Papa Johns to close 'up to 100' sites as chain battles cost of living losses

09 January 2024 , 10:10

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Papa Johns has not officially confirmed how many branches potentially will be closed (Image: MEDIA WALES)

Popular high street pizza chain Papa Johns is set to close several locations across the country this year due to higher costs.

The international pizza chain - which operates 524 locations in the UK - is believed to be closing "dozens" of branches in the UK according to reports from the Sun. Papa Johns reportedly told investors that it anticipates "additional strategic restaurant closures of low-performing restaurants" to try and boost its profits.

However, one insider says the closures could impact potentially 100 Papa John sites. Papa Johns has declined to comment on the exact number of stores that could be closed over the coming year.

A spokesperson for Papa Johns said: "As we work to fully optimize our restaurant operations and improve profitability across the market, we will continue evaluating the growth potential of our restaurants. This includes working collaboratively with our franchisees to strategically close low-performing locations when necessary, as well as continuing to invest in the right locations for the benefit of our customers. We will work to fully support team members through any transitions."

However, the spokesperson said "no final decisions have been made at this time" over which locations, or how many, could end up closing.

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Papa Johns is the UK's second largest pizza takeaway brand - sitting behind Domino's. Papa Johns currently owns 118 branches and has 406 franchise stores. The first UK Papa Johns stores opened in Essex in 1999 and in 2013 it opened it's 200 UK store. Papa John closed 22 branches over the last year but at the same time opened 15 new sites.

It comes after the news that Revolution bars will close eight of their branches as their young target audience is feeling the strain of the cost-of-living crisis. The sites which are set to close were classed as "unprofitable" by the group.

The company said that Revolution sites in Beaconsfield, Derby, Reading, St Peters Liverpool and Wilmslow would close, and that it was working to try to redeploy staff from these sites. It will also close two Revolucion de Cuba sites in Sheffield and Southampton and the Playhouse in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. It has not confirmed the exact date of the closures.

The Mirror approached Papa Johns for comment.

Ruby Flanagan