New Openings Hit Quarterly High For Papa John’s

It’s not just the dough that’s rising at Papa John’s, it’s the store count. The Louisville, Ky., chain had 50 worldwide net openings during the first quarter—the most quarterly debuts since 2000. Papa John’s, which currently has more than 3,900 stores in 50 states and 30-plus countries, is on target to reach its 200-unit goal in the United Kingdom by year’s end. Domestically, it’s beefed up its corporate presence, acquiring 56 franchised stores in Denver and Minneapolis; six were then sold to a Denver franchisee.