Decision marks milestone as QSR maps long-term future
Papa John’s will move into a new HQ (headquarters) in Atlanta, Ga. at Three Ballpark Center in The Battery Atlanta, a popular live-work-play development. The announcement marks a milestone in a move that had been announced previously. Three Ballpark Center will be home to Papa John’s groups that work on marketing, communications, customer experience, operations, HR, communications, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, and development functions, in addition to the diversity, equity and inclusion team.
Papa John’s personnel working in IT, supply chain, accounting, and legal roles will remain at the Louisville executive offices. In addition, the resurgent pizza chain projected it will add 200 jobs in the Atlanta area. What’s more, the Atlanta and Louisville offices should see headcount increases over the next few years, as well.
“Our new Atlanta headquarters is the outcome of a process we began in late 2019 as an investment in our long-term growth and delivers on our purpose, values, and strategic business priorities,” said Rob Lynch, president and chief executive of Papa John’s. “We’re excited to expand in Atlanta—a vibrant city that’s home to several QSR brands and provides incredible access to a deep, diverse talent pool.”
Papa John’s follows Comcast and thyssenkrupp in establishing a regional HQ in The Battery Atlanta. Its new location will offer 60,000 square feet of space—enough room for a planned, state-of-the-art test kitchen. The QSR also operates an international office in London in the United Kingdom.
“We are honored they chose Three Ballpark Center to house their new global headquarters and we look forward to a long partnership with their leadership team and employees,” said Mike Plant, president and chief executive. Braves Development Company.
New and limited-time menu introductions, as well as the surging popularity of to-go orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, have boosted business. In its third quarter, Papa John’s posted year-over-year comp sales growth of 23.8 percent globally and increased US comp sales by 18.2 percent from last year. Last quarter, it also announced share repurchasing initiatives to the tune of $75M.
Company executives will spend time in Atlanta in the upcoming months to fill key positions and prepare for the transition. The new Papa John’s HQ should be ready for move-in by summer 2021.
Papa John’s, Three Ballpark Center, 788 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
Photo credit: Papa John’s (featured preview)
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