He's American, He Oversees Papa John's in Russia and He's Staying

[Zorro]

Christopher Wynne’s company controls the franchise agreements for the 190 Papa John’s locations in the country. “At the end of the day, they appreciate a good pizza,” he said.

Papa John’s International said last week that it was suspending all of its corporate operations in Russia, following in the footsteps of other high-profile American brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks.

However, the 190 Papa John’s restaurants in the country are still open and selling pizzas. And they have no plans to stop.

These Papa John’s shops are primarily owned by Russians through a franchise agreement with a company controlled by Christopher Wynne, a Colorado native who has lived part time and worked in the country since the early 2000s. And even as the war with Ukraine continues and numerous global food brands and retailers suspend operations and stop selling goods in Russia, little has changed with his operation, said Mr. Wynne, 45.

“The best thing I can do as an individual is show compassion for the people, my employees, franchisees and customers without judging them because of the politicians in power,” he said.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/14/business/papa-johns-russia.html

[leftieNanner]

1. And ANOTHER good reason to never buy that crap pizza!

I'm staying local for my pie!

[mitch96]

7. Pappa who?..nt

[Thomas Hurt]

2. or you are just a money grubbing pr*ck...

what does he do when he runs out of Papa J's fixins for the pizzas...

[Ritabert]

3. Haven't been in a Papa John's for years

I started boycotting it when Schnatter turned into a Trump supporter.

[BlueJac]

4. Not a great loss!

Just lousy pizza!

[Duncanpup]

5. Tastes like cardboard

And was it 2009 when papa John original owner said his employees do not need health care it would have cost a nickel to price pizza. Our sons brought papa johns home other week I explained to them why we do not should not buy the pizzas.

[Spider Jerusalem]

6. People who appreciate good pizza don't get Papa John's (n/t)

[live love laugh]

8. Not surprised. I don't buy it.

[Chainfire]

9. I hope that they survive on their Russian market.

I hope that their policy is spread far and wide; Money is more important than justice. I am putting my own sanctions in place for companies that give aid and comfort to the people who threaten the continued survival of the world.

[tavernier]

10. Before I ever knew their politics

I thought Papa John’s pizza was the worst in town. It’s actually the only pizza my family and I have ever thrown away after a couple of bites. We purchased their cheeseburger pizza and it tasted like vomit. Seriously. I’m thinking that one of the ingredients that made it taste like was off, because I can’t imagine anyone making anything on purpose to taste that sickening.