Papa Johns has confirmed the closure of 74 of its UK pizza takeaway sites, including multiple outlets across the North, following another year of heavy financial losses.
The US fast food chain’s UK business posted pre-tax losses of £21.8 million, with newly filed accounts at Companies House showing a revenue dip from £95.9m to £88.6m year-on-year. The last time the chain made a pre-tax profit in the UK was in 2021, when it recorded £8.1m.
Several Northern locations have been affected by the cuts, including branches in Barnsley, Bebington, Darlington, Doncaster, Durham, Harrogate, Lancaster, Leeds Meanwood, Liverpool West Derby Road, Middlesbrough, Rochdale, Rotherham, Runcorn, Scunthorpe, Southport and St Helens.
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The closures, which took place over the last 12 months but were only officially confirmed this week, mark the latest blow to the struggling brand. Papa Johns still operates more than 400 outlets across the UK, but it is unclear how many staff have been impacted by the shutdowns.
A company spokesperson said: “In 2024 we continued to navigate the effects of global disruption; ongoing geopolitical issues, staffing shortages and rises in commodity costs.”
They added: “Whilst there was an improvement in consumer confidence, this remains below pre-pandemic levels with consumers more cost-conscious and more risk averse.”
The closures follow a previous announcement in March 2024, when the company revealed plans to shut 43 “underperforming” locations, nearly 10% of its total UK estate.
Chris Phylactou, managing director at Papa Johns UK, said at the time: “Our priority is our team members, who will be fully supported throughout this process. Our goal is to work with impacted team members and attempt to find redeployment opportunities where available. We understand the impact this will have on our team members and are committed to supporting them during this time.”
Despite the closures, Papa Johns has pressed ahead with selective expansion, opening seven new stores across the UK. In March, it launched a new site in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, creating 20 new jobs.
Papa Johns said it plans to increase investment in technology and customer data, as well as trial alternative formats like holiday park locations. Mr Phylactou added: “While this is a difficult decision, closing these underperforming locations will give us the opportunity to invest back into the right locations with the right partners for long-term growth.
“We are focused on driving shared profitable growth across our UK restaurants, by continuing to make improvements to our business to ensure that we are well positioned for the future. We have been encouraged by the results so far from these initiatives.”
ALL THE CLOSURES ACROSS THE REGION
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Bebington, Merseyside
Darlington, County Durham
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Durham, County Durham
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Lancaster, Lancashire
Leeds Meanwood, West Yorkshire
Liverpool West Derby Road, Merseyside
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Runcorn, Cheshire
Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
Southport, Merseyside
St Helens, Merseyside
