News

Papa John's plants roots in northeastern France

June 9, 2016

Papa John's is moving into France this spring, opening its first restaurant in Kingersheim, France in May under the ownership of franchisee Hassan Bouanaka. It's the first of 30 the franchisee hopes to open in France in the next decade.

"I am excited to bring Papa John's pizza to France," said Bouanaka, in a company release. "Papa John's will surely elevate the pizza experience for the French."

The restaurant location provides a positive employment opportunity in France, where one in four citizens under the age of 25 is looking for work, according to a news release.

"In addition to bringing quality pizza to France, we are excited to bring additional career opportunities to young people in the area," said Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Tim O'Hern.

The entry into France is part of Papa John's european expansion, which includes the chain's recent opening in Madrid, Spain, as well as the upcoming July opening in the Netherlands. The chain is also seeking franchisees in other areas of France, as well as Poland, Czech Republic and Belgium.