Papa John’s Garlic Sauce Hits Grocery Shelves As Stock Lags Targets
Papa John's International is launching its Special Garlic Dipping Sauce in major U.S. grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger, marking its first venture into consumer packaged goods. This initiative aims to diversify revenue beyond restaurants, however, the stock has significantly underperformed over the past three and five years. While analysts see the stock trading below fair value, investors will be watching how this retail expansion impacts the company's overall profitability and sales strategy.
Well-known pizza chain teams up with Google to deliver your next order by drone
Papa John's is partnering with Alphabet's drone company Wing to test autonomous food delivery services in North Carolina, focusing initially on their new Oven-Toasted Sandwiches. This collaboration deepens Papa John's relationship with Google's parent company, building on existing AI-driven customer experience initiatives. Customers in the Sun Valley Commons area of Indian Trail can order through the Wing app, with future plans to integrate the drone network directly into Papa John's own app.
Papa Johns garlic sauce coming to grocery stores in 2026
Papa Johns has announced that its popular garlic sauce will be available for purchase in grocery stores starting in 2026. This move will allow customers to enjoy the signature garlic sauce at home beyond their pizza orders.
Papa Johns’ cult-favorite sauce is coming to H-E-B, Walmart
Papa Johns' garlic dipping sauce will be available on grocery store shelves, including Walmart and H-E-B, for the first time in the company's 42-year history. This move is part of a growing trend of restaurant chains bringing their signature products to the retail market and aims to create a new revenue stream for Papa Johns amid recent sales declines. The company has also launched an online recipe hub to promote the versatile use of the sauce.
Papa John’s hit with class action over alleged tracking despite users rejecting cookies
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Papa John's International Inc., alleging the company tracks users' data even when they opt out of website cookies. Plaintiffs claim Papa John's violates California privacy laws by allowing third-party trackers (like Facebook, Google, and Amazon) to collect browsing history, demographic information, and geolocation data without consent. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop these alleged privacy violations.
Papa Johns drone delivery skips the pizza
Papa Johns is piloting drone delivery services in Indian Trail, North Carolina, through a partnership with Wing, an Alphabet-owned drone company. Initially, the drones will deliver oven-toasted sandwiches rather than pizzas, as the company works to develop aerodynamically optimized packaging for future pizza deliveries. The collaboration aims to integrate drone delivery into Papa Johns' app-based ordering system and explore a broader model for AI-powered restaurant ordering.
BTIG throws cold water on the latest Papa John's buyout report (PZZA:NASDAQ)
BTIG analyst Peter Saleh cast doubt on the recent report about a bid to acquire Papa John's International (PZZA). The pizza stock had risen over 7% last week following news that its largest franchisee, in conjunction with Qatari-backed Irth Capital, was making an offer. Saleh's skepticism suggests a potential overreaction in the stock's performance based on the buyout rumors.
Popular pizza chain teamed up with Google to deliver your next order by drone
Papa Johns has partnered with Alphabet-owned drone company Wing to test autonomous food delivery in North Carolina, deepening its relationship with Google's parent company. This pilot program, building on Papa Johns' existing use of Google Cloud AI, will allow customers in Indian Trail to order select menu items, including new Oven-Toasted Sandwiches, via the Wing app for drone delivery. The initiative aims to solve last-mile delivery challenges and redefine the ordering experience with ultra-fast drone service.
Papa Johns Is Headed to the Grocery Store for the First Time Ever After Years of Fans Begging
Papa Johns is launching its iconic Special Garlic Dipping Sauce in grocery stores for the first time, after decades of consumer demand. The 14-ounce squeeze bottles of Garlic Flavored Sauce, which are gluten- and dairy-free, will be available refrigerated at major retailers nationwide, including Walmart and Kroger, starting this summer. This move allows fans to enjoy the popular condiment beyond pizza and breadsticks, extending its use to various other foods.
