Papa Johns closes East Midlands branches temporarily

A batch of Papa Johns stores in the East Midlands are temporarily shut as the company reviews its UK operations.

Papa Johns closes East Midlands branches temporarily

Papa Johns confirmed that a number of its East Midlands stores are temporarily closed, affecting branches in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. About 18 outlets were not accepting online orders, and attempts to call the listed numbers resulted in a busy signal or a recorded message noting a waiting list. A company spokesperson said the closures are temporary and that the firm is working to understand the situation and support affected team members while planning to reopen soon.

Separately, the British arm reported a pre-tax loss of £21.8 million for its most recent financial year, adding to a £19.2 million deficit in 2023. The company says the UK business is profitable when excluding restructuring costs as part of a strategic review and that it has made progress repositioning the business for growth. Papa Johns began in the United States more than 40 years ago and now operates around 400 branches in the UK.

The closures highlight the pressure on mid market chains in a competitive takeout market. A temporary pause in store activity can be a prudent step during restructuring, but it also tests how well the company can retain customers while it reshapes its UK footprint. If management channels clear communication and maintains staff support, the move could sharpen a clearer path to profitability. If not, the brand risks eroding trust in local markets and among investors who watch these operational signals closely.

Highlights

Time will tell whether the region’s shutdowns translate into a stronger long term plan for the UK network.