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Papa John's

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1985
  • Franchising Since 1986
  • 2689 US Franchises
  • $272,915 - $989,415 Investment Range
  • $1,191,613 Average Gross Revenue
  • 5% Royalty Fee
  • $5,000 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

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Brand Description

Papa John's stands as one of America's most recognizable pizza franchises, built on the foundation of 'Better Ingredients, Better Pizza.' Since its founding in 1985, Papa John's has grown into a global pizza powerhouse, known for its signature fresh-made dough, high-quality ingredients, and distinctive garlic sauce that accompanies every pizza.

The franchise has successfully adapted to modern consumer preferences by offering diverse menu options beyond traditional pizzas, including specialty crusts, Papadias (pizza-sandwich hybrids), wings, and desserts. Their digital-first approach, with robust online ordering and mobile app capabilities, has positioned them at the forefront of convenient food delivery services.

What sets Papa John's apart is their commitment to quality control and consistency across locations. Their proven business model includes comprehensive training programs, sophisticated point-of-sale systems, and established supply chain networks that help franchise owners maintain operational excellence. The brand's strong marketing presence and continuous menu innovation help drive customer traffic and brand loyalty.

Papa John's franchise owners benefit from multiple revenue streams including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering services. The brand's established presence in both urban and suburban markets demonstrates its versatility and broad market appeal. With ongoing support in site selection, store design, marketing, and operations, Papa John's provides franchisees with the tools needed for success in the competitive pizza industry.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Papa John's?

$272,915
$989,415
Did you know that launching your own Papa John's pizza franchise - complete with their signature "Better Ingredients, Better Pizza" brand recognition and proven business model - requires a total investment ranging from $272,915 to $989,415, which covers everything from your franchise fee and kitchen equipment to store buildout and initial marketing to get your slice of the $145 billion pizza industry up and running?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Investment Range
$272,915 - $989,415
Investment Midpoint
$631,165
Minimum Cash Required
$272,915
Royalty Fees
5%
Brand Fund
6%
Brand Bragging Rights
Nearly 40 years proven operations since 1985
3,220+ locations across United States and Canada
Exceptional revenue performance 99% above pizza sector average
Accessible investment entry 28% below sector minimum
Established digital ordering and loyalty rewards platform
Comprehensive franchisor support with proven business systems
Financial Analysis
Papa John's requires an investment range of $272,915 to $989,415, positioning it as an accessible entry point within the Food & Beverage pizza franchise sector. The minimum investment falls approximately 28% below the sub-sector average of $380,153, while the maximum investment sits 18% above the sub-sector average of $837,259, providing flexible investment options for qualified investors.

Most importantly, Papa John's demonstrates exceptional revenue performance with gross revenue of $1,191,613, which is 99% above the sub-sector average of $599,237. This outstanding financial performance significantly outpaces typical pizza franchise operations, indicating strong unit-level economics and market positioning.

With 3,220 units and nearly 40 years of operation since 1985, Papa John's demonstrates substantial system maturity and operational infrastructure. The brand's extensive network provides franchisees with proven business systems, established supply chains, and comprehensive support structures, including digital ordering platforms and loyalty programs.

The pizza delivery and takeout sector benefits from strong consumer demand fundamentals, with technology integration driving sustained growth. Papa John's operates across the United States and Canada, offering significant marketing leverage and consumer recognition advantages.

Ideal candidates should possess food service experience and sufficient working capital beyond the initial investment. The combination of accessible entry costs and superior revenue performance makes Papa John's an attractive opportunity for experienced operators seeking proven franchise systems with strong financial returns.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Papa John's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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FranFund

Financing Partner

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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions Logo

Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
Papa John's demonstrates strong market presence with widespread coverage across multiple states, showing particular strength in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions. Notable concentrations can be found in Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, and Maryland, indicating successful market penetration in demographically diverse areas. The franchise maintains a solid average rating of 4.16 out of 5 across numerous customer reviews, suggesting consistent operational performance and customer satisfaction.

Key markets cluster around populous states with strong suburban presence, particularly in areas with higher median household incomes and significant millennial populations. The franchise shows potential for expansion in underserved markets, particularly in the Western United States and smaller metropolitan areas with growing populations. Successful locations typically feature high visibility sites in retail corridors, proximity to residential areas and business districts, and accessible parking.

Ideal location profiles include areas with: - Population density of 50,000+ within 3-mile radius - Strong delivery radius coverage - Median household income above $45,000 - Proximity to universities and office complexes - High traffic retail corridors with good signage visibility - Limited direct competition from other major pizza chains
Total US Locations3220
Open Franchises2689
Corporate Locations531
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Papa John's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Papa John's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Papa John's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Papa John's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Papa John's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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