Papa John Founder Net Worth (Updated 2025).

John Schnatter, born in 1961, didn’t start his career with a grand plan to become a pizza mogul. He was a college student at the University of Louisville, studying business, when he decided to sell his 1971 Camaro to purchase a used pizza oven. This was the catalyst for what would become Papa John’s Pizza.

In 1984, Schnatter turned his father’s broom closet into a makeshift pizza restaurant, naming it “Papa John’s” after his father, John Sr. He delivered pizzas in a battered car, often using his own money to cover costs when sales were slow. His dedication and unique recipe, featuring a “better ingredients, better pizza” philosophy, began to attract customers. By 1985, Schnatter had opened his first official Papa John’s Pizza location, marking the beginning of his journey to fame.

Papa John Founder’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Papa John’s founder John Schnatter’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his stake in the pizza chain he founded in 1984.

Career

John Schnatter, often referred to as “Papa John,” is the founder of Papa John’s Pizza. He started the company in the back of a broom closet in his father’s tavern in Indiana. Today, Papa John’s is a global brand with over 5,000 locations worldwide.

Other Ventures

Besides Papa John’s, Schnatter has invested in various other ventures. He is a co-owner of the Louisville City Football Club and has also ventured into real estate, owning several properties across the U.S.

Assets

Schnatter’s assets include a 26% stake in Papa John’s International, his primary source of wealth. He also owns several luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and multiple properties, including a mansion in Florida.

Annual Income

As of 2025, Schnatter’s annual income is estimated to be around $50 million. This includes his salary as the former CEO of Papa John’s, as well as dividends from his stake in the company and other investments.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Papa John Founder

Frequently Asked Questions: Papa John Founder Net Worth

1. Who is the founder of Papa John’s?

John Schnatter, often known as “Papa John,” is the founder of Papa John’s Pizza. He started the company in 1984 in his father’s broom closet in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

2. What is Papa John’s net worth?

As of the latest estimates, Papa John’s net worth is approximately $800 million.

3. How did Papa John start his pizza business?

John Schnatter started his pizza business with $1,600 he borrowed from his father. He initially sold pizzas from the back of a converted broom closet in his father’s tavern.

4. When was Papa John’s Pizza founded?

Papa John’s Pizza was founded on June 4, 1984.

5. How many Papa John’s locations are there worldwide?

As of 2021, there are over 5,300 Papa John’s locations in more than 40 countries and territories around the world.

6. What is Papa John’s annual revenue?

Papa John’s annual revenue is approximately $1.6 billion.

7. What is Papa John’s stock symbol?

Papa John’s International, Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol “PZZA”.

8. Why was John Schnatter removed as Papa John’s chairman?

John Schnatter was removed as the chairman of Papa John’s in 2018 following controversial remarks he made during a conference call that were considered racially insensitive.

9. What is Papa John’s best-selling pizza?

Papa John’s best-selling pizza is the Pepperoni Pizza.

10. What is Papa John’s famous slogan?

Papa John’s famous slogan is “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza.”