While many restaurants are closing their doors and laying off employees, Papa John’s is looking to ramp up hiring to keep up with delivery and takeout demand during the coronavirus panic. Similar to Domino’s, which announced its accelerated hiring measures last week, Papa John’s is looking to hire 20,000 restaurant team members, including customer service representatives, cashiers, pizza chefs, drivers, assistant managers and manager-level positions.
“For anyone looking for immediate ways to earn an income, we’re making it quick and simple to apply, interview and be hired at Papa John’s,” said Marvin Boakye, Papa John’s chief people and diversity officer in a press statement. “We want to add talented team members to our Papa John’s family across the country to deliver food safely to our customers’ doorsteps. We are in the unique position – as a restaurant that specializes in delivery and carryout – to help our communities through this crisis.
To get as many team members on board as possible, Papa John’s is expediting the hiring process by directing potential employees to apply to jobs online or begin the process via text message (by texting JOBS to 47272). Applicants will oftentimes be interviewed on the same day and potentially start working that day.
As the restaurant industry falters during this time of crisis, delivery-focused restaurants have had a distinct advantage because they are not frantically closing dining rooms. Over the past week, there has been a nationwide push for customers to consider delivery. DoorDash just introduced an #OpenforDelivery social media and marketing campaign in partnership with other third-party delivery services which offers health and safety information about food delivery and encourages customers to still get takeout to support foodservice businesses. Another social media push, #TheGreatAmericanTakeout, is encouraging customers to order takeout or delivery nationwide on Tuesday, March 24, to support local businesses.
In addition to ramping up hiring, Papa John’s has also implemented contactless delivery and increased sanitation measures, including a ban of all cash payments and tips for delivery drivers.
This hiring push comes on the heels of a comeback fourth quarter for Papa John’s, as reported at the end of February, with same store sales up 3.5%.
As of December 29, Papa John’s has 5,395 locations worldwide.
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