Leading pizza franchise, Papa John’s, has announced franchisee Steve Huson has taken over the Papa John’s in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent.   Steve who also runs the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Papa John’s joined the company in 2016 after being a Subway franchisee for more than ten years.

“Although I originally started out as a gas engineer I always wanted to be in the food business,” confirms Steve Huson.  “I first found out about franchising by reading an article in a magazine and never looked back!   I’m also a great pizza fan and love the Papa John’s product so when the opportunity came along to buy the existing Newcastle-Under-Lyme store last year, I got cooking with plans and got a deal on the table pretty quickly!  

“I then spent some time improving the management structure in the outlet and focused on providing great service and top quality pizza in line with Papa John’s ever popular:  BETTER INGREDIENTS.  BETTER PIZZA. concept,” explains Steve.  “Quickly, business was booming and in the short time since the take-over in September, sales are up 75%!   I will employ a similar strategy in Stoke-on-Trent with the aim of keeping staff motivated and delivering top quality pizza to ensure our valuable customers keep coming back for more.

“The support from Papa John’s so far has been amazing,” continues Steve.  “The team are totally dedicated and supply a turn-key offering so I can focus on the business rather than having to worry about dealing with builders during the fit out.  The current franchisee incentive scheme has also been helpful as it offers some free equipment, reduced royalty fees and help with marketing right when needed.

“It is so exciting now to be opening in my home town of Stoke-on-Trent.  We are located in an historic building but right next door, old meets new and Costa, Nando’s plus some other well-known brands are setting up in more modern buildings and this will all attract more customers.  I am looking forward to growing sales in the new outlet and have plans in the pipeline to add another Papa John’s soon, so watch this space!”