Franchising

Papa John's signs biggest store development deal in 20 years

Papa John's new deal will add dozens of stores to the Philadelphia area. (Photo: iStock)

September 10, 2020

Papa John's International Inc. signed its largest traditional store development agreement in North America in more than 20 years, to drive growth of in the metro Philadelphia area, according to a news release.

Under the agreement, HB Restaurant Group will open 49 stores in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey between 2021 and 2028. The company, which owns 43 restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic area, has been a Papa John's franchisee since April 2019.

"Recent record sales have driven further gains in store profitability," Amanda Clark, Papa John's chief development officer said in the release. "We're excited to grow our partnership with HB Restaurant Group, already an important member of the Papa John's family, as we accelerate our development activities at this unique moment for the brand."

Papa John's is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and had more than 5,300 restaurants in 49 countries and territories as of March 29.