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Papa John’s Delivers on Virtual Discovery Meetings

12 June 2020

11 June 2020: Leading pizza franchise, Papa John’s, has announced it is currently holding a series of virtual discovery meetings designed for potential franchisees to learn more about the fast food franchise.  

Phil Gaffer, QFP, franchise sales and business development manager Papa John’s UK

confirms:  “At Papa John’s in the UK, we are fortunate to be able to support our communities by delivering hot food to those staying at home and to people in outdoor locations that are in line with government advice, all the while continuing to offer great value for our top quality pizza made with the freshest, finest ingredients.  

“Our franchisee recruitment process is the same, yet we have needed to become ‘virtual’ for some elements.  I usually start by speaking to potential franchisees over the phone, then they attend a discovery day where we meet in-person.  Normally, I’m on the road twice a week holding discovery meetings across the UK.  Now we’ve launched weekly ‘virtual’ discovery meetings online.  

“These 1-to-1 sessions are the first step in getting to know the candidate and for them to get to know Papa John’s.  Many have tried Papa John’s and love the product and now these remote sessions are the chance to learn how the tried and tested franchise concept works.  They are an opportunity for both parties to ask questions to see if there could be a good fit for the future.  I am also planning virtual regional recruitment events which will start to be held early in the summer too.

“In addition, for those a little further down their franchise journey, we will soon be holding our first online guest visit event.  Under normal circumstances, this is the next step where the candidates visit our Quality Control Centre in Milton Keynes.  The remote visit will include meeting key members of the team including those from national marketing, local marketing, construction and site selection, finance, product development plus the leadership team. There will also be a virtual store visit to watch pizza being made.  The guest visit will now last half a day instead of a full day and will be held each month until we are able to resume in-person visits. 

“For many people, the COVID-19 situation has meant a change in work patterns.  More time at home has given people the chance to reflect, take stock, think of the big picture and their future.  I’ve been talking to those who are looking ahead and interested in pursuing a new direction.  Papa John’s sustainable multi-unit business model is an attractive proposition.  

“For those interested in running a multi-unit Papa John’s franchise, we have opportunities throughout the UK.  We are particularly looking for franchisees to develop businesses in the North West, North East, Nottinghamshire and the South West.  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.”  


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