://www.papajohns.com/company/csr-updates.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2020, Papa John's signed the [[Better Chicken Commitment]], a pledge to improve [[broiler|broiler chicken]] welfare standards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Perrett |first1=Michelle |title=Papa John's signs up to Better Chicken Commitment |url=https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2020/02/14/Papa-John-s-pledges-better-chicken-standards/ |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=Food Manufacture |date=14 February 2020 |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723232950/https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2020/02/14/Papa-John-s-pledges-better-chicken-standards |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, it was criticized by World Animal Protection for not publishing progress updates and for allegedly weakening its prior animal welfare standards.<ref>{{Cite press release |last=World Animal Protection |title=New Scorecard Reveals Restaurant Chains Are Failing to Invest in Humane and Sustainable Food Systems |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-scorecard-reveals-restaurant-chains-are-failing-to-invest-in-humane-and-sustainable-food-systems-301660907.html |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en |archive-date=September 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250912073245/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-scorecard-reveals-restaurant-chains-are-failing-to-invest-in-humane-and-sustainable-food-systems-301660907.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|Companies|Food}}
* [[Cardinal Stadium]] – a [[American football|football]] stadium on the campus of the [[University of Louisville]] formerly bearing the company's name via a [[naming rights]] agreement
* [[List of pizza chains]]
* [[List of pizza chains of the United States]]
* [[List of pizza franchises]]
* [[List of pizza varieties by country]]
* [[List of major employers in Louisville, Kentucky]]
* [[List of the largest fast food restaurant chains]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
{{Finance links
| name = Papa John's Pizza
| symbol = PZZA
| sec_cik = PZZA
| yahoo = PZZA
| google = PZZA
}}

{{Pizza chains}}
{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}
{{Atlanta companies}}
{{UK Food}}
{{Food chains in South Korea}}

[[Category:1984 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1984]]
[[Category:Companies based in Louisville, Kentucky]]
[[Category:Companies based in Atlanta]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Pizza chains of Canada]]
[[Category:Pizza chains of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Pizza chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Pizza franchises]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1984]]
[[Category:1993 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:Jeffersontown, Kentucky]]