Papa John's Franchise News

2012 Earnings Guidance Increased on Strong First Quarter Results
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 25, 2012.
Highlights

First quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.69 in 2012 ($0.79, excluding the net impact of a previously announced marketing incentive contribution, or an increase of 23.4% over earnings per diluted share of $0.64 in 2011)
System-wide comparable sales increased 1.1% for North America and increased 8.4% for international during the quarter
50 worldwide net unit openings during the quarter
2012 earnings guidance increased to $2.40 to $2.50 per diluted share and increased to 2...

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the acquisition of 56 franchised Papa John's restaurants in the Denver and Minneapolis markets. With the immediate sale of six of the Denver restaurants to an area franchisee, the transaction results in the net acquisition of 50 restaurants (21 in Denver and 29 in Minneapolis) by the company for $5.1 million.
"We are excited about acquiring these two markets," said Tony Thompson, Papa John's Executive Vice President, Global Operations. "With our strong corporate operations team and ability to invest, we look forward to continuing to deliver on our ‘Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.' brand promise to our customers and growing these markets...

Operators Recognized for Exemplifying Papa John's Commitment to Superior-Quality and Customer Service
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced its 2011 Franchise Operators of the Year:

LMT Services, LLC, New Orleans: Hinkle Award (Domestic Small Group Franchisee of the Year, 1-3 restaurants): Kenyatta Ford-Theodore, Herb Theodore
PJ Cleveland West, LLC, Los Angeles: Domestic Medium Group Franchisee of the Year (4-10 restaurants): Abdi Neghabat, Rich Malekzadeh
Perfect Delivery, Greenville, NC: Domestic Large Group Franchisee of the Year (11 or more restaurants) — Bo Knapp
KSC Limited, United Kingdom: International Franchisee of the Year -- Raheel Choudhary

Each of the Franchisee of the Year winners was honored at Papa John's Annual Operators Conference with a $20,000 cash award and a crystal Papa John's restaurant trophy...

Operators Recognized for Exemplifying Papa John's Commitment to Superior-Quality and Customer Service
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced its 2011 Franchise Operators of the Year:

LMT Services, LLC, New Orleans: Hinkle Award (Domestic Small Group Franchisee of the Year, 1-3 restaurants): Kenyatta Ford-Theodore, Herb Theodore
PJ Cleveland West, LLC, Los Angeles: Domestic Medium Group Franchisee of the Year (4-10 restaurants): Abdi Neghabat, Rich Malekzadeh
Perfect Delivery, Greenville, NC: Domestic Large Group Franchisee of the Year (11 or more restaurants) -- Bo Knapp
KSC Limited, United Kingdom: International Franchisee of the Year -- Raheel Choudhary

Each of the Franchisee of the Year winners was honored at Papa John's Annual Operators Conference with a $20,000 cash award and a crystal Papa John's restaurant trophy...

New pizza arrives just in time for Basketball Tournament Fans
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Continuing its commitment to "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.", Papa John's today unveiled nationwide its new Buffalo Chicken pizza — a savory combination of creamy ranch sauce, all-white sliced chicken strips, crispy bacon, fresh-sliced onions and 100% real cheese made from mozzarella, all topped with a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce.
A large Buffalo Chicken pizza is available for just $10 beginning today at Papa John's restaurants nationwide, and online at www.papajohns.com.
"Consumers have spoken and we've listened," said Andrew Varga, chief marketing officer for Papa John's International, Inc. "America told us that they wanted Buffalo Chicken and that bacon was a favorite...

America's ‘Heads' Call in Papa John's ‘Super Bowl XVLI Coin Toss Experience' Results in Free Large Pizza and 2-Liter Pepsi MAX to all Papa Rewards Members
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hey America, are you ready for some free Papa John's pizza — the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL and Super Bowl XVLI? In one of the most anticipated "flips" in history, the coin toss for Super Bowl XVLI landed on "heads" this evening, resulting in a free large one-topping Papa John's pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX for the millions of members of Papa John's Papa Rewards customer loyalty program.
Fans who were enrolled in Papa Rewards as of 6 p.m. ET today will receive an email Monday with instructions on how to get their large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX...

