An American pizza chain has shut down multiple restaurants nationwide following an earlier announcement of closing a significant number of locations this year.
Papa Johns International, known for its pizza delivery and takeout services, has ceased operations in various spots across 17 states in the US in 2025. The company had a total of 3,487 establishments in North America as of March, with most being franchised.
Back in February, Papa Johns declared its intention to shut down around 300 locations by the end of 2027, with the majority of closures expected to occur this year.
The decline in sales for Papa Johns can be attributed to various factors, including shifting consumer preferences away from pizza, escalating operational expenses, and a more price-conscious customer base.
In a similar vein, Pizza Hut, a competitor of Papa Johns, has also shuttered multiple outlets, prompting its parent company, Yum Brands, to consider selling the chain.
Papa Johns reported a 2% drop in same-store sales in North America in 2025 and a further 6.4% decline in the first quarter of this year, as per Fast Company.
The stock value of Papa Johns International has plummeted by approximately 21% year-to-date, contrasting sharply with the S&P 500, which has seen an increase of nearly 8% during the same period.
In the last five years, the pizza chain’s stock price has fallen by almost 70%.
According to Fast Company, more than 40 Papa Johns locations have closed thus far in 2025, with closures reported across various states in the US.
As part of its restructuring plan, Papa Johns has not disclosed the specific locations targeted for closure or the potential number of job losses.