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Papa John’s moving its headquarters to metro Atlanta, creating 200 jobs

ATLANTA — Papa John’s is expanding into Georgia as it plans to open a new global headquarters in metro Atlanta next year.

The pizza chain made the announcement Thursday morning.

The new headquarters will be the new location for menu innovation, marketing, customer experience, HR, diversity, equity and inclusion, communications and development functions. A company spokesperson told Channel 2 Action News the move will create 200 jobs in metro Atlanta

Papa John’s said it new headquarters will be “a key element of a broader reorganization of corporate functions, reflecting the company’s ongoing transformation into a brand and culture that can effectively and efficiently deliver on the company’s purpose, values and strategic business priorities.”

“Shortly after setting a new strategic direction for Papa John’s late last year, we began to assess the optimal corporate organization to support our restaurants and our brand’s long-term growth,” said Rob Lynch, President & CEO. “With strong momentum and our potential expanding every day, we are investing in capabilities for future innovation and global growth, improving efficiencies, and better aligning our organization around the strategies that are driving our near- and long-term success.”

This move means Papa John’s will relocate its original headquarters from Louisville to metro Atlanta.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Papa John’s to the strong list of internationally known U.S. companies that have chosen the Peach State for their global headquarters,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As the Top State for Business for seven consecutive years, these leading businesses know that Georgia has what they need to continue to thrive and expand. I’m confident that Papa John’s will continue finding success in Georgia, and I look forward to seeing the exceptional opportunities this brings to hardworking Georgians across metro Atlanta.”

“We’re thrilled to open a headquarters office in such an energetic and diverse region. Metro Atlanta’s deep talent pool and its world-class airport connecting us to the domestic and international markets that are key to our brand’s future will accelerate our long-term growth," Lynch said. "Atlanta is also our largest corporate-owned restaurant market and the location of our newest and most sophisticated QCC. The Louisville headquarters – Papa John’s home for 36 years – remains essential to the company’s success and we look forward to continuing to be a great corporate partner in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Papa John’s said it is “in discussions” with several office locations in metro Atlanta and expects to make its selection by the end of 2020. The opening of the location is expected to be completed by the summer of 2021.

Papa John’s Chief People and Diversity Officer Marvin Boakye added, “These changes to our corporate structure and team mark another milestone in Papa John’s ongoing transformation into a more innovative brand with a culture that is focused on diversity, inclusion and winning.”

People interested in career opportunities with Papa John’s are encouraged to visit https://jobs.papajohns.com for additional information.