NFL Stars Peyton Manning and Jerome Bettis Join Millions of Fans Enrolled in Papa Rewards Ready to Flip Over Free Pizza if Coin Toss Lands on Heads
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, today announced that America has called "heads" in Papa John's Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience. With America's call, the millions of fans enrolled in the company's Papa Rewards customer loyalty program will receive a free large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX if the coin toss in Super Bowl XLVI lands on "heads."
America chose which side of the coin based on popular vote the past 10 days at www.papajohns.com. "Heads" prevailed with 60 percent of the vote.
But making the call is just part of Papa John's Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience...

Peyton Manning and Jerome Bettis Help Papa John and Fans in Making the Call
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- No National Football League sponsor knows a quality "toss" like Papa John's founder, Chairman and CEO John Schnatter, but he's counting on America to call the coin toss for Super Bowl XLVI so that the country can flip over free pizza.
Papa John's, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, today unveiled its Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience, which includes a free large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX for the millions of fans enrolled in Papa John's Papa Rewards program … if America correctly "calls" the Super Bowl coin toss. No matter which team wins the Super Bowl, Papa John's fans have skin in the game...

Program offers zero franchise fee, a royalty waiver for up to 18 months, and $50,000 in restaurant equipment for new restaurants opened in 2012.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After another strong year of growth, including opening its 3,000th restaurant in North America, Papa John's is again offering franchisees an enticing package of incentives to grow within or join the Papa John's family. Under the company's 2012 Development Incentive Program announced today, qualifying restaurants opening in the U.S. in 2012 under this best-in-class program can receive:

No franchise fee ($25,000 value);
$50,000 in equipment, including two Middleby-Marshall ovens, which the franchisee may purchase for $50 after operating for three years;
A royalty waiver for up to 18 months; and
A $3,000 food credit with PJ Food Service, which operates Papa John's fresh dough and food distribution quality control centers, for each restaurant that opens at least 30 days prior to the scheduled opening date...

Company Raises 2011 Earnings Guidance
Highlights

2011 earnings per share range increased to $2.15 to $2.20
Projected 2012 earnings per share of $2.33 to $2.43
Projected 2012 North America system-wide comparable sales increase ranging from 1.5% to 2.5%
Projected 2012 International comparable sales increase ranging from 1.5% to 3.5% and International total system-wide sales increase ranging from 20% to 25%
Projected 2012 worldwide net unit openings ranging from 240 to 280 (110 to 130 net openings for North America and 130 to 150 net openings for International)

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced its 2012 operating assumptions and earnings guidance, and an increase in its 2011 earnings per share range to $2...

EPS Increased 37.5% over Prior Year Pro Forma Results on Strong Comparable Sales of 5.3% for North America and 4.7% for International
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2011.
Highlights

Third quarter system-wide comparable sales increased 5.3% for North America and 4.7% for International
Third quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.44 in 2011 vs. $0.30 in 2010 ($0.32 in 2010 excluding the impact of franchisee-owned BIBP cheese purchasing entity, a 37.5% increase)
47 worldwide net unit openings during the quarter
2011 guidance increased for EPS, worldwide comparable sales, and worldwide net restaurant openings

"I congratulate our operators throughout the world on achieving one of the best overall quarters in company history," commented Papa John's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Schnatter...

Papa John's to observe Veterans Day with 11-11-11 offer benefiting USO
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's today announced that it is partnering with the USO to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families by donating $1 for every online order at www.papajohns.com on Veterans Day, 11-11-11, between 11 a.m. ET and 11 p.m. PT.
"Supporting the men and women who serve and protect our country — and their families — is a great way to say thanks, which is what November is all about," said John Schnatter, Papa John's International, Inc. Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who was born on Thanksgiving Day. "Partnering with the USO will allow our Papa John's family and customers to give back and join the USO mission to lift the spirits of the U...

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--October 20, 2011--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) and the National Football League today announced that the pizza company known for its "Better Ingredients, Better Pizza" is now the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
The multi-year deal expands Papa John's official sponsorship of the NFL and the Super Bowl beyond the borders of the United States. In 2010, Papa John's signed an agreement to be the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL and Super Bowls XLV, XLVI and XLVII. That deal was the largest in Papa John's history and includes category exclusivity among delivery and carryout pizza brands.
The official sponsorship with the NFL in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom is effective immediately and includes providing Papa John's category exclusivity and rights to use NFL and team logos and trademarks in marketing and advertising...

Consumers Registered for Papa Rewards Online Customer Loyalty Program Have Chance to Win One of 60,000 Free Pizzas Each Week During Regular Season LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, announced today that it is kicking off the 2011 NFL regular season where it left off at Super Bowl XLV — offering all of America the chance to win a free large one-topping pizza.

With the season set to kick off this Thursday, Papa John's is rewriting the playbook by announcing the first-ever and one-of-a-kind Million Pizza Giveaway to members of its Papa Rewards online customer loyalty program.

"We are pleased to bring the excitement of free pizza during football season to our existing loyal customers and new enrollees in the Papa Rewards loyalty program at papajohns...

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the appointment of W. Kent Taylor to the company's Board of Directors.

Taylor, age 55, is the founder of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. a full-service, casual dining restaurant chain (NASDAQ: TXRH). He served as Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse from 2000 until 2004, and has served as its executive Chairman since 2004. Before founding the Texas Roadhouse concept in 1993, Taylor founded and co-owned Buckhead Bar and Grill in Louisville, Kentucky. He has more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

"We are delighted to have Kent join the Papa John's Board," said Papa John's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Schnatter...

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The more than 32 million travelers who annually pass through the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, N.C., now have a new dining option with the recent opening of a Papa John's restaurant.

The Papa John's restaurant, franchised by airport concessionaire, P.J.J.D. Enterprises, Inc., is located in the airport's main concourse food court and serves "Papa's Pizza for One," an 8-inch pizza made with Papa John's traditional fresh dough. It is the company's first airport location to serve Papa John's fresh dough product.

"We are very excited to be expanding Papa John's into airports, and are proud to be in the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport," said Tim North, Papa John's Senior Vice President of North American Operations...

Food Artist Uses Better Ingredients to Create Pizza Portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pizza lovers can get a slice of the Royal Wedding action after Papa John's commissioned a unique portrait pizza of Prince William and Kate Middleton to celebrate their marriage two weeks from today.

Just when you thought that the Royal Couple had it all... Papa John's commissioned a food artist in the United Kingdom to create a unique mosaic pizza portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton to celebrate their marriage on April 29. Kate's veil is made from mushrooms and her dress from cheese, while William's morning suit consists of salami and peppers. (Photo: Business Wire)

Papa John's worked with a food artist in the United Kingdom to create the topping mosaic pizza...

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the resignation of J. Jude Thompson as President, Co-Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Thompson, who has been a director of Papa John's since 2008 and an officer of the company since 2009, is leaving to spend time focusing on his interests in Arison Insurance Services, a Louisville-based insurance agency, and to pursue other opportunities.

"We thank Jude for his service to Papa John's," commented John H. Schnatter, the Company's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We've accomplished a lot during his three years with the company and we wish him well."

Thompson is a principal and co-founder of Assurance Investment Partners, Inc...

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the resignation of J. Jude Thompson as President, Co-Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Thompson, who has been a director of Papa John's since 2008 and an officer of the company since 2009, is leaving to spend time focusing on his interests in Arison Insurance Services, a Louisville-based insurance agency, and to pursue other opportunities.

"We thank Jude for his service to Papa John's," commented John H. Schnatter, the Company's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We've accomplished a lot during his three years with the company and we wish him well."

Thompson is a principal and co-founder of Assurance Investment Partners, Inc...

Large, pizza with up to four toppings is just $10.40 in final days of tax season LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- While the Internal Revenue Service is providing Americans three extra days to file their taxes this year, Papa John's is delivering relief to the entire nation this weekend — especially tax "pro-crust-inators" — by offering a large, original crust pizza with up to four toppings for just $10.40.

This Friday through Monday, April 15-18, consumers can get relief simply by entering the "1040" promotional code when placing orders at www.papajohns.com. The online-only offer is especially convenient to the growing number of Americans who file their taxes online. This year, the number of e-filers has risen nearly 7 percent from 2010 to more than 71 million people...