Former business manager ‘keeps it in the family’ to become a Papa John’s franchisee

"Running your own business means you can make changes quickly and see the results just as quickly too which is really rewarding," says multi-unit Papa John’s franchisee Iain Heron

Former franchise business manager, Iain Heron, has become a Papa John’s franchisee and now runs eight stores in Scotland.

At the end of last year, Heron gave up his job as a franchise business manager for Papa John’s, moved from Durham to central Scotland with his family and opened three franchised Papa John’s of his own.

He explains: “I purchased the existing outlet in Dundee first, then opened two new stores in Stirling and Livingston and have since taken over Ayr, which was fully refurbished and also opened Hamilton. This month we’ve also opened a brand-new store in Dundee. It’s been quite an exciting time! It’s great to have my whole family on board as we begin this new chapter.

“My partner Lindsey sold her florist business in Durham and has helped me set up while she still works part-time in another florist shop. My mum and brother who have worked in the pizza industry before, have also joined us on our journey.”

Heron’s mother is the above store manager and looks after training and standards while his brother is on the ground, working in the stores.

“It was a big move and certainly quite a commitment and Papa John’s has been right behind us to help make this happen.,” Heron continues. “The head office team has been really helpful, and I’m very thankful for that. I just felt it was the right time to invest in our future in this way. The Papa John’s brand continues to get stronger and the company is growing in the UK and I can continue to contribute to that growth, now through our own store numbers.”

Heron has a long history in the pizza industry and has also worked for Papa John’s QCC as a franchise business manager helping franchisees develop. Prior to this, he oversaw more than 30 pizza stores for a franchisee for a rival firm for more than six years. “I was even a pizza delivery driver when I was a student, so I know the industry pretty well,” he says.

“Now I’m in charge, and suddenly it’s all very real. However, running your own business means you can make changes quickly and see the results just as quickly too which is really rewarding.

“My goal now is to keep the stores turning over well and to improve sales and then grow year-on-year. I will continue to develop my multi-unit portfolio, aiming to acquire more Papa John’s stores as and when they become available. Who knows what the future holds? I do know one thing for sure: it will certainly involve plenty of great Papa John’s pizza!”

Papa John’s is currently recruiting for more franchisees. As one of the largest pizza companies in the world, Papa John’s has opportunities for multi-unit franchisees throughout the UK.