Meet Rob Lynch, Papa John's CEO

The Editorial Team , writer

Published at 05/12/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Meet Rob Lynch, Papa John's CEO
Photo © papa-johns-ceo.jpg
Photo © Rob-Lynch-Papa-Johns.png

Ever wondered who owns Papa John’s? Or how you can get involved with this profitable pizza delivery business that’s taken the UK by storm over the past 20 years? Look no further than this article all about Rob Lynch, the current Papa John’s CEO, and the ins and outs of starting your own franchise with the pizza giant.

If you’re a lover of Italian food, great customer service and endless expansion opportunities, a Papa John’s franchise is probably right up your street. Choosing the right pizza franchise investment for you is never easy, and it always takes some research since everyone has different professional wants and needs. But with a fast food franchise as popular, successful and well-known as Papa John’s? You’ll find it’s pretty hard to go wrong.

Who is Rob Lynch, the CEO of Papa John’s?

The first thing you need to know if you want to start a franchise in the Papa John’s network is who the big boss is. Rob Lynch is the current CEO of Papa John’s, and he’s held the position since August 2019. Rob was previously the Marketing VP at Taco Bell and the President of Arby’s Restaurant Group.

With so much experience in QSR (over 20 years total), it’s no surprise that Papa John’s is in safe hands and performing well with Rob at the helm. During his two year tenure thus far, the franchise has seen a sales surge [Briefly] and plenty of marketing refreshment, including a November 2021 logo rebrand.


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What is Papa John’s UK?

Papa John’s was founded by John Schnatter in 1984. What started in a knocked-out broom closet is now a global business with over 4,000 stores worldwide - including 400 in the UK. Papa John’s has been named Pizza Delivery Chain of the Year multiple times over [Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association], and has been expanding in the UK since the first store across the pond opened back in 2000.

The Papa Johns’s pizza empire now employs around 15,000 people across the world [US Securities and Exchange Commission], and you could be one of the UK contingent if you’re interested in making a career change with a pizza franchise that’s a hugely successful household name with a 100% proven business model.

Does Papa John’s franchise?

Yes, Papa John’s welcomes UK franchisees. As mentioned above, there are hundreds of locations already open across the country, and the pizza franchise is working towards 600+ sites. If you’re looking to make a fast food delivery franchise investment with a hugely profitable company, here’s how you can become a PapaJohn’s franchisee...

  • Becoming a Papa John’s franchisee: You don’t need any previous industry experience, though it would be helpful. You should, however, be communicative, driven, passionate and always willing to listen and learn.
  • How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £100,000, with franchise fees of £18,500 and a total investment cost of £200,000.
  • What you get for your investment: You’ll receive six weeks of initial training at the centre in Milton Keynes, including classroom and practical work. You’ll then have access to further training courses at the centre and online, as well as the extensive and continuous support of a dedicated Franchise Business Manager.

Alternative franchise investment opportunities in the pizza industry

1. Caprinos Pizza

Caprinos Pizza was founded in Didcot and has expanded rapidly since this point. There are now over 50 franchise locations across the UK delivering popular pizza (including halal options) to customers each working day.

  • Becoming a Caprinos franchisee: No experience is necessary. You simply need to be a hard-working determined person who’s committed to growing a successful pizza delivery franchise.
  • How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £85,000, with franchise fees of £5,000, a total investment cost of £95,000 and monthly operating and royalty fees of £5000 and 3% respectively.
  • What you get for your investment: You’ll receive a programme of initial training including 14 days training on the job, along with all the operational materials and ongoing support that you need to succeed.

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2. Moninna’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Moninna’s Ristorante & Pizzeria serves fresh Italian dishes to its customers, including delicious pizza and decadent pasta. These dishes can be enjoyed in-restaurant or delivered, and though the franchise was only founded in early 2020, it’s already enjoying rapid growth in the UK.

  • Becoming a Moninna’s franchisee: If you’re passionate, customer-focused and entrepreneurial, you’re perfect for Moninna’s - no prior experience in hospitality is required.
  • How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £25,000, with franchise fees of £10,000 and operating and advertising fees charged at 9% and 7% respectively.
  • What you get for your investment: You’ll enjoy comprehensive training (including buddying and in-restaurant learning). Once you’re all set up, you’ll have access to all the ongoing support you need - including to the online Moninna Hub full of useful resources.

3. Bella Italia

Bella Italia is a very popular contemporary Italian restaurant franchise with over 100 outlets across Britain. The franchise has many loyal customers across the globe who love its menu of pizza, pasta and grill options.

  • Becoming a Bella Italia franchisee: You’ll need to be well-funded with a good local network, plenty of long-term ambitions and a strong background of food and beverage experience, particularly in the casual dining sub-sector.
  • How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £350,000, with franchise fees of £25,000, a total investment cost of £700,000 and a royalty fee charged at 6%.
  • What you get for your investment: You’ll receive extensive training from a dedicated team, and you’ll have access to comprehensive property, operating and safeguarding support. On a quarterly basis, your business will be reviewed to ensure it’s on track.

Running your own business could be profitable and fun with Papa John’s

If you’d love to start your journey into the pizza sector with an investment in Papa John’s and you’ve got the capital to make it happen, don’t let anything stop you! Continue your research into the thriving company on Point Franchise, and check out a comprehensive Q+A about franchising with the brand.

The Editorial Team , writer

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