Papa Johns Is Finally Bottling Its Iconic Garlic Sauce—Here’s Where You Can Buy It
Papa Johns is bottling its signature garlic sauce, making it available in grocery stores this summer. The "Garlic Flavored Sauce" is inspired by the original but reformulated for home use beyond pizza. It will be sold at select Walmart, Kroger, Albertson’s, Safeway, and H-E-B stores.
Pizza chain is bottling its fan-favorite garlic sauce to sell in stores
Papa Johns is bottling its popular Special Garlic Dipping Sauce to sell in grocery and retail stores nationwide this summer. This move comes after years of fan requests to enjoy the "cult-favorite" garlic, buttery flavor outside of pizza orders. The company plans to release recipes showcasing creative ways to use the new Garlic Flavored Sauce for dipping, drizzling, and cooking at home.
Papa Johns to bottle, sell iconic garlic sauce in stores nationwide
Papa Johns is preparing to bottle and sell its popular Special Garlic Dipping Sauce in grocery and retail stores nationwide this summer. This move aims to expand the brand's reach beyond its restaurants and allow fans to use the sauce for various meals at home. The recipe, a staple since 1984, will be "inspired" by the original and available at major retailers like Walmart and Kroger.
Drone delivery service near Charlotte nabs Papa John’s deal — but no pizza yet
Wing, a drone delivery company owned by Alphabet, has partnered with Papa John's for a pilot program in Indian Trail, near Charlotte, North Carolina. The service currently delivers oven-toasted sandwiches, marking Wing's first direct partnership with a national restaurant brand. While pizza delivery is not yet available, the companies are collaborating on future aerodynamic packaging for it, and the service is accessible via the Wing app, with plans to integrate into the Papa John's app and Google Cloud's "Lou AI."
The worst pizza place is doing drone delivery ... for sandwiches | Opinion
Papa Johns, a struggling pizza chain, is testing drone delivery for its "Oven Toasted Sandwiches" in Charlotte, North Carolina, through a partnership with Wing. The author expresses skepticism about this initiative, arguing that better food quality, rather than technological gimmicks like AI-integrated drone delivery, would be a more effective strategy for the company's financial struggles. The opinion piece highlights the absurdity of delivering sandwiches via drone from a pizza place and questions the practicality and necessity of such advanced, potentially disruptive, delivery methods for consumers.
John Schnatter settles lawsuit over Papa Johns ousting
Papa Johns founder John Schnatter has settled a lawsuit against the marketing firm Laundry Service, which had allegedly leaked information about a 2018 conference call where he used a racial slur, leading to his ousting. The settlement was reached on May 11 with undisclosed terms, closing a case that involved over 500 court filings and disputes over the discoverability of Schnatter's medical records. The lawsuit stemmed from Schnatter's attempt to prove a breach of contract by the marketing firm following the incident.
John Schnatter was treated for alcohol abuse months before using racial slur, ex-CEO testified
Former Papa John's CEO Steve Ritchie testified that John Schnatter was treated for alcohol abuse in 2017, months before his infamous racial slur. This testimony was part of Schnatter's six-year lawsuit against Laundry Service, which recently settled after Schnatter was compelled to disclose his medical records. The defense aimed to show Schnatter was a liability prior to the incident, contradicting Schnatter's claims that the slur was a setup to remove him from the company.
Papa John’s partners with Alphabet’s Wing to test drone delivery
Papa John’s is collaborating with Alphabet-owned drone company Wing to pilot autonomous food delivery services in North Carolina. This initiative aims to address the "last mile" delivery challenge for restaurants by using drones to deliver select menu items. It marks Wing's first direct partnership with a national restaurant brand and reflects a broader industry trend towards automating delivery to reduce costs and improve speed.
