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Papa Johns closes 74 stores amid ongoing financial losses

The pizza chain announced multiple closures as part of a difficult financial restructuring effort.

August 6, 2025 at 01:42 PM
blur Full list of Papa Johns chains closed in last 2 years

The pizza chain has announced dozens of store closures amid financial struggles.

Papa Johns announces closure of 74 UK stores following financial losses

Papa Johns has revealed the closure of 74 stores across the UK due to ongoing financial challenges. The company reported a significant pre-tax loss of £21.8 million for its latest financial year, following a loss of £19.2 million the previous year. Factors contributing to these losses include increased costs and geopolitical issues. Despite the losses, the chain managed to open seven new locations, resulting in a total of 457 branches, down from 524. The managing director emphasized a commitment to support affected employees during this transition, stating that "having people lose their jobs is the last option for us."

The firm has not yet detailed which specific locations will close but insists this move is part of a broader strategic review aimed at returning to profitability. While the closure of locations is disruptive, the management remains optimistic about the future, mentioning that the UK operation is profitable when excluding restructuring costs. The shift towards a more cautious consumer base poses additional challenges for the chain.

Key Takeaways

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Papa Johns closed 74 UK stores due to a £21.8 million loss
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The chain reported declining revenue from £95.9 million to £88.6 million
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Despite closures, 7 new locations opened contributing to a net of 457 stores
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Staff support during closures emphasized by management
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Company cites rising costs and geopolitical issues as key challenges
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Future profitability remains uncertain in a cautious consumer environment.

"Having people lose their jobs is the last option for us."

The management's commitment to employee support amidst closures shows a more responsible approach to difficult decisions.

"Our goal is to work with impacted team members and attempt to find redeployment opportunities where available."

This statement reflects the company's desire to minimize the impact on its staff during restructuring.

"We understand the impact this will have on our team members and are committed to supporting them during this time."

This quote highlights the company's acknowledgment of the human cost of business decisions during closures.

"We are pleased with the momentum we are seeing so far this year."

This indicates a hopeful outlook despite challenges faced, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

This wave of closures at Papa Johns marks a critical moment for the pizza chain, which must navigate a rapidly changing market. The combination of rising costs and shifting consumer behavior underscores the vulnerability of many businesses in the food industry. As the company grapples with maintaining profitability, the impact on employees and local communities raises concerns. The retail landscape, especially for food services, is becoming increasingly competitive, and a strategy focused on sustainability and employee support is paramount for long-term success. The unwillingness to make job cuts too hastily suggests a more humane approach, but time will tell if this delicate balance can bring back them needed profits.

Highlights

  • Papa Johns emphasized that having people lose their jobs is the last option.
  • The performance of closures meant there was no business case to keep them open.
  • We’ve made significant progress in repositioning the business for growth.
  • Consumer confidence remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Financial struggles lead to store closures

Papa Johns' significant financial losses raise concerns about its future viability and job security for employees.

The challenges Papa Johns faces reflect broader trends in the food service sector, urging a rethinking of business models.

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