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Still-struggling Papa John’s leans on Shaquille O’Neal partnershipStill-struggling Papa John’s leans on Shaquille O’Neal partnership

Papa John’s announces fall national advertising campaign; teases new vegan menu items

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

August 7, 2019

3 Min Read
papa johns shaquille oneal partnership
Papa john's

Papa John’s International, Inc. is still climbing out of the hole after a rough year. For the second quarter ended June 30, the Louisville, Ky.-based pizza chain reported a same-store sales decrease of 5.7% for North America, and systemwide same-store sales drop of 3.8%. CEO Steve Ritchie attributes the negative (but improving) same-store sales to a slow and steady turnaround in negative consumer sentiment.

Despite the deflated numbers, the Papa John’s team expressed optimism for the future, strongly due to the pizza chain’s partnership with Shaquille O’Neal first announced in March. In addition to taking a seat on the company’s executive board, O’Neal is serving as brand ambassador.

“We started seeing sentiment improvement when we announc...

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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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