
Who is Papa John's?
Papa John's International, Inc. is the third largest pizza company in the world, based on system-wide sales, with over 3,400 restaurants worldwide.
Is this a public or private company?
Papa John's became a public company on June 8, 1993. The company stock is listed on the NASDAQ system, under the symbol PZZA.
What is Non-Traditional Development?
Non-Traditional opportunities include: universities; airports; military bases; stadiums; theme parks; water parks; amphitheatres; convenience stores, etc.
How much does it cost to build a Non-Traditional Papa John's restaurant?
The estimated initial investment required for a Non-Traditional restaurant ranges from approximately $56,850 to $260,000. This amount will vary depending on the size of the unit and the geographical area. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document for more information.
What is the franchise fee?
The initial Non-Trad franchise fee is $5,000 per unit. (Please see 25th Anniversary Development Incentive Program.)
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 non-traditional franchisees contribute to the national marketing fund and, if applicable, the local co-op. The contribution amounts are only 25% of the amounts required for Traditional restaurants.
*Papa John's Franchise Disclosure Document includes more detailed information regarding marketing and advertising fees.
What are your minimum financial requirements?
Depending upon 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 Requirements & Fees section for more information.
If I don't meet the financial or operational criteria to become a franchisee, may I partner with someone who does?
Yes. Please provide us with a resume and completed Request for Consideration Form 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 an FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document, or FDD, explains the key points of the franchise relationship, including sample development and franchise agreements, and provides additional information about the company.
Am I required to work in my restaurant?
No. If you have Quick Service Restaurant management experience, you may wish to act as the Principal Operator. However, 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, including contacting existing franchisees, with questions on marketing, finances, sales volumes, operations, etc. The amount of profit or loss is dependent upon a number of factors, including the ability of the franchisee to manage the business, drive sales volumes and control operating costs.
What other type of ongoing support does Papa John's provide?
Papa John's provides initial training and ongoing guidance. For more information about Papa John's Franchise Support System, please refer to the Non-Traditional development Support page of this website.
What kind of training requirements will I be expected to meet?
Before opening a Non-Trad restaurant, each franchisee must have an approved Principal Operator in place. Training will vary, depending upon the type of Non-Trad and menu options.
I want to become a Papa John's franchisee. What are the next steps?
First, please read all of the information on the Non-Traditional Development opportunities pages of this website. If you believe you meet Papa John's requirements and wish to become part of our franchise family, please complete the Franchise Application, which may be accessed via the Non-Traditional Development Requirements and Fees page of this website.




