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John Schnatter

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John Schnatter
Born
John H. Schnatter

(1961-11-22) November 22, 1961 (age 62)
Jeffersonville, Indiana, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Other namesPapa John
Alma materBall State University[1]
Occupation(s)Founder and former chairman, Papa John's Pizza
Years active1984–2018
Spouse
Annette
​
(m. 1987)​
Children3

John H. Schnatter (born November 22, 1961), nicknamed commercially as Papa John, is an American entrepreneur who founded Papa John's Pizza.[4] Schnatter stepped down as CEO on January 1, 2018, after comments he made criticizing National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell for not doing anything about national anthem protests. He was succeeded by President and COO Steve Ritchie.[5][6] He stepped down as chairman of the board on July 11, 2018.[7]

Early life and education

Schnatter was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on November 22, 1961,[8][9] to Mary and Robert Schnatter. He has German ancestry.[10] He graduated from Jeffersonville High School, then earned a business degree from Ball State University in 1983.[1][9]

In the 1980s, John Schnatter's father co-owned Mick's Lounge, a tavern in Jeffersonville.[1]

Career

Schnatter founded Papa John's Pizza in 1984, when he converted a broom closet in the back of his father's tavern.[9] Schnatter sold his 1971 Z28 Camaro to purchase $1,600 worth of used pizza equipment and began selling pizzas to the tavern's customers.[11][12][13] The following year, his business had become successful enough that he was able to move into an adjoining space. As of November 2017, the company is the third largest take-out and pizza delivery restaurant chain in the world,[14][15][16] with headquarters in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, near Louisville.[17][18][19] On December 21, 2017, Schnatter announced he would step down as CEO of Papa John's amidst controversy over comments he made regarding the NFL not doing anything about players kneeling or sitting during the National Anthem.[20]

In 1999, Schnatter was accused of stalking and groping a woman. He claimed the woman was trying to extort him for $5 million. The situation ended with a confidential settlement. According to a 2018 investigation by Forbes, Schnatter was involved in 2009 sexual misconduct incident involving a 24-year-old female marketing employee, resulting in another confidential settlement.[21][22]

In October 2017, in a conference call with investors, Schnatter blamed the National Football League for poor financial performance, stating "The NFL has hurt us ... We are disappointed the NFL and its leadership did not resolve this," referring to the U.S. national anthem protests. Later that day, Papa John's announced that the NFL shield or "official sponsor" designation on Papa John's commercials and advertising would be removed.[23]

Papa John's announced on December 21, 2017, that Schnatter would be replaced as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2018, by Chief Operating Officer Steve Richie. Schnatter would still appear in the chain's commercials and on its pizza boxes, and was the company's biggest shareholder with approximately 9.5 million shares. He remained on the board at the time.

On July 11, 2018 it was reported that Schnatter used the word "nigger" during a conference call with marketing agency Laundry Services in May of that year, by saying "Colonel Sanders called blacks niggers and Sanders never faced public outcry". After the call, the owner of the marketing agency moved to end their contract with Papa John's.[24][25] Schnatter resigned as chairman of the board the same day the incident was reported.[7] Later that same day, Schnatter also stepped down from his position on the University of Louisville board of trustees.[26]

On July 26, 2018, Schnatter filed a lawsuit against Papa John's Pizza to give him access to the company's books and records after they fired him from the company after the teleconference call scandal. He describes the company's procedures as an “unexplained and heavy-handed way” to cut ties between him and the company that he founded. In addition to preventing him from accessing information, the corporation has also implemented a poison pill strategy in order to limit Schnatter's chances of buying back a majority stake in the company.[27]

Personal life

Schnatter has been married to his wife, Annette, since 1987. The couple have three children. The Schnatter family resides in Anchorage, Kentucky.[9] Schnatter is an Evangelical Christian and is a member of the Southeast Christian Church.[28]

In 1983, Schnatter sold his 1971 Chevrolet Camaro to help his father's struggling business. He used the leftover funds to start Papa John's. Decades later, he offered a reward of $250,000 for finding the car, and on August 26, 2009, Schnatter bought the Camaro back for $250,000. The family he sold it to had sold it, but he still paid them a $25,000 finders fee.[29][30] In celebration, Papa John's offered a free pizza to anyone who owned a Camaro.[31] Schnatter's original Camaro has been on display in the company's headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The company owns several replicas that are used on tours and for public and TV appearances.[32][unreliable source?] On August 15, 2015, Schnatter's original Camaro was stolen along with two other classic cars in Detroit, where they were slated to appear in the city's annual Woodward Dream Cruise.[33] The Camaro was recovered two days later on the city's west side with minimal damage.[34]

In 2008, Schnatter made a million-dollar contribution to the Louisville Zoo's Glacier Run expansion.[35][36]

Politics

In 2012, Papa John's and Schnatter received media attention after he made critical comments about the Affordable Care Act to a class on entrepreneurship.[37] In a shareholder conference call, Schnatter explained that he opposed the ACA because "our best estimate is that the Obamacare will cost 11 to 14 cents per pizza".[38]

Schnatter hosted a fundraiser at his home for Republican Party candidate Mitt Romney in May 2012.[39]

Schnatter contributed to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and made supportive comments about his administration in January 2017.[10]

Awards and honors

  • Inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2007.[43]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kleber, John E., ed. (2001). "Papa John's International Inc.". The Encyclopedia of Louisville. Lexington, Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky. p. 688. ISBN 0-8131-2100-0. OCLC 247857447. Retrieved March 22, 2017. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "WLKY-TV airs one-on-one interview with John Schnatter".
  3. ^ "Papa John Loses Dough: Pizza Chain Founder Loses $70 Million In Hours, Blames NFL".
  4. ^ "The story of Papa John's". Papajohns.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved July 30, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Griner, David (December 21, 2017). "Papa John's founder out as CEO weeks after NFL comments". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois: Tronc. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  6. ^ Griner, David; Rittenhouse, Lindsay (December 22, 2017). "Papa John, One of the Last CEO Ad Stars, Will Remain the Face of the Company for Now". Adweek. New York City: Beringer Capital. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  7. ^ a b Lee, Yen Nee; Whitten, Sarah (July 11, 2018). "Papa John's founder John Schnatter resigns as chairman of company's board after apologizing for racial slur". CNBC. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  8. ^ "CEO John Schnatter Makes Big Dough With Papa John's Pizza - Investor's Business Daily". February 17, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c d Wolfson, Andrew (January 13, 2013). "The real Papa John: Pizza entrepreneur John Schnatter makes no apologies for wealth, success, Obamacare remarks". The Courier-Journal. Louisville, Kentucky: Gannett Company. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  10. ^ a b Taylor, Kate (January 29, 2017). "Papa John's CEO: America is on a path to becoming what Germany was in 1867". Business Insider. New York City: Axel Springer SE. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  11. ^ "The Papa John's Story". Papa John's (GB) Ltd. Archived from the original on July 10, 2013. Retrieved August 2, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Profile: John Schnatter". Forbes. New York City: Forbes Media. March 20, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  13. ^ "About Papa Johns". Papa John's International. Archived from the original on April 2, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "2017 Top 100 Pizza Companies". Emerald Expositions, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  15. ^ "Papa John's offering free pizza to customers who place online order during Super Bowl weekend". WDRB. January 28, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  16. ^ Green, Kim (January 15, 2015). "Sunday With Papa John's Founder John Schnatter". Parade. New York City: Athlon Media Group. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  17. ^ "Jeffersontown to dedicate new bike and walking path Saturday". The Courier-Journal. November 7, 2007. p. C7. Retrieved December 6, 2012. Papa John's office is in Jeffersontown
  18. ^ "Papa's Specialty Pizza Challenge". Papa John's Pizza. Retrieved on December 6, 2012. "Papa John's International Inc., 2002 Papa John's Blvd, Louisville, KY 40299". Archived October 23, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ "Census – Census Block Map (Index)", United States census, 2010; Jeffersontown City, Kentucky; page 1,. Retrieved on December 7, 2012.
  20. ^ Taylor, Kate (December 21, 2017). "Papa John's controversial CEO steps down after facing backlash for his criticism of NFL anthem protests". Business Insider.
  21. ^ Kirsch, Noah (July 19, 2018). "The Inside Story Of Papa John's Toxic Culture". Forbes. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  22. ^ Filloon, Whitney (July 19, 2018). "Papa John's Founder Accused of Sexual Misconduct and Fostering a 'Bro' Culture". Eater. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  23. ^ Rovell, Darren (November 1, 2017). "Papa John's says anthem protests are hurting deal with NFL". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  24. ^ Kirsch, Noah (July 11, 2018). "Papa John's Founder Used N-Word On Conference Call". Forbes. New York City: Forbes Media.
  25. ^ Whitten, Sarah (July 11, 2018). "Papa John's founder Schnatter apologizes for using the N-word on conference call". CNBC. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  26. ^ Watkins, Morgan (July 11, 2018). "John Schnatter resigns from University of Louisville board of trustees". Courier Journal. Louisville, Kentucky: Gannett Company. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  27. ^ "'Papa John' files lawsuit against Papa John's pizza chain".
  28. ^ Cesca, Bob (August 6, 2012). "Chick-Fil-A Isn't the Only Evil Fast Food Chain". The Daily Banter. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  29. ^ "Papa John's boss finds Camaro, gives free pizza". NBC News. Associated Press. August 25, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  30. ^ "Found: Papa John's Long-Lost Camaro! Kentucky Man Receives $250,000 Finder's Fee". Papa John's. August 25, 2009. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  31. ^ Associated, The (September 2, 2009). "Papa John's founder pays 250Kg for Camaro". Courierlifenews.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2010. Retrieved July 30, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ Whyte, Carol (August 26, 2009). "Founder of Papa John's Reunited with Camaro Sold in 1983". Yahoo Voices. Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  33. ^ Heiser, Tom (August 17, 2015). "John Schnatter's Camaro stolen in Detroit". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  34. ^ Greenwood, Tom; Chambers, Jennifer (August 17, 2015). "Stolen Papa John's Camaro found on Detroit's west side". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  35. ^ "Back to dough after losing bread: Papa John Schnatter shutters Calistoga Artisan Sandwich project after three and a half years". Insider Louisville. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "Calistoga cafe prepares for real-world test". Louisville Business First. 10 March 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ Resnikoff, Ned (November 20, 2012). "Denny's, Papa John's walk back criticism of Obamacare". NBCNews.com. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
  38. ^ Tau, Byron (August 7, 2012). "Papa John's: Obamacare will raise pizza prices". Politico.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  39. ^ Gerth, Joseph (April 17, 2012). "Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney to visit Louisville Thursday for fundraiser". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
  40. ^ Chipman, Melissa (March 9, 2017). "Behind the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards with Phoebe Wood". Insider Louisville. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  41. ^ http://eoyhof.ey.com/
  42. ^ "TOYA Past Honorees". July 22, 2011.
  43. ^ Wolfson, Andrew (January 13, 2013). "The real Papa John: Pizza entrepreneur John Schnatter makes no apologies for wealth, success, Obamacare remarks: Math whiz mixed pizza passion, finance". Courier Journal. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  44. ^ "Conquer Cancer website". Conquercancer.ca. May 28, 2009. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  45. ^ Burke, Pamela; Lytle, Alan. "Nine Entrepreneurs Going Into New Hall of Fame". WUKY. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  46. ^ ""Papa John" Schnatter Talks About ATO - Alpha Tau Omega at Ball State". Alpha Tau Omega at Ball State.
  47. ^ Liotta, Paul (October 8, 2015). "In wake of the video scandal; a look at famous alumni from Alpha Tau Omega". New York Daily News. New York City: Tronc. Retrieved November 7, 2017. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
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