Papa Johns is the latest pizza chain to close hundreds of locations following a tough quarter as customers pull back on spending.
The company revealed during Thursday’s earnings call that approximately 300 underperforming restaurants in North America will close by the end of 2027, with about 200 of them shuttering this year.
The affected restaurants are those “not meeting brand expectations or lack a clear path to sustainable financial improvement, as well as locations where we can effectively transfer sales to a nearby restaurant,” said Ravi Thanawala, Papa Johns chief financial officer and president of the chain’s North America operations.
Dough (makes 3 pizzas in 12" skillet)
Total = $2.31
This dough recipe is for 3 pizzas in an 12" skillet. Mix all the dry ingredients, then mix in oil, then slowly mix in water. Knead for 10 min or stand mix for 5. Oil a large bowl and let dough rise covered until doubled 60-90min in a warm place. Dump dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 3 pieces.
Preheat oven 450F. In a cast iron skillet coat the bottom in olive oil then spread dough out to edges. If the dough want to contract a lot, let it rest for 5 min then press it out again. Cover with sauce, cheese and toppings
Bake for ~23 min until the cheese is melted and golden.
Take the skillet out of the oven and trace the edges with a knife to free the cheese edge. Then turn on a burner to medium and cook the bottom for around 5 minutes to develop an extra crispy bottom.