Investment in Papa John’s adds up for former management consultant

Franchisee, Dr Renato Raho, has already recruited a team of 20 local staff to help run the operation in Newton Abbot

Papa John’s newest store in Newton Abbot, Devon, was officially opened by Mayor Councillor Carol Bunday, and Sally Henley, Newton Abbot town development manager, also attended the launch. The new store will be run by franchisee Dr Renato Raho, consultant, accountant and former McDonald’s franchisee, who has already recruited a team of 20 local staff to help run the operation. 

Renato explains: “After a career in the city and then building a couple of businesses including my McDonald’s franchised restaurants, which I ran successfully for seven years, Papa John’s offers relocation and a brand new, exciting challenge. The investment adds up and the premium product and delivery model presents unrivalled opportunities. Myself and my partner Lisa Kitching – who is also highly experienced in the QSR sector – are now looking forward to developing our portfolio of Papa John’s stores in the Southwest region.

“With the majority of customers taking advantage of the Papa John’s delivery model, our goal is to make sure regular customers and visitors to the English Riviera can enjoy their favourite fresh pizza treat where and when they choose. However, we know it’s the people behind the pizza who really make the magic happen. Our team is the key ingredient, facilitating convenience and ensuring pizza can be added to the menu of fun experiences enjoyed by friends and families whatever the occasion. We are now actively recruiting more new staff to help us run the additional stores we have planned over the coming months in this exciting phase of expansion.”

Amit Pancholi, business development director, Papa John’s UK confirms: “Renato’s financial knowledge and business acumen combined with his energy, interest and experience in staff development in a QSR setting means he is particularly well placed to deliver the success of multiple new stores planned for the Southwest. His focus on ‘right people, right place’ aligns closely with our values and we will support him and his team in their planned programme of store openings over the next few years.”

For those interested in running a multi-unit operation or opening up in a ‘non-traditional’ location, Papa John’s offers incentives, in addition to support, comprehensive training and national marketing. As a franchisor, Papa John’s supplies all the assistance needed to get a successful store up and running.