Papa John's is one of the largest pizza delivery and carryout restaurant chains in the world, founded in 1984 by John Schnatter in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Schnatter famously started the business in a broom closet at the back of his father's tavern, selling his car to purchase used pizza equipment. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's has grown to operate over 5,500 restaurants across approximately 50 countries and territories. The brand built its reputation on the slogan Better Ingredients, Better Pizza, emphasizing its use of fresh, never-frozen original dough, vine-ripened tomato sauce made from fresh-packed tomatoes, and real cheese without fillers. Papa John's was an early adopter of online ordering in the pizza industry, launching its website for orders in 2001, and continues to invest heavily in digital technology and customer experience. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq and has undergone significant leadership and brand transformation in recent years, bringing in new management and refreshing its marketing approach. Papa John's menu has expanded beyond traditional pizza to include Papadias flatbread sandwiches, Papa Bowls, chicken wings, desserts, and specialty items. The chain operates through a combination of company-owned and franchised locations, with franchisees operating the majority of restaurants. Papa John's also serves as the official pizza partner of numerous professional sports leagues and teams, maintaining high visibility through sports marketing partnerships.

Pizza Chains

Papa John's is a major global pizza chain with 5,500+ restaurants in 50 countries, known for its Better Ingredients, Better Pizza philosophy and fresh dough preparation.