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Is Papa John’s making a comeback? Pizza chain sees 2.4% increase in same-store salesIs Papa John’s making a comeback? Pizza chain sees 2.4% increase in same-store sales

Papa John’s new CEO Rob Lynch credits positive acceleration with product innovation and a strong marketing push

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

February 26, 2020

3 Min Read
papa johns earnings
Papa John's performance is finally turning around.Papa John's

Joanna Fantozzi

After a year and a half of struggling to rebuild their reputation following the scandal involving founder John Schnatter, Papa John’s might finally be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. In his first earnings call as CEO, Rob Lynch highlighted the brand’s financial improvements: same-store sales were up 2.4% internationally and 3.5% in North America for the fourth quarter, ended December 29, 2019. This marks the second quarter in a row of positive sales momentum.

Lynch attributed the better-than-expected numbers to strong marketing campaigns working hand in hand with product innovation, like the introduction of the new parmesan garlic crust and fold-over sandwich, the Papadia, as touted by executive board member Shaq...

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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