Papa Johns' signature garlic sauce will hit retail shelves
Papa Johns will soon offer its signature garlic sauce for retail sale in grocery stores across the U.S., making it available to consumers beyond its restaurants for the first time. The bottled Garlic Flavored Sauce, which is inspired by their Special Garlic Dipping Sauce, will be available at major retailers like Walmart and Kroger this summer. This move aims to expand the brand's reach and unlock new sales layers, following a growing trend of restaurant brands extending their products into the retail market.
It’s Finally Here – Papa Johns Brings Garlic Flavored Sauce to Retail Stores This Summer
Papa Johns is launching its new Garlic Flavored Sauce, inspired by its famous Special Garlic Dipping Sauce, in grocery stores nationwide this summer. This marks the first time the beloved condiment will be available for purchase outside of their restaurants, allowing fans to use the rich, buttery garlic flavor for dipping, drizzling, or cooking at home. The sauce will be available at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Albertson's, Safeway, and H-E-B, with Papa Johns also providing recipes for its use.
Papa Johns to deliver sandwiches by air in North Carolina
Papa Johns is partnering with Wing, Alphabet's drone delivery service, to deliver Oven Toasted Sandwiches in parts of Charlotte, North Carolina. This collaboration marks Wing's first direct partnership with a national quick-service restaurant chain and aims to integrate drone delivery with Papa Johns' existing ordering systems for future expansions. While initially limited to sandwiches, the long-term goal is to overcome the challenges of pizza delivery by drone and help Papa Johns acquire new consumers amidst recent struggles in sales growth.
Papa Johns bets on innovation after cutting menu ‘rhythm breakers’
Papa Johns CEO Todd Penegor is aggressively focusing on menu innovation to attract new customers and improve sales following a challenging first quarter. The company has streamlined its menu by removing "rhythm breakers" like Papadias and Papa Bites, which complicated operations, to make room for more impactful new products such as pan pizzas and oven-toasted sandwiches. These strategic changes aim to simplify operations, expand market reach, and increase ticket sizes with new side items.
Papa Johns bets on innovation after cutting menu ‘rhythm breakers’
Papa Johns CEO Todd Penegor is focusing on innovation to attract new customers after a challenging first quarter, which saw same-store sales decline. The company has streamlined its menu by removing "rhythm breakers" like Papadias and Papa Bites, replacing them with oven-toasted sandwiches and new pan pizzas designed for operational simplicity and wider appeal. This strategic shift aims to improve product mix, drive add-on sales, and ultimately boost customer acquisition and profitability.
Papa Johns is the latest chain to test drone delivery
Papa Johns has partnered with Alphabet's Wing to begin testing drone delivery in Charlotte, N.C. This builds on Papa Johns' existing collaboration with Alphabet via Google Cloud for AI integration and customer experience upgrades. The drone pilot will initially use the Wing app, with future plans for integration into Papa Johns' own app and AI assistant, joining other chains like Little Caesars and Chipotle in exploring drone delivery solutions.
Papa Johns & Little Caesars launch drone delivery service and one will get you pizza in minutes
Papa Johns and Little Caesars have introduced drone delivery services, marking a new trend in the food industry. Little Caesars, in partnership with Flytrex, offers pizza delivery in about four and a half minutes to customers in Wylie, Texas, for orders up to 8.8 pounds. Meanwhile, Papa Johns has teamed up with Wing to deliver oven-toasted sandwiches in Charlotte, North Carolina, with plans to expand to pizza later.
Papa Johns offers free pizza to Spirit Airlines loyalty members
Papa Johns has launched a "Skies to Pies" promotion, offering a free large, one-topping pizza to Spirit Airlines loyalty members whose points became unusable after the airline ceased operations. To redeem, members must prove their Spirit loyalty and Papa Rewards membership via Instagram direct message. This initiative highlights a growing trend among restaurant companies to offer loyalty point transfers or status matching to enhance customer value and compete in the evolving loyalty program landscape.
