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Papa John's Franchise Formats Offered

Papa John's offers franchisees both standard and non-standard venues.

Most traditional Papa John's franchise locations offer delivery and take-out orders only; however, a small group of these franchise locations will allow for customer eat-in. Because of their heavy (or exclusive) focus on delivery and take-out service, traditional Papa John's units are ordinarily located along or close to major roads and highways.

Non-traditional Papa John's franchise locations include placements in venues such as mall food courts, hospitals, schools, airports, theme parks, sports stadiums, concert venues, and travel rest stops. These non-traditional formats typically do not offer delivery.

Papa John's Franchise Opportunities - History

Papa John’s Pizza was started by “Papa” John Schnatter in Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1984. Schnatter’s interest in pizza started during his time working in pizzerias in high school, and after graduating from college he took over his father’s tavern business where he began selling his own pizzas. Famously, Schnatter sold his Camaro, bought used pizza-making equipment, and knocked down a broom closet to start his operation. Business went well for Schnatter, and by 1993 Papa John’s was a publicly traded company with nearly 500 locations.

Schnatter had been the face of Papa John’s as well as CEO and Chairman until recently, when a string of scandals ranging from criticisms of the NFL to off-color remarks on conference calls led to his stepping down from both roles. Despite the controversies, Papa John’s remains the third largest pizza chain in the US.

Papa John's Franchise Cost and Requirements

The estimated initial investment required to open a standard Papa John's pizza franchise is $130,120 to $844,420, including a franchise fee of $25,000. The estimated cost to open a non-standard Papa John's franchise ranges from $26,500 to $388,920, including a franchise fee of $5,000. Papa John’s Franchisees must also pay an ongoing 5% royalty on monthly net revenues to the franchisor, ongoing monthly contributions to the brand's national advertising program, and commit to advertising spend in their local market.

Papa John's Franchise System Size and Composition

The Papa John's franchise system has approximately 5,300 units in operation or development, about two thirds of which are based in the U.S. and around 86% of which are franchised (as opposed to corporate-owned) locations. Systemwide, Papa John's locations generate around $4 billion in revenue.