Franchising
Papa Johns inks deal with Bajco Group to open 50 restaurants
April 10, 2024
Papa Johns struck a deal with franchisee Nadeem Bajwa and his company, The Bajco Group, to open 50 restaurants by 2028. The expansion targets Bajwa's existing markets in the Midwest, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Florida, building on his current ownership of more than 200 Papa Johns locations, according to a press release.
This agreement aligns with Papa Johns' "Back to Growth Program" aimed at boosting North American growth. The program offers financial incentives for new restaurants, including projected cost savings, to improve profitability and attract new franchisees. Papa Johns is also strengthening its development team to support franchisee growth initiatives.
"Nadeem's story is a clear example of how Papa Johns supports its franchisees to build shared success," Joe Sieve, Papa Johns' chief restaurant officer, said in the press release. "After starting his Papa Johns journey as a delivery driver, today he is one of the strongest ambassadors for the opportunities Papa Johns presents to its team members and franchisees. Nadeem's confidence in the brand and expertise in the industry reinforces why he knows there has never been a better time to grow with Papa Johns."
"Signing this deal, I am as excited today as I was 20 years ago when I opened my first restaurant," Bajwa said in the press release. "Papa Johns is not just about business. My team members are my family, and that's a whole different ballgame. I'm proud that in partnership with Papa Johns, I have been able to pursue my own aspiration, and watch my own team members go from starting their first jobs to becoming leaders."
Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky. The brand has over 5,900 restaurants in approximately 50 countries.