Papa Johns, Wing Launch Drone Delivery Pilot in Charlotte
Papa Johns and Wing have launched a drone delivery pilot program in Charlotte, North Carolina, to deliver Oven Toasted Sandwiches. This partnership marks Wing's first direct collaboration with a national restaurant brand and aims to integrate Wing's drone network directly with Papa Johns' ordering platforms, redefining last-mile delivery. The initiative also includes R&D efforts to optimize packaging for aerial delivery, starting with select customers in Indian Trail, NC.
Papa John's tests drone delivery in North Carolina suburb
Papa John's International is testing drone deliveries in a suburb near Charlotte, North Carolina, in partnership with Wing, a drone delivery company owned by Google's parent company Alphabet. Customers in the designated area can order select sandwiches through Wing's app. This initiative is part of Papa John's broader strategy to modernize its technology, following previous efforts such as an AI-powered chatbot for orders.
Papa John's tests the feasibility of delivery by drones in a Charlotte suburb (PZZA:NASDAQ)
Papa John's International (PZZA) has initiated a drone-delivery pilot program in collaboration with Wing, focusing on specific menu items like toasted sandwiches. This limited test is being conducted in a select service area in North Carolina to explore the feasibility of drone delivery, rather than for full pizza orders. The program represents an innovative step in exploring new delivery methods for the restaurant chain.
Papa Johns offers free pizza to Spirit Airlines loyalty members
Papa Johns has launched its "Skies to Pies" campaign, offering free large, one-topping pizzas to Spirit Airlines Free Spirit loyalty members whose points became unusable after the airline ceased operations on May 2. To redeem, members must send proof of their Spirit loyalty and Papa Rewards membership via direct message to @PapaJohns on Instagram. This initiative is part of a growing trend where companies like CAVA, Starbucks, Delta, and Subway are exploring loyalty program transfers and status matching to enhance customer value and competitiveness.
Papa Johns Is Getting Into Drone Delivery—but Not for Pizza
Papa Johns has partnered with Alphabet’s drone company, Wing, to offer drone delivery, but initially, it will only deliver sandwiches, not pizzas, in a specific area of North Carolina. This highlights the challenges of drone delivery for items like pizza due to their shape and weight. While Wing is developing solutions, another company, Flytrex, has successfully started delivering large pizzas in Texas using a larger, specially designed drone.
A Popular Airline’s Loyalty Members Can Now Turn Status Into Free Pizza
Papa Johns has launched a "Skies to Pies" promotion, offering free large one-topping pizzas to the first 250 former Spirit Airlines loyalty members. To qualify, members must DM proof of their Spirit loyalty membership and Papa Rewards enrollment to Papa Johns' Instagram account. This initiative aims to convert unusable airline loyalty points into a tangible reward for those affected by changes to Spirit's program.
Better Than United? Papa Johns Turns Worthless Spirit Airlines Loyalty Points Into Free Pizza
Papa Johns has launched a "Skies to Pies" promotion that allows former Spirit Airlines' Free Spirit loyalty members to exchange proof of their status for a free large pizza. This initiative comes after Spirit Airlines abruptly suspended operations, leaving many passengers with unusable loyalty points. The campaign highlights the fragility of smaller airline loyalty programs and has garnered significant attention, with Papa Johns aiming to provide some cheer to impacted passengers.
Papa Johns lets Spirit loyalty members redeem points for pizza in 'Skies to Pies' promotion
Papa Johns is launching a "Skies to Pies" promotion, offering free pizzas to former Spirit Airlines loyalty members whose points went unused. The campaign aims to provide a reliable treat to customers who faced uncertainty with airline rewards programs. The first 250 verified participants who show proof of Spirit loyalty membership and enrollment in Papa Rewards will receive a code for a free large one-topping pizza.
Papa John's offering free pizza to former Spirit Airlines' flyers
Papa John's announced a "Skies to Pies" promotion, offering a free large one-topping pizza to former Spirit Airlines loyalty members. This initiative aims to provide a consolation to travelers affected by Spirit Airlines' abrupt shutdown on May 2. Customers can claim the offer by direct messaging @PapaJohns on Instagram with proof of their Spirit loyalty and Papa Rewards membership.
Papa Johns maintains 2026 outlook despite 6.4% North America sales drop
Papa John's International Inc. reported a decline in first-quarter profit and North American sales, with net income falling to $7 million and North America comparable sales decreasing by 6.4%. Despite these declines attributed to a cautious consumer environment and refranchising, the company saw international comparable sales rise by 3.6% and reiterated its full-year 2026 outlook. Papa Johns plans to focus on its transformation strategy, value options, innovation, and strategic partnerships to navigate market dynamics and achieve future growth.
Papa Johns Sees Sales and Traffic Pressure, but Transformation Remains on Track
Papa Johns reported a 6.4% decline in North American same-store sales in Q1 due to lower transaction volumes, marking the eighth negative quarter out of the last nine. Despite this pressure, CEO Todd Penegor emphasized a disciplined, long-term transformation strategy focusing on innovation, value offerings, and operational improvements, including new menu platforms like Pan Pizza and oven-toasted sandwiches, digital investments, and targeted restaurant closures. The company anticipates North America comparable sales to improve in the latter half of the year, expecting a full-year decline of 2-4%.
Papa Johns Is Letting Customers Buy Pizza with Unusable Spirit Airlines Points
Papa Johns is offering free pizzas to former Spirit Airlines loyalty members after the airline ceased operations. Guests can claim a large one-topping pizza by proving their Spirit loyalty membership and joining Papa Rewards through Instagram. This initiative, called "Skies to Pies," aims to provide a "soft landing" for those affected by Spirit Airlines' shutdown, which occurred after a $500 million government bailout failed to materialize.
Spirit Airlines customers can redeem unused loyalty points for a surprising edible freebie
Following Spirit Airlines' unexpected shutdown, Papa John's has launched a "Skies to Pies" promotion, offering free large one-topping pizzas to former Spirit loyalty members. This initiative aims to provide a "reliable" alternative for unused points, highlighting a growing trend of brands using viral mishaps for marketing and customer engagement. Customers can claim their free pizza by messaging Papa John's on Instagram and proving their former Spirit and current Papa John's rewards memberships.
Skies to Pies: Papa Johns Turns Spirit's Grounded Loyalty Program into Free Pizza
Papa Johns has launched a limited-time offer called "Skies to Pies," allowing former Spirit Airlines loyalty members to convert proof of their unusable Spirit loyalty points into a free large one-topping pizza. This initiative aims to provide a positive experience for travelers affected by airline uncertainties. To participate, individuals must direct message Papa Johns on Instagram with proof of Spirit loyalty membership and join Papa Rewards.
Skies to Pies: Papa Johns Turns Spirit's Grounded Loyalty Program into Free Pizza
Papa Johns has launched "Skies to Pies," an initiative offering free pizza to former Spirit Airlines loyalty members whose points have become unusable due to recent travel disruptions. Through this limited-time offer, individuals can convert proof of Spirit loyalty into a free large one-topping pizza by demonstrating their former Spirit loyalty and joining Papa Rewards via Instagram direct message. This move aims to provide a positive experience for travelers affected by airline uncertainty, emphasizing "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza."
Papa Johns’ CMO on driving cultural relevance with a ‘Toy Story’ tie-up
Papa Johns CMO Jenna Bromberg discusses the company's significant global marketing push, a collaboration with Disney and Pixar for "Toy Story 5." This partnership aims to leverage the franchise's multigenerational appeal, featuring collectible pizza boxes, character-inspired recipes, a new ranch dip, and an animated TV spot by Pixar. Bromberg also elaborates on Papa Johns' loyalty program enhancements, the use of Google Cloud for AI-powered ordering, and the role of local marketing co-ops and its agency of record, Leo Chicago, in differentiating the brand beyond price.
Cautious consumers and rivals' promotions hit Papa Johns' sales
Papa Johns' North American same-store sales dropped 6.4% in Q1, attributed to cautious consumers and competitive promotions, despite a 3.6% rise in global same-store sales. CEO Todd Penegor noted that the company's performance was in line with expectations, as it continues its transformation plan focusing on innovation, expanding value offerings like oven-toasted sandwiches and sides, localized marketing, and optimizing its store base by closing underperforming locations. The company aims to improve its value perception and attract new customers through these initiatives.
Papa Johns suffers major 6.4% comp sales drop
Papa Johns experienced a significant 6.4% decline in North American comparable sales during Q1 2026, marking its worst quarterly comps drop in several years. CEO Todd Penegor attributed this to lower customer acquisition, customers trading down to smaller pizzas, and reduced side and dessert orders. To counter this, the chain is implementing value offerings, rebuilding its menu innovation pipeline with new Pan Pizzas and toasted sandwiches, and empowering local advertising cooperatives.
Papa John’s Says Inflation-Weary Consumers Are Trading Down
Papa John's International reported a 7.7% drop in first-quarter revenue to $478.6 million, attributing the decline to inflation-weary consumers. Customers are reportedly opting for smaller pizzas and skipping sides and desserts to save money. The company plans to address this by enhancing value perception and increasing innovation to attract new customers and boost sales of premium items and add-ons.
Papa John's misses quarterly results estimates as living costs soar
Papa John's missed first-quarter revenue and profit estimates due to consumers struggling with high living costs, leading to a 6.4% decline in North America comparable sales for the third consecutive quarter. The pizza chain's shares fell 4% in premarket trading. This comes amidst a $1.5 billion takeover offer from Irth Capital.
Papa Johns Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Papa John's International, Inc. (PZZA) announced its first-quarter 2026 financial results, which showed global system-wide restaurant sales decreasing by 3% and North America comparable sales declining by 6.4%, while international comparable sales increased by 3.6%. Despite mixed results, the company reiterated its full-year 2026 outlook and highlighted ongoing efforts in its transformation strategy, including value options, innovation, and digital ordering enhancements. Diluted EPS was $0.21, and adjusted diluted EPS was $0.32 for the quarter.
Papa Johns Is Teaming Up with Pixar to Make Toy Story Pizzas
Papa Johns is collaborating with Disney and Pixar to release a line of three Toy Story-themed personal pan pizzas, priced at $6.99 each, in anticipation of Toy Story 5's release. These pizzas, which include "Space Ranger Roni", "Reach for the Pie", and "Sheriff’s Round Up", will be available from June 1 to July 19th in 42 international markets, including the U.S. The promotion will also feature "Rootin’ Tootin’ Ranch Dip Cup" and limited-edition collectibles.
$0.46 a share: Papa Johns sets May 29 dividend payout
Papa John's International, Inc. announced a quarterly dividend of $0.46 per common share, payable on May 29, 2026, to shareholders of record by May 18, 2026. This translates to an annual dividend of $1.84 per common share. The dividend declaration was made by the company's Board of Directors.
How Far $20 Can Take You At Papa Johns In 2026
In 2026, $20 at Papa Johns can get customers a single-topping large pizza or combinations of sides like two oven-toasted sandwiches, or wings and cheesy garlic bread. Delivery fees are a significant added cost, but the article highlights various deals and a customer rewards program to help maximize savings. Despite these options, the article questions Papa Johns' value compared to other chains, especially given recent critiques of its pepperoni pizza.
Papa Johns Just Announced a First-Of-Its-Kind Collab With 4 New Menu Items
Papa Johns has announced a new collaboration with Disney and Pixar to release a "Toy Story 5"-inspired menu, making it the first pizza collaboration for the film franchise. The menu features four new items, including three personal pizzas inspired by iconic characters and a new "Rootin’ Tootin’ Ranch" dip. These limited-time offerings will be available starting June 1st in the U.S. and 42 international markets, ahead of the movie's release on June 19th.
