Who is Papa John’s?
Papa John's International, Inc. is the third largest pizza company in the U.S., and one of the largest pizza companies in the world, based on system-wide sales, with approximately 3,000 restaurants worldwide.

Is this a public or private company?
Papa John’s International became a public company on June 8, 1993. The company stock is listed on the NASDAQ system, under the symbol PZZA.

How much does it cost to build a Papa John’s restaurant?
The estimated initial investment required per restaurant ranges from approximately $160,000 to $395,000 for a standard Papa John’s restaurant. An average unit of 1200-1400 square feet, located in a strip center, costs approximately $220,000. This amount will vary depending on the size of the unit and the geographical area.

What is the franchise fee?
The initial U.S. franchise fee is $25,000 per unit for a standard Papa John's restaurant.

What is the royalty fee?
An ongoing royalty fee of 5% of net sales is due on a monthly basis.

What are the marketing and advertising fees?
Papa John's requires that a minimum of 7% of net monthly sales be spent by each franchisee for marketing purposes*, as follows: 2.7% national fund; 4.3% co-op and/or local marketing initiatives.

*Papa John's Franchise Offering Circular includes more detailed information regarding marketing and advertising fees.

What are your minimum financial requirements?
Depending on the number of units you wish to open, you must have a minimum net worth of between $250,000 and $2,000,000. Please refer to the U.S. Franchisee Requirements and Fees page of this website for more information.

If I don’t meet the financial or operational criteria to become a franchisee, can I partner with someone who does?
Yes. Please provide us with a resume and personal financial statement for each member of your potential franchise group.

Does Papa John’s provide financing for restaurant development?
We will provide information on lending institutions willing to provide financing to prospective franchisees. However, Papa John's does not offer financing. Please click here for more information.

What is a UFOC?
The Uniform Franchise Offering Circular explains the key points of the franchise relationship, including form development and franchise agreements, and provides additional information about the company.

Do I have to work in my restaurant?
If you have Quick Service Restaurant management experience, you may wish to act as the Principal Operator. If you do not have QSR experience, an experienced Principal Operator must be hired to operate your restaurant.

What type of return can I expect to make on my investment?
Papa John’s encourages our prospective franchisees to conduct significant due diligence during the discovery process and contact existing franchisees with questions on marketing, finances, sales volumes, operations, etc. The amount of profit or loss is dependent on a number of factors, including the ability of the franchisee to manage the business, drive sales volume and control operating costs.

Does Papa John’s provide demographic data for my potential development area?
Yes. We will provide you with the demographics needed to evaluate your area(s) of interest.

Does Papa John’s select the site where I’ll build my restaurant?
No. You will select the site, but a representative of Papa John’s must approve each location.

What kind of support can I expect from Papa John’s on the build-out of my restaurant?
Papa John’s Development Department will provide you with the assistance you need to open your restaurant. Our real estate directors work closely with franchisees to review market trade areas and site criteria. Upon approval of a location, our equipment coordinators and construction managers guide new franchisees through the building plans, layout of the restaurant and ordering of equipment.

What other type of ongoing support does Papa John’s provide?
Papa John’s provides initial training and ongoing guidance, while also serving as a “one-stop shop” for all your business needs. For more information about Papa John’s Franchise Support System, please refer to the U.S. Franchisee Support page of this website.

What kind of training requirements will I be expected to meet?
Before opening the first restaurant, a franchisee must have an approved Principal Operator in place. The Principal Operator must complete the Management Training program, which combines hands-on operations and classroom information on the Papa John’s concept. The total training time is approximately six weeks, but may take longer if necessary.

I want to become a Papa John’s franchisee. What are the next steps?
First, please read all of the information on the U.S. franchising opportunities pages of this website, paying particular attention to the U.S. franchisee requirements and fees. If you believe you meet Papa John’s requirements and wish to become part of our franchise family, please complete the U.S. Franchisee Request for Consideration Form, which may be accessed via the U.S. Franchisee Requirements and Fees page of this website.