On September 26th, Papa John’s celebrated a significant achievement by inaugurating its 300th restaurant in China, located in the vibrant city of Shanghai. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Shaquille O’Neal, a Papa John’s franchisee, board member, and brand ambassador, made a special visit. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the dedicated team members and warmly welcomed the enthusiastic customers to the brand-new restaurant.
As they celebrate the opening of their 300th restaurant in China, their gaze is set firmly on the future. Their ambitious plan entails the establishment of 1,750 restaurants in China by 2040, constituting the largest master franchise deal announced in the pizza industry in recent years.
“This occasion is to celebrate more than just another restaurant opening – it is also a testament to Papa Johns’ growth and vision for our presence in China,” says Amanda Clark, Papa Johns Chief Operating Officer, International. “With unwavering dedication to this market, we are excited to bring BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA and genuine pizza fandom to every corner of China; in a way that authentically connects with the local consumer. We are also delighted that our board member and franchise partner Shaquille O’Neal joined us in Shanghai to celebrate this special moment”.
Throughout the last two decades, Papa John’s has showcased its dedication to the Asian market by consistently providing high-quality ingredients and introducing culinary advancements tailored to satisfy the distinctive cravings of its consumers.
Papa John’s remains dedicated to catering to its market, staying attuned to cultural shifts, emerging trends, and evolving customer preferences. In recent years, they have employed quantitative research to gain deeper insights into their customer base in China. Leveraging data-driven insights, they have successfully collaborated with influential figures and celebrities such as IVE, a six-member, all-women K-pop group. This collaboration highlights how their pizzas serve as an ideal snack for various activities, such as cycling, camping, and more, aligning with the strong passion for outdoor pursuits observed among their Chinese customer base.
The prosperous global growth of Papa John’s in China is fueled by establishing meaningful connections with fresh audiences. They’ve established a robust presence on popular Chinese social platforms like Douyin (China’s counterpart to TikTok) and WeChat (resembling WhatsApp but with extensive social and service features). These platforms have significantly facilitated customer engagement, making it simpler for individuals to connect with Papa John’s.
