Operations

Papa John’s franchisor not shuttering Russia locations any time soon

Photo by istock.com

March 15, 2022

The Papa John's franchisor for 190 stores in Russia has no plans to close stores despite Papa John's International suspending all corporate operations in the country due to Russia's war on Ukraine.

Christopher Wynne's company, PJ Western, holds the 190 franchise agreements run by Russian franchisees, according to a New York Times report.

"The best thing I can do as an individual is show compassion for the people, my employees, franchisees and customers without judging them because of the politicians in power," Wynne, who is an American, told the Times.

Another reason for remaining open may be his company's investors and partners which include a Russian private equity firm, according to the news report.

Wynne acquired his Papa John's franchise in 2007 and became the master franchise, growing from four restaurants to nearly 200 with plans to expand to Germany and Poland, according to the Times report.

In regards to the corporate decision to no longer provide operational, business support or marketing to the Russian market, Wynne told the Times that he and the brand's corporate entity have different perspectives.

"I have a perspective where my interest is first and foremost my employees and franchisees and keeping the lines of cultural exchange with the Russian people open," Wynne told the Times.