December 8, 2008
Industry Headlines
Papa John's International, Inc. has announced that its Board of Directors has named John H. Schnatter, the company's founder and chairman, as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Schnatter succeeds Nigel Travis, who has served as Papa John's President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors since 2005.
Travis is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity. Travis and the Board have agreed that his employment with Papa John's will continue through Dec. 30, 2008.
The Company's Board of Directors has formed a committee comprised of William M. Street, who will serve as chair, Alexander W. Smith, Olivia F. Kirtley, Norborne P. Cole, Jr. and Schnatter, to undertake a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Norborne P. Cole, Jr., Papa John's Lead Director, said, "We appreciate all that Nigel has done for the Company over the last four years. Papa John's has made progress in several key areas during Nigel's tenure, including international expansion and growing our online leadership position in the pizza category. We thank Nigel for his contributions and extend our best wishes to him in his future endeavors.
"We are pleased that John has once again agreed to lead the Company, albeit on an interim basis, until we can identify a permanent replacement. John is a proven business leader with broad management experience, an unparalleled understanding of this business and valuable relationships with franchisees throughout the Papa John's system."
Schnatter said: "I look forward to working closely with our talented team and strong franchise family to build on our strengths and continue moving the Papa John's brand forward throughout the world. We are fortunate to be well-capitalized with a conservative balance sheet. The key to Papa John's success has always been the quality of our pizzas and our high service levels - and we remain committed to providing our customers with a superior-quality customer experience."
As previously announced on November 19, 2008, the company is implementing a comprehensive package of domestic franchise system support initiatives in response to the current economic and consumer climate. The Company believes the support program will produce long-term shareholder benefits by mitigating potential unit closures and strengthening its brand. Other important objectives of the support program include growing market share in a consolidating category, stabilizing transaction levels and targeting a substantial multi-year increase in online ordering percentage.
Schnatter created the Papa John's concept and founded the Company in 1985. He currently serves as the Company's Chairman of the Board. He served as Executive Chairman of the Company from 2005 until May 2007, as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from 1990 until 2005 and as President from 1985 to 1990 and from 2001 until 2005.
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. is the world's third largest pizza company.
In 1994 Joey Todaro started La Nova Wings, Inc. He introduced wings to the pizza business, and in just a few years, we are the NUMBER ONE seller of Authentic Buffalo Wings; and Buffalo Wing are now the top selling appetizer in the pizzeria industry! Our products have now expanded from our heat and serve wings to an array of high quality appetizers and dipping sauces. Learn more about La Nova at www.lanova.com
Papa Gino’s Holdings Corporation, parent company to Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo, announced two strategic promotions geared toward strengthening the company and its core brands. Former Executive Vice President of Operations Rick Wolf was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Papa Gino’s Holdings Corp. Lori Whelan, former Executive Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning will take over as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Thomas Galligan will remain as Papa Gino’s Holdings Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and will be focused on positioning the company for strategic growth.
As President and COO, Wolf will continue to be responsible for overseeing both Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo field operations and development as well as assume full responsibility for marketing, human resources and information technology. He will be responsible for leading the execution of key initiatives to position Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo brands for growth in the coming years. Mr. Wolf joined the company on March 6, 2000 as Senior Vice President of Operations for the Papa Gino’s brand and was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations for both brands in February of 2003. Wolf is 32 year veteran of the restaurant and hospitality industry, which includes operating experience with casual dining leader of the 1980’s T.G.I. Friday’s and 11 years with Fuddruckers were he previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer.Wolf attended Bowling Green State University and currently resides in Westford, MA with his family.
As Papa Gino’s Holdings Corp. CFO, Whelan will oversee both Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo’s Finance Department, as well as lead the companies’ strategic business initiatives and oversee all purchasing decisions. Whelan joined the company as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning. Prior to joining Papa Gino’s Holdings Corp., she worked at Bain & Company and brings more than 10 years experience in financial and business strategy success to the organization. At Bain, she was a manager in the Private Equity Practice. Prior to Bain & Company, Ms. Whelan worked for the Holmes Group and Berkshire Partners LLC. She earned her Master in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania). Ms. Whelan resides in the Back Bay with her family.
“Both Rick and Lori are proven leaders who are committed to improving performance at all levels of the organization,” said Thomas Galligan, Chairman and CEO of Papa Gino’s Holdings Corp. “We are confident that Rick and Lori will continue to manage our company’s operations and finances and help us grow the company.”
Based in Dedham, Massachusetts, Papa Gino’s Holdings Corporation is the parent company of Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches. Papa Gino’s Holdings Corp. operates more than 370 company-owned and franchised Papa Gino’s, D’Angelo and dual-location restaurants and employs more than 5,000 people.
Magnets USA® adds longevity and appeal to your marketing messages. Customers love magnets. Put your coupons, deals, promotions, special offers or menu items on a magnet and they will hang around your customers’ homes and offices for weeks, months, sometimes even years. Our top selling pizza calendars, sports schedules, refrigerator magnets, delivery vehicle magnets, coupon mailers, pizza shaped and custom magnets will help drive up traffic and drive down costs. Visit us online at www.MagnetsUSA.com or call today, 800.869.7562 to order or explore alternatives.
Pizza Patrón, the premier Latino pizza brand, has executed an agreement with the American Airlines Center to become the venue’s exclusive pizza vendor. The company will operate six concession outlets on the upper and lower levels of the arena concourse.
“This exciting new venture takes our community-based brand and launches it into the mainstream,” said Andrew Gamm, director of brand development for Pizza Patrón. “Pizza’s broad appeal makes this a perfect place for us to introduce our brand to an audience that includes many people outside of our core Latino-Hispano customer base.”
On Thursday, November 13, Pizza Patrón began serving pizza at the American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks and Stars, and America’s fourth most lucrative arena according to Forbes Magazine this year.
“We are proud to begin a new partnership with Pizza Patrón and look forward to a long relationship. With Pizza Patrón's dedication to quality and service, we're excited to offer such a great product to our fans,” said Joe Skenderian, VP of Business Development at American Airlines Center.
The menu features seven-inch pan pizzas, an inch larger than what was previously offered in the arena, for $6.50 -- cheese, pepperoni or sausage. The chain will also offer its BreadStix, QuesoStix and ChurroStix.
Included in the deal are hard visual assets throughout the building including concourse signage, logo positioning on the 360° Digital Ring and on the Tri-vision scoreboards located at the North and South ends of the arena. Plans are also in the works to “hawk” pizzas down the aisles during events making this a first for the center.
Pizza Patrón was founded by Antonio Swad in 1986. Since franchising began in March 2003, the brand has grown from four locations in Dallas to 82 locations in six states, with more than 40 additional stores under development.
Revention, Inc. is a leading developer of complete, customizable restaurant management solutions designed to streamline the way restaurants do business. Revention’s offerings include point-of-sale systems and fully integrated online ordering solutions, and our experienced professionals are dedicated to assisting customers both before and after the sale. Our goal is to provide a complete solution that includes customized installation, training, technical support, and much, much more.
Papa Romano’s Pizza aims to please crust lovers with new All Corners Pizza
Pizza crust aficionados don’t cut corners; instead, they consume them with gusto. With the introduction of the new All Corners Pizza at Papa Romano’s Pizza, crust lovers now have even more crust to satisfy their craving. The Commerce Township-based chain is launching the new pizza with an introductory offer – a large, one topping All Corners Pizza for just $9.99.
“The All Corners Pizza boasts the same fresh ingredients and delicious taste of our traditional pizza but features crispy, golden-brown crust on every slice to satisfy people who love pizza crust,” said Casey Askar, chairman and chief executive officer of Papa Romano’s Pizza. “We’re sure it will be a popular menu item.”
To support the new product launch, Detroit advertising agency Harmony Park has created an advertising campaign that will begin airing today on network and cable television. Competitive Media, of Southfield, Mich., orchestrated the media buy for the campaign, which will run through December 17.
Founded in 1970, Papa Romano’s Pizza now operates a network of 46 franchised and company-owned stores in Michigan and Texas.
Pizza Inn, Inc. has announced the scheduled opening of the first of 20 multi-unit development agreements in Kuwait with Raja Company W.I.I. The store, located in Al Rai, Kuwait, offers traditional delivery, dine-in and carry out services.
The Raja Group of Companies (formerly known as Raja Trading Est.), located in Kuwait City, Kuwait, is owned and operated by chairman Waleed Adulla Al Ayoub, Managing Director Rohit Mirchandani and Director Mohit Mirchandani. Established in 1962, the Raja Company specializes in the region's petroleum, construction and energy industries in addition to marketing, logistics and food and beverage services.
"We are eager to see our first store open with the Raja Company in Kuwait," said Charlie Morrison, President and CEO for Pizza Inn. "This opening marks the first of two openings scheduled to happen by year end. We are excited for Rohit and his team as they embark on a great opportunity with the Pizza Inn brand."
"Customers love the variety and quality our Pizza Inn brings to Al Rai," states Rohit Mirchandani. "We are achieving our goal of taking the brand to new heights throughout Kuwait as we plan on opening our
second location in early December of this year."
The news follows the chain's recent announcements of sixth straight quarter of positive domestic Buffet Restaurant same store sales growth.
Pizza Inn, Inc. is headquartered in The Colony, Texas, along with its distribution division, Norco Restaurant Services Company.
When guests at CiCi’s Pizza buy gift certificates this season, they’ll receive a scratch and win game piece that could be worth up to $2,500. The new holiday promotion is dubbed “Give and You Shall Receive. Cha-Ching!” With the promotion, all guests who purchase gift certificates between Nov. 24 and Dec. 31, 2008, have a chance to win prizes ranging from free food items to a check for $2,500, just in time to pay off the holiday bills.
CiCi’s knows its guests are budget-conscious this year, and many are bargain hunting to make their holiday shopping dollars stretch far enough so there’s something for everyone. The gift certificates come in $5 increments and spend like cash at CiCi’s stores nationwide, offering an easy and affordable way for guests to treat their loved ones to CiCi’s fresh pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet while also getting a 1-in-2 chance of winning a prize.
“Our guests are accustomed to the way we WOW them with our great food and superior service,” said CiCi’s Pizza President and CEO Craig Moore. “With this promotion, we’re increasing the WOW factor by making holiday shopping a win/win for gift givers and receivers.”
Prizes include: one grand prize of $2,500 cash; five first place prizes of $250 gas cards; 120 second place prizes of Family Time Fun games and the chance to win CiCi’s food and drinks.
All tickets without a prize on the face will entitle the holder to 25 percent off the retail price of a Family Time Fun game. Prizes can be redeemed through Jan. 31, 2009.
Founded in 1985, CiCi's Pizza is a family-oriented buffet concept. Since opening its first restaurant in Plano, Texas, CiCi’s has grown to almost 650 restaurants in 30 states.