John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John’s Pizza, began his entrepreneurial journey in the late 1970s. Born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Schnatter’s passion for pizza was sparked while he was a student at Ball State University. He started his first pizza business in 1983, using a broom closet in his father’s tavern as a makeshift kitchen. With a $1,600 investment from his father, Schnatter’s first Papa John’s Pizza was born, marking the beginning of a career that would eventually make him a household name in the pizza industry.

John Schnatter’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, Papa John’s founder John Schnatter’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion, according to Forbes.

Career

John Schnatter, born in 1961, founded Papa John’s International in 1984. He started the company with just $1,600 and grew it into a global pizza chain with over 5,300 locations worldwide. Schnatter served as the CEO until 2017, when he stepped down following controversial remarks. He remains the company’s largest shareholder.

Other Ventures

Schnatter has invested in various other businesses aside from Papa John’s. He co-founded the pizza-focused venture capital fund, Slice, in 2019. He also owns a minority stake in the Louisville City FC soccer team and has invested in several tech startups.

Assets

Schnatter’s assets include a 29.7% stake in Papa John’s, as well as several properties. His most notable asset is his 29,000-square-foot mansion in Anchorage, Kentucky, which he listed for sale in 2020. He also owns a private jet and a fleet of luxury cars.

Annual Income

Schnatter’s annual income varies significantly. In 2017, he earned a base salary of $3.4 million as Papa John’s CEO. However, his income has since decreased due to his reduced role in the company. In 2020, he reported an income of around $700,000, primarily from his Papa John’s stock and dividends.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Papa John Schnatter

Frequently Asked Questions: Papa John Schnatter Net Worth

1. What is Papa John Schnatter’s net worth?

Papa John Schnatter’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion.

2. How did Papa John Schnatter make his fortune?

Schnatter founded Papa John’s Pizza in 1984 and served as its CEO until 2017. He also owns a minority stake in the company.

3. What is Papa John Schnatter’s role in Papa John’s Pizza now?

After stepping down as CEO in 2017, Schnatter remains a board member and owns a minority stake in Papa John’s Pizza.

4. What is Papa John Schnatter’s annual salary?

Schnatter’s annual salary is not publicly disclosed, but it’s estimated to be in the millions, primarily from his stake in Papa John’s Pizza.

5. Does Papa John Schnatter have any other business ventures?

Yes, Schnatter has invested in various other businesses, including a restaurant called ‘Schnatter’s’ in his hometown of Jeffersonville, Indiana.

6. What is Papa John Schnatter’s involvement in charity work?

Schnatter is involved in several charitable organizations, including the Papa John’s Scholars Program, which provides scholarships to students in need.

7. How much does Papa John Schnatter make from his minority stake in the company?

The exact amount Schnatter makes from his stake in Papa John’s Pizza is not publicly disclosed, but it’s estimated to be in the tens of millions.

8. What is Papa John Schnatter’s education background?

Schnatter graduated from Ball State University in 1983 with a degree in business.

9. What is Papa John Schnatter’s political affiliation?

Schnatter has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, but he is generally considered to be a Republican.

10. What is Papa John Schnatter’s residence?

Schnatter resides in Anchorage, Kentucky, with his family.