Papa The Story Of Papa John's Pizza
Introduction
Papa John's Pizza is one of the biggest pizza chains in the world. It was founded in 1984 by John Schnatter, who is known as "Papa John". It started as a small pizza delivery business in Indiana, but it quickly grew into a franchise with over 5,000 locations worldwide. In this article, we will explore the history of Papa John's Pizza and how it became the successful pizza chain it is today.
Early Years
John Schnatter was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1961. He grew up in a family that owned a local tavern, where he learned the ins and outs of the restaurant business. After graduating high school, he attended Ball State University, where he worked part-time at a local pizza restaurant.
In 1984, Schnatter decided to start his own pizza delivery business. He sold his 1971 Camaro to buy pizza equipment and started making pizzas in the back of his father's tavern. He delivered the pizzas in his father's car and soon became known as "Papa John".
The Birth of Papa John's Pizza
Within a year of starting his pizza delivery business, Schnatter opened his first Papa John's Pizza restaurant in Jeffersonville. The restaurant was a huge success and quickly became known for its quality ingredients and signature garlic sauce.
By 1991, Papa John's Pizza had over 100 locations across the United States. That same year, the company went public and was listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Expansion and Growth
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Papa John's Pizza continued to expand and grow. The company opened locations in Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. It also introduced new menu items, such as chicken wings and breadsticks.
In 2009, Papa John's Pizza became the first pizza chain to offer online ordering. This innovation helped the company reach even more customers and made it easier for people to order their favorite pizzas from the comfort of their own homes.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its success, Papa John's Pizza has faced its fair share of controversies and challenges over the years. In 2012, the company faced criticism for its association with the reality TV show "The Bachelor". Many viewers felt that the show promoted unhealthy eating habits and unrealistic beauty standards.
In 2017, Papa John's Pizza faced backlash after Schnatter criticized NFL players for kneeling during the national anthem. Many people boycotted the company and sales declined as a result.
The Future of Papa John's Pizza
Despite these challenges, Papa John's Pizza continues to be a popular pizza chain with a loyal customer base. In 2019, the company unveiled a new logo and marketing campaign in an effort to revitalize its brand.
Today, Papa John's Pizza has over 5,000 locations in 45 countries around the world. The company remains committed to providing high-quality ingredients and exceptional service to its customers.
Conclusion
The story of Papa John's Pizza is one of hard work, determination, and innovation. John Schnatter's passion for pizza and commitment to quality has helped the company become one of the biggest pizza chains in the world. While the company has faced its fair share of challenges and controversies over the years, it remains a beloved brand with a loyal fanbase.
