After being introduced to the franchise industry in college, Joe Johnson quickly developed a deep appreciation for the business model. He recognized the potential in the industry and dedicated nearly a decade to gaining the necessary expertise and operations skills to prepare himself for the journey ahead. 

In 2016, Joe decided to join the Papa Johns franchise family, attracted by the brand’s growth potential and the chance to achieve significant scalability. Within the last seven years, he has grown to own and operate over 19 restaurants. Joe’s unwavering passion fuels his current trajectory of growth, and he sets his sights on doubling his store count within the next five years. 

“When I came across the Papa Johns franchise opportunity, everything seemed to click into place,” Joe said. “The brand checked all the boxes for me with its growth potential and the chance to achieve significant scalability. Since then, I’ve poured my heart and soul into my restaurants and continue to have ambitious growth plans.”

During this seven-year period, Joe has embraced the opportunity to lead teams and operate his successful businesses throughout the Northeast, from New Jersey to Maine. Joe quickly discovered that the constant pursuit of improvement was a core principle of the brand, as is evident by the ‘Better Ingredients, Better Pizza’ tagline. When Joe expressed his commitment to growth, he received support and numerous development opportunities. 

As Joe has developed his business and ownership, he also became a passionate ambassador for the brand, advocating for increased opportunities and pathways for diverse owners in the franchising industry. Joe has initiated and led conversations on how Papa Johns can utilize its platform to drive actions that promote equitable franchise opportunities. 

“It’s not just about our own success, but about creating a level playing field for minority individuals to enter prime franchise opportunities and diversify the top brands in the industry,” Joe said. “Through various initiatives, we aim to create pathways, break down barriers and ensure that talented entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have the chance to thrive.”

Through Athlete Franchise Partners, Joe created an avenue for athletes with the necessary capital to partner with experienced operators looking to own franchises. He is also involved with Our Slice, an initiative that focuses on training and advancing minority entrepreneurs to bridge the financial gap and eliminate barriers to entry in the franchising space. 

Joe’s dedication to establishing equitable opportunities is exemplified by his work on the board of the Papa Johns Foundation. As a member of the board, Joe seeks to maximize the brand’s impact in supporting communities. This role aligns well with his desire to make a difference and have a positive impact. In recent years, the foundation has made significant strides and demonstrated an immense capacity for change. 

“Philanthropy has always been incredibly important to me, so being able to align my dedication to equitable opportunities with Papa Johns as an inaugural member of the board has truly been rewarding,” Joe said. “For me, it’s not just about financial success; it’s about making a positive impact on the lives of others. I look forward to continuing to create a lasting legacy of progressive change in many avenues across the brand.” 

The journey Joe has embarked on with Papa Johns serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the remarkable success that can be achieved with persistence and brand support. With his dedication to quality and unwavering enthusiasm for fostering opportunities, Joe eagerly looks forward to the ongoing triumph of his team and the immense possibilities as a Papa Johns franchisee.

 

About Joe Johnson: Joe Johnson is an extraordinary business leader and the owner of Disrupt Foods. His exceptional achievements have earned him the prestigious title of Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2023. Recognized for his outstanding contribution as a franchise establishment owner-operator, Joe has left an indelible mark on the Papa Johns brand. With a background in technology and 13 years of retail experience, Joe has brought innovation and a fresh perspective to the Papa Johns experience. Joe Johnson’s remarkable achievements, strategic thinking and dedication to community empowerment have solidified his position as a respected leader in the business world. His ongoing efforts to leverage technology, promote diversity, and make a positive social impact exemplify his commitment to excellence and the values that Papa Johns stands for.