Leading pizza franchise, Papa John’s has opened its latest store in Didcot, Oxfordshire. The new outlet will be run by franchisee Bally Brar with the help of 15 locally recruited staff. Brar also runs the Abingdon Papa John’s and has been a franchisee since 2014.
“I have a background in the pizza industry, previously working as an area manager for a rival firm,” confirmed Brar. “However, four years ago I was keen to purchase my own Papa John’s franchise and take advantage of the opportunities being created by the company’s rapid growth.”
Once he’d completed his management training, Brar originally worked in the Berkhamsted store in Hertfordshire making pizzas for 6 weeks, prior to striking a deal with the former franchisee to buy the business. Brar ran Berkhamsted with his brother before they each decided to work on building their own portfolio of stores.
Brar said, “The Papa John’s property team identified the location and found the property in Didcot for me. It is a thriving town known for its rail links to nearby Oxford and London and there are a number of new housing developments being created which all offer opportunities. It’s also close to my Abingdon store which is helpful for staff training and marketing.
“Papa John’s franchisee incentive scheme has been invaluable to help me open the new outlet. Deals on equipment, marketing and reduced franchise fees all mean I can focus on operations, growing local brand awareness and growing sales. With the new BBQ pizza range just launched plus all the fun of the summer football ahead, I am really looking forward to delivering in Didcot!”