Papa Johns to enter Iraq in 2027, plans 25 restaurants by 2035

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Papa Johns, an American pizza brand, has revealed ambitions to join the Iraqi market, with the first restaurant set to open in spring 2027 and a goal of 25 outlets throughout the nation by 2035. The expansion follows a ten-year renewal of the company’s franchise deal with PJP Investments Group, which extends their exclusive Middle East collaboration until 2036 and formally adds Iraq as a new market. PJP, which manages Papa Johns restaurants in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, intends to increase the brand’s regional footprint from 167 to more than 400 by 2036. Todd Penegor, President and CEO of Papa Johns, said that the company’s entry into Iraq underlines its trust in the Middle East as a crucial region for worldwide growth. PJP has worked with Papa Johns for over two decades, and its restaurant network has grown dramatically under the ownership of Levant Capital. The arrangement marks Papa Johns debut into Iraq’s rapidly expanding restaurant and food service business, bringing another worldwide dining brand to the country.