Leading pizza franchise Papa Johns has now opened in Newton Abbot!

The company’s newest store located on Queen Street, will be run by franchisee Dr Renato Raho, consultant, accountant and former McDonalds’ franchisee who has already recruited a team of over 20 local staff to help run the operation.

Renato Raho explains: “Papa Johns is a brand new, exciting challenge! Myself and my partner Lisa Kitching – who is also highly experienced in the QSR sector – are now looking forward to developing our portfolio of Papa Johns stores in the Southwest region.”

“With most customers taking advantage of the Papa Johns delivery model, our goal is to make sure regular customers and visitors to Newton Abbot can enjoy their favourite fresh pizza treat where and when they choose. However, we know it’s the people behind the pizza who really make the magic happen. Our team is the key ingredient, facilitating convenience and ensuring pizza can be added to the menu of fun experiences enjoyed by friends and families, whatever the occasion. We are now actively recruiting for more new staff to help us run Newton Abbot and the additional stores we have planned over the coming months.”

The Papa Johns brand has expanded greatly across the UK over the last few years, with the mindset of “people first” and Newton Abbot is such an exciting opportunity to continue this ethos. Key sponsorships such as the EFL, RFU and Trussell Trust charity will give great opportunities for local clubs, groups and charities to get involved with the new store, all whilst dishing out great pizza!

Amit Pancholi, business development director, Papa Johns UK confirms: “Renato’s financial knowledge and business acumen combined with his energy, interest and experience in staff development in a QSR setting means he is particularly well placed to deliver the success of multiple new stores planned for the Southwest. His focus on ‘right people, right place’ aligns closely with our values and we will support him and his team in their planned programme of store openings over the next few years.”

The store was opened by the mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr Carol Sunday, who said: ‘It was certainly an experience!

‘We had very very patient teacher, we didn’t quite realise how involved it was making a pizza, it’s not as easy as you think but we got there.’

Town Development Manager Sally Henley added: ‘It was a real eye opener and we are looking forward to eating our own creations!’