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The real numbers on owning a Papa John's franchise

Pizza - QSR Franchise · FDD 2026 · from public state filings
CDisclosure honesty
This franchisor discloses earnings (Item 19) — but read how.
Investment
$281,485–$890,267
Total fees
11% of sales
Outlets
3,294
Closure signals
82 ceased, 0 terminated
Lawsuits
3

What their own earnings claim actually says

Sales data for 2,837 standard restaurants (2025): median $1.07M system-wide, average $1.12M. Top 25% averaged $1.64M. No Non-Traditional/Small-Town data provided.

Failure & turnover reality (Item 20)

82 ceased operations (2025); 125 transfers suggest ownership churn.

Legal history (Item 3)

3 matters disclosed.

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Franchisor's framing: Sales data for 2,837 standard restaurants (2025): median $1.07M system-wide, average $1.12M. To…
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Papa John's franchise — frequently asked

How much does a Papa John's franchise cost?
The FDD lists a total initial investment of about $281,485–$890,267, including a $25,000 initial franchise fee.
How much do Papa John's franchise owners make?
Sales data for 2,837 standard restaurants (2025): median $1.07M system-wide, average $1.12M. Top 25% averaged $1.64M. No Non-Traditional/Small-Town data provided. We grade this disclosure C for honesty.
What is the Papa John's franchise failure rate?
82 ceased operations (2025); 125 transfers suggest ownership churn.
Is a Papa John's franchise worth it?
It depends on the numbers, not the pitch. Papa John's scores C on disclosure honesty, carries about 11% of sales in ongoing fees, and discloses 3 legal matters. Get the real owner take-home before you sign.

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Source: MN CARDS 35810-202604-11 (Clean FDD 2026). FranchiseValidate is independent and not affiliated with Papa John's or its franchisor. Figures are extracted from the franchisor's own public disclosure document; verify against the current FDD before any decision.