The Success Story of Papa John’s | Sitdown with John Schnatter

Join me as we sit down with John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John's Pizza, in a beautiful state of Utah. Schnatter shares his great American story of how he started the popular pizza chain from scratch in a garage, with just a car he sold. He talks about determination, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and how he built a successful business from the ground up. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in business, leadership, and success.
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[@papajohn247]

Thanks for having me on Michael. You know what they say better ingredients, better podcast.

[@biozio186]

Do u still use the n word?

[@dwightlangston5444]

PapaJohn's hasn't tasted the same since you left.

[@Jayyy667]

@@biozio186 hopefully

[@bradt8019]

Great interview, ☝️😏 thanks for sharing.

[@Lukas-rw7ok]

@@biozio186 if it’s deserved then yes

[@kpas22105]

Michael’s description of leadership is spot on in my humble opinion. Always best to have people willingly and even happily follow and support you than them doing it out of fear or duress

[@PrestonSikes]

Couldn't agree more. Lead with respect and by example, and if you wouldn't do it don't send your guys to do it

[@Theanswerisblowinginthewind]

​@@PrestonSikes This has been my husband's motto for 40 yrs. He's retired from our local power company but at 61 works for one of their contractors now.

[@PrestonSikes]

@@Theanswerisblowinginthewind that's what my dad always told me, he was 22 years in the Marines

[@kpas22105]

@@michaelfranzese Likewise Michael and God bless you

[@kpas22105]

One thing I will add is that in my experience people who are made to operate in fear deeply resent it even if they are falling in line but make no mistake about it, they are looking for opportunities to hasten your downfall. Worst people to surround oneself with are people that want to undermine you and it is all unnecessary

[@aaronlopez492]

Michael thank you for bringing on John Schnater founder of my favorite Pizza franchise.

[@patrickgodwin8947]

Making money is action. keeping money is behavior. Growing money is knowledge

[@bernyjackson9245]

Awesome information you're sharing with us. Money is an issue that everyone has for a better and luxurious life, life was hard for me until I started earning $30k from my investment with Mr Glenn McCarthy

[@randyo.6426]

@@bernyjackson9245 Same here lol, My previous profit withdrawal investing with Mr Glenn McCarthy was over $18200 and it's still counting high

[@archivealexander1952]

I traded with him, The profit are secured and over a 100% return on investment directly sent to your wallet.

[@cookpatrick.9737]

Wow l know him and I have also been trading with him, he's such an amazing person with good skills keeps me happy all week knowing I earn 15thousand

[@theresasidneyy5838]

@@cookpatrick.9737 Please tell me how I can reach out to Glenn McCarthy? I also want to benefit from his services.

[@Jared_Wignall]

It’s really cool to see you talk to John Schnatter and have this conversation. Thank you for this Michael, keep up the great work, have a great day and God bless you and your family!

[@restodimenna9355]

Abosolutly Right ! The Employee experience has to surpass the Customer experience. Motivated employees are essential for customer satisfaction and overall success. