Papa John’s Pizza is a well-known American pizza chain that has been in operation for over 30 years. The company was founded by John Schnatter in 1984, and it has grown to become one of the largest pizza chains in the world, with over 5,000 locations in 45 countries. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the company, its ownership, and its current status.
The History of Papa John’s Pizza
Papa John’s Pizza was founded by John Schnatter in 1984. Schnatter started the company in the back of his father’s bar, using $1,600 of his own money to purchase used pizza equipment. The first Papa John’s Pizza was located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and it was an immediate success.
In the following years, Schnatter expanded the company by opening more locations and developing new menu items. By the 1990s, Papa John’s Pizza had become one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the United States, and it went public in 1993.
Ownership of Papa John’s Pizza
Papa John’s Pizza is currently a publicly traded company, with shares traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol PZZA. The company is owned by a combination of shareholders, including institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual investors.
As of 2023, John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John’s Pizza, is the largest individual shareholder of the company, owning approximately 30% of the company’s shares. Schnatter resigned as CEO of the company in 2018, but he remains a member of the board of directors.
Current Status of Papa John’s Pizza
Papa John’s Pizza continues to be one of the largest pizza chains in the world, with over 5,000 locations in 45 countries. The company is known for its high-quality ingredients, and its menu includes a variety of pizza options, as well as sides and desserts.
In recent years, the company has focused on expanding its delivery and online ordering capabilities, as well as its international presence. In 2020, the company reported revenue of over $1.7 billion, and it continues to grow in terms of both sales and number of stores.
Conclusion
Papa John’s Pizza is a well-known American pizza chain that was founded by John Schnatter in 1984. The company has grown to become one of the largest pizza chains in the world, with over 5,000 locations in 45 countries. Papa John’s Pizza is a publicly traded company, with shares traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange, and it is owned by a combination of shareholders, including institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual investors. John Schnatter is the largest individual shareholder of the company, owning approximately 30% of the company’s shares. Papa John’s Pizza continues to be successful, focusing on expanding its delivery and online ordering capabilities, as well as its international presence.