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The Halifax Group invests a majority stake in largest Papa John’s franchisee, PJU HoldingsThe Halifax Group invests a majority stake in largest Papa John’s franchisee, PJU Holdings

The private-equity firm rejoins the company after having previously invested from 2007 to 2013

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

December 8, 2020

1 Min Read
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Private-equity firm the Halifax Group announced Tuesday that they will be investing once again in Papa John’s largest franchisee, PJU Holdings, Inc. (Papa John’s United), which has 194 locations across 10 states. Halifax Group had previously invested in the Birmingham, Ala.-based franchisee from 2007 to 2013 and is now reinvesting a majority stake in the company for an undisclosed amount.

Papa John’s United has been a franchisee for 29 years and was previously a portfolio company of TPG Growth.

“We are appreciative for the support that TPG Growth has provided us over the past years and are excited to partner again with Halifax to execute on our strategy for joint success,” Doug Stephens, CEO of Papa John’s United, said in a statement. “Halifax shares our passion for operational excellence and has demonstrated that it can be a valuable strategic partner that will allow us to continue to build our business.”

The Halifax Group, meanwhile, specializes in equity recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs and management buyouts. 

“We are honored to be chosen again by the PJ United management team as their partner, and to rejoin the Papa John’s family,” Scott Plumridge, managing partner at Halifax, said in a statement. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for the business that Doug and his team have built over the last three decades and continue to believe that Papa John’s is the premier national brand in delivery pizza.”

Halifax did not respond in time for comment about whether or not their investment is a majority stake.

Contact Joanna Fantozzi at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi

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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