This is a guest post.
If you are not moving forward, you could be moving backward, so positive change is vital for a company. This is even true for a company that has a solid reputation for providing excellent menu items at great prices. Rob Lynch, Papa Johns CEO, has set out to make sure this proud pizza establishment with restaurants around the world remains an industry leader for years to come.
Targeted changes have already resulted in a new way of doing business, with more changes on the way in 2022. These improvements support customers and employees in various ways:
A positive company culture that supports diversity
An emphasis on new and favorite menu items
A collaborative effort that values input from franchises
An innovative approach to marketing strategies
All of this has helped the restaurant move forward after a difficult time. This has allowed Papa John’s to support established franchises and open new ones throughout the U.S. and international markets.
Who Is Rob Lynch?
After many years as the driving force behind several large companies, Rob Lynch signed on as Papa John’s CEO in 2019. He inherited a company that had some issues with company culture and since then has worked to turn things around. As the head of Papa Johns management, Lynch quickly went to work identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the company.
He used a collaborative approach and soon spoke with many of the owners of franchises around the country. One aspect of the change was a menu innovation strategy that allowed new menu items that excited customers and employees. These new offerings included the popular Papadias and the Shaqaroni pizza. By allowing the restaurants to utilize the existing ingredients and preparation techniques, the changes proceeded smoothly.
The results empowered franchises and pleased customers. These changes helped improve cash flow. Revenues from the company increased by as much as 17% from 2019 to 2020 while same-store sales grew by 24% in North America during this period.
Rob Lynch and Shaq Are Teaming Up
A new force in the company’s revitalization has been the presence of Shaquille O’Neal as a brand ambassador. While Shaq was a powerful force in the NBA for over a decade, he has been just as effective as a spokesperson and owner of franchises for the company. Shaq Papa Johns partnership has resulted in many memorable TV commercials that showcase the talents of Shaquille interacting with the public.
Lynch, the former president of Arby’s, is pleased with Shaq’s role and only wants it to grow. This will likely include more visibility as a company spokesperson as well as his role on the board of Papa John’s. Shaquille also has a few menu items named in his honor, including the Shaqaroni pizza line.
After several years of turmoil, the company now sees a bright path ahead. It will rely on solid food offerings, fair prices, customer safety and delivery innovations. All of this is driven by a company culture that values input from diverse voices and continues to offer intriguing menu items.
Nice, we order from Papa John’s a lot. Most of the time we get quality pizza but sometimes it feels like it’s been thrown together. So I hope he can make some positive changes and bring some better desserts!
I agree with that as well. I sure hope so!
Taking feedback from the franchinees will honestly help with additional growth! An open hand always gets back more than it gives.
Yes, for sure.
This is cool to know. My family loves Pappa Johns pizza.
I’m glad to hear that.
He did a wonderful job with Papa Johns. I love hearing how people take a company that is not doing well and bring it back to life. Great story.
I completely agree too.
Hmm interesting I didn’t know any of this. Good for Papa Johns, hope things are good from here on out.
I hope so as well.
They needed a facelift and I am glad to see they are getting it. I will definitely give them another chance, too!
Agreed!
Rob Lynch is such an inspiration to everyone that manages a business. Thanks for sharing his story
Yes, of course.
A company that is driven by the values of diverse voices and equality is ideal. He’s done so much for the company
He, he sure has.
This is really amazing such a really great post. Thanks for sharing all of this details with us!
Of course!
Thank you so much for sharing this very informative post. I would really love to try Papa Jhons pizza.
No problem. They sure have great pizza.
I didn’t hear about Rob Lynch. I hope the changes are all for the best.
I hope so as well.
It is always nice to see the big changes a CEO plans when he takes over an organization. I was glad to see the former CEO leave the company.
I’m glad that things are changing, and I hope for the better too.
Interesting! I hope they will make changes in here as well. We always order from Papa Johns, not a favorite tho.
I hope these changes are going to be great too.
Any company needs a change once in while. The market, the new generation is changing , so a successful company will always be updated.
I agree. I’m glad they’re going through some changes.
Papa Johns is my favorite of all of the chain pizza brands. I always enjoy The Works with the little peppers and garlic butter sauce ~ delish!
I really love them too. They have great food.
Sounds like great changes are made in Papa Johns. I love Papa John’s pizza.
Yes! I’m so glad to hear it too.
The story is so inspiring and so interesting too
Right! It sure is.
This is really neat! I used to work for Papa John’s and it had a lot of issues. Looks like he is turning it all around!
Right! I sure hope all goes well now.