Leading pizza franchise, Papa John’s, has named franchisee, Tofur Ali as the winner of the Highest Sale Growth Store 2018, for his Sheffield store located on Prince of Wales Road. The award win was announced at Papa John’s biggest ever UK franchise conference in Birmingham recently.
Tofur Ali explains: “I was delighted with the award which underlines the hard work and commitment from every member of my team at the Prince of Wales, Sheffield store. I took over the store at the end of 2017 and since then have restructured the team and worked to improve the processes to ensure everything was in order. There was no magic wand! I didn’t do any big marketing campaign, I just simply got right back to basics.
“I took a ‘train the trainer’ course with Papa John’s and this has helped me work with my team to grow their knowledge and keep them motivated. Having a solid structure, a good rota system means staff know what’s going on and what is expected. In return, I really appreciate their efforts and create a positive vibe and buzz around the store and the customers pick up on it too.
Tofur confirms: “Regardless of experience, background or culture, we make everyone feel comfortable and appreciated. I encourage my staff to work with integrity and respect for others and this goes a long way. We have created a mini Papa John’s family: I care, so they care and I know they will do a great job. The sales results really look after themselves!”
Tofur Ali worked for a rival pizza firm for 10 years before joining Papa John’s in 2011. With a background in commission sales he originally stumbled into the pizza industry by taking on a part-time delivery job during quieter times. Over the years, he worked his way up to become head of operations at an Essex pizza store but there was no opportunity with that company to go self-employed. “It seemed they didn’t care about the little people,” Tofur explains.
“Papa John’s on the other hand was growing rapidly and there were lots of opportunities. My first Papa John’s store in Brentwood store was a huge success and it became one of the busiest in the UK. I have since sold Brentwood and now run two stores in Sheffield with plans to open a total of eight in the surrounding area. I like a challenge and I haven’t finished yet, so watch this space!”
Papa John’s is actively recruiting for more enthusiastic franchisees hungry to join the team.
As one of the largest pizza companies in the world, Papa John’s has opportunities for franchisees throughout the UK. Help is provided with location selection and full turn-key opening of stores. As a franchise, the Company supplies all the assistance needed to get your successful Papa John’s up and running.