20 Surprising Facts About Papa John Schnatter

Papa John Schnatter Started His Pizza Business in a Closet

Believe it or not, Papa John’s pizza empire had humble beginnings. Schnatter started his business by selling pizzas out of the back of his father’s bar in a tiny broom closet. It just goes to show that success can come from the most unlikely of places.

He Sold His Beloved Camaro to Buy Pizza Equipment

Papa John Schnatter was determined to make his pizza business a success, even if it meant sacrificing his beloved 1971 Camaro ZHe sold his classic car to buy the essential pizza equipment needed to kickstart his business. Talk about dedication!

Papa John’s Signature Pizza Sauce Has a Secret Ingredient

Ever wonder what makes Papa John’s pizza sauce so unique? It turns out that the secret ingredient is tomato seeds. Schnatter insisted on using tomato seeds in the sauce, which he believed gave it a distinctive flavor. This attention to detail is what sets Papa John’s apart from the competition.

Schnatter Personally Bought Back His Beloved Camaro

After selling his beloved Camaro to fund his pizza business, Schnatter kept a picture of the car in his wallet as a reminder of his dream. Years later, he was able to repurchase the same car at auction, fulfilling a personal goal and symbolizing the success of his entrepreneurial journey.

Papa John’s Was Almost Named “Big Papa’s”

Before settling on the name “Papa John’s,” Schnatter considered naming his pizza business “Big Papa’s.” The name was eventually changed, but it’s interesting to imagine what the pizza chain would have been like with a different name.

Schnatter Holds the Guinness World Record for Pizza Delivery

In 2008, Papa John Schnatter set a Guinness World Record for the highest pizza delivery. He personally delivered a pizza to the summit of Mount Everest, reaching an elevation of 17,200 feet. Now that’s what you call going the extra mile for a customer!

He Auctioned Off His Famous Gold Pizza-Making Oven

Papa John Schnatter is known for his attention to detail and dedication to making the perfect pizza. He even had a custom-made gold pizza oven, which he eventually auctioned off for a whopping $5,The proceeds went to charity, showcasing his generosity as well.

Papa John’s Was the First Pizza Chain to Offer Online Ordering

Papa John’s was a pioneer in the pizza industry when it became the first national pizza chain to offer online ordering in This move revolutionized the way people order pizza, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.

Schnatter Stepped Down as CEO in 2017

In a surprising turn of events, Papa John Schnatter stepped down as CEO of Papa John’s in 2017 following a controversy surrounding his comments about NFL players. Despite this setback, his legacy and impact on the pizza industry cannot be denied.

He Holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters

In recognition of his contributions to the pizza industry and his philanthropic endeavors, Schnatter was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Ball State University in This accolade highlights his success as an entrepreneur and his commitment to giving back.

Papa John’s Has Donated Millions to Charity

Under Schnatter’s leadership, Papa John’s has been dedicated to making a positive impact. The company has donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics.

Schnatter Is an Avid Car Collector

Aside from his beloved Camaro, Papa John Schnatter has a passion for collecting cars. His impressive car collection includes rare and classic vehicles, showcasing his love for all things automotive.

He Once Set His Oven on Fire

Even pizza moguls have mishaps in the kitchen. Schnatter accidentally set his own pizza oven on fire while experimenting with different cooking techniques. Luckily, no one was hurt, and it serves as a reminder that even the most successful entrepreneurs experience setbacks.

Papa John’s Has Expanded to Over 5,000 Locations

From its humble beginnings, Papa John’s has grown to become a global pizza powerhouse. With over 5,000 locations worldwide, the pizza chain continues to delight customers with its delicious offerings.

Schnatter Is Also a Published Author

In addition to his success in the pizza industry, Schnatter has authored a book titled “Papa: The Story of Papa John’s Pizza.” The book provides insights into his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable lessons for aspiring business owners.

Schnatter Is a Strong Advocate for Small Businesses

Having started his own pizza business from scratch, Schnatter understands the challenges that small business owners face. He is a vocal advocate for supporting small businesses and has actively campaigned for their success.

Papa John’s Pizzas Are Made from Fresh Dough

One of the key differentiators of Papa John’s pizzas is the use of fresh dough. Schnatter prioritized the use of high-quality ingredients, ensuring that each pizza is made with care and attention to detail.

Schnatter Has a Love for Sports

As a proud sponsor of various sports teams, Schnatter has a genuine love for sports. Papa John’s has been a partner to multiple professional sports leagues and has even sponsored the Super Bowl, further solidifying its presence in the sports world.

Schnatter Is Not Involved with Papa John’s Anymore

Following his resignation as CEO, Schnatter has distanced himself from the day-to-day operations of Papa John’s. However, his legacy and impact on the pizza industry continue to be felt.

Rather Than Retirement, Schnatter’s Focus Is on Philanthropy

After stepping down from his role at Papa John’s, Schnatter has shifted his focus to philanthropy. He has dedicated himself to giving back and making a positive impact through his charitable endeavors.

In conclusion, these 20 surprising facts about Papa John Schnatter provide a glimpse into the extraordinary journey of a man who turned a tiny closet pizza business into a global pizza empire. From his humble beginnings to his passion for quality and innovation, Schnatter’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re a fan of Papa John’s pizza or simply curious about the man behind the brand, these facts shed light on the lesser-known aspects of Papa John Schnatter’s life and career.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Papa John Schnatter, the founder of the popular pizza chain, Papa John’s, has a fascinating life and career filled with surprising facts. From starting his business in a broom closet to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Schnatter’s journey is an inspiration to many. His philanthropic efforts, controversial statements, and love for sports make him a well-known figure in the celebrity world. Despite facing challenges and controversies along the way, Schnatter’s impact on the pizza industry and his commitment to quality have left a lasting legacy. Whether you’re a fan of his pizza or intrigued by his story, there’s no denying that Papa John Schnatter is a captivating and influential figure.

FAQs

Q: How did Papa John Schnatter start his pizza business?

A: Papa John Schnatter started his pizza business in 1984 by converting a broom closet in his father’s tavern into a small pizza shop.

Q: What is Papa John Schnatter’s net worth?

A: As of 2021, Papa John Schnatter’s net worth is estimated to be around $800 million.

Q: Is Papa John Schnatter still involved in Papa John’s pizza chain?

A: No, Schnatter resigned as the chairman of Papa John’s in 2018 following a controversy surrounding his use of a racial slur during a conference call.

Q: What philanthropic efforts has Papa John Schnatter been involved in?

A: Papa John Schnatter has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the creation of the Papa John’s Foundation, which supports organizations focused on education, community development, and youth entrepreneurship.

Q: Does Papa John Schnatter have any other business ventures?

A: Apart from Papa John’s, Schnatter has also been involved in other ventures, such as investments in real estate, sports teams, and even a successful car company.