EXCLUSIVE: Papa John's banks on flexibility to continue post-lockdown momentum
The chain remains unfazed in its growth strategy to find multi-store operators.
Papa John’s looks to stay on target in the UK, saying it expects to reach its usual number of store openings this year despite initial restrictions induced by the pandemic.
“We're pretty fortunate to be in a position in terms of being able to deliver hot food within the government guidelines,” the pizza chain’s director of business development in the UK, Justin Gilbert told QSR Media. “It's going to fuel our business model and enable us to continue to serve customers across the UK during this changing time.”
The chain recently surpassed the 450 mark, store count-wise - something Gilbert attributes to their flexible approach in choosing locations. Key partnerships with non-traditional venues such as holiday parks and stadiums, he said, play a role in this strategy.
This is something that we're constantly looking to grow going forward,” he explained.
He clarified, however, that they are still “actively looking” for high street locations.
“We are a flexible franchise model and based on the outcome that we're looking to achieve, we can then design the model backward to figure out what is the right structure for the setup or partnership relating to new stores,” he explained.
The firm remains proactive in searching for multi-store franchisees or operators, which can operate a portfolio of more than five stores.
“We want to make sure that [prospective franchisees] match our values and are incremental to the brand - that they have the capability to be able to grow and ensure that they have a viable business,” he said.
Papa John’s is one of the first chains to implement contactless delivery in the UK. Other means to ensure safety of customers and staff include the removal of facilities to pay by cash and stricter hygiene standards.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the industry, Gilbert opts for a positive take on adapting.
“I don't spend up a lot of time thinking about the negative aspects of what could happen and things like that,” he said. “I've spent a lot of time considering how our brand will adapt to the ever-changing needs of consumers and how we can meet them.”
