Booming Business

Franchisee Steve Huson has taken over Papa John’s in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent

Leading pizza franchise, Papa John’s, has announced franchisee Steve Huson has taken over the Papa John’s in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent.

Steve, who also runs the Newcastle-under- Lyme Papa John’s, joined the company in 2016, after being a SUBWAY franchisee for more than 10 years.

Never looked back

He says: “Although I originally started out as a gas engineer, I always wanted to be in the food business. I found out about franchising by reading an article in a magazine and never looked back.

“When the opportunity came along to buy the existing Newcastle-under-Lyme store last year, I got cooking with plans and got a deal on the table pretty quickly.

“I then improved the management structure and focused on providing great service and top quality pizza in line with Papa John’s ever popular ‘Better ingredients. Better pizza’ concept.

“Quickly, business was booming and sales were up 75 per cent.

“I will employ a similar strategy in Stoke-on- Trent, with the aim of keeping staff motivated and delivering top quality pizza.”

Steve adds: “The support from Papa John’s so far has been amazing.

“The team are totally dedicated and supply a turnkey offering, so I can focus on the business, rather than having to worry about dealing with builders during the fit out.

“The current franchisee incentive scheme has also been helpful, as it offers some free equipment, reduced royalty fees and help with marketing.”