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

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.