Press Kit

BIO

“Papa” John Schnatter (shh-nott- er) is the founder and former chairman and CEO of Papa John’s Int. Schnatter is a father and grandfather, the founder of Papa John’s International, a major philanthropist who cares deeply about investing in tomorrow’s leaders, and one of America’s most iconic entrepreneurs.

BACKGROUND

In 1983, John Schnatter delivered his last college campus pizza, received his business degree from Ball State University and headed home to Jeffersonville, Indiana. There, at age 22, he knocked down a broom closet in his father’s tavern, installed an oven and began delivering pizza out of the back of the bar.

But success didn’t come without sacrifice — when his father’s tavern was struggling to stay afloat, Schnatter decided to sell his beloved Chevy Camaro just to save the family business. Thanks to John’s dedication and years of hard work putting customers and team members first, a small tavern transformed into a restaurant company that would eventually grow to over 5,000 stores in 45 countries, all focused on the idea of “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.”

Though no longer a major shareholder, John still has an interest in seeing the company he founded succeed. He’s also a philanthropist who continues to support charitable endeavors across the country, a fitness and nutrition enthusiast, and most importantly, a father and a grandfather.

TIMELINE OF BIG EVENTS

November, 2017 – NFL Comments on Earnings Call
May, 2018 – Laundry Service/Papa John’s Conference Call
July, 2018 – Schnatter filed a lawsuit in Delaware against Papa John’s Pizza
January, 2019 – Delaware Chancery Court rules in John’s favor, requiring PJ to provide emails and texts from directors
December, 2019 – Schnatter files lawsuit against ad firm, Laundry Service
October, 2020 – First Amended Complaint filed
December, 2020 – Former FBI Director Louis Freeh releases report
March, 2021 – Laundry Service recording released
September, 2022 – Motion to Dismiss denied
November, 2022 – Second Amended Complaint filed

NOTEWORTHY PRESS COVERAGE

The Truth About ‘Papa John’ Schnatter Finally Comes Out

Papa John Was Railroaded

‘F*cking Super Right Wing’: Papa John’s Founder Accuses PR Firm Of Leaking Racism Allegations Over Money, Political Dispute

‘Papa John’ Says PR Company Planted Racism Allegations After He Would Not Pay $6M

Papa John’s Founder Alleges Former Laundry Service CEO is Caught on Tape Conspiring to Send Him ‘Out to Pasture’

Ex-FBI director clears Papa John’s founder of racial bias, slams ‘clearly inaccurate’ media

PRESS CONTACT

abdelnour@proactivecommunications.com

QUICK FACTS

Born in Jeffersonville, IN
Graduated from Jeffersonville High School, then Ball State University
Co-founded the Center for Free Enterprise at the University of Louisville in 2015 as well as the Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise at the University of Kentucky
During his 33 years leading the company, he grew Papa John’s to over 5,000 stores in 45 countries
John was the face and spokesman for the brand
John has 3 children and 3 grandchildren
Hobbies include: Cycling, traveling, health and fitness
Pledged $1M toward small businesses for COVID-19 relief
Published book: The Story of Papa John’s Pizza

IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASES

Papa John’s Founder Files Lawsuit Against Ad Firm “Laundry Service”

Shocking New Details Revealed In Papa John’s Founder’s Lawsuit Against Ad Firm

Statement by Papa John Schnatter on Investigation Conducted by Former FBI Director Louis Freeh

Former FBI Director Freeh Releases Investigative Report on Papa John’s Founder

Federal Court Unseals Complaint Detailing Secret Plot to Damage Papa John’s Founder and Company Brand

Bombshell Recording Exonerates Papa John’s Founder of Racism Claims, Alleges Set-up by Ad Firm Hired by Former Company CEO, Steve Ritchie

PRESS KIT

BIO