News

Franchisee trades in Papa John's business for fast casual Mexican concept

December 23, 2014

A Kansas-based 10-unit Papa John's franchisee, Terry Newman, has sold his Papa John's Wichita holdings business to focus on a new, yet-to-be-named Chipotle-like Mexican concept. According to Wichita Business First, he will open the new business in the Wichita market first. 

St. Louis-based Matt O'Donnell purchased the Papa John's units for an undisclosed amount. 

Newman spent 30 years in the pizza business and told the publication that now is the right time for the move. He will keep his Papa John's Hawaii holdings and plans to add a new store on Maui.

Newman said he plans to franchise the Mexican concept once he has it up and running and likens its food to Chipotle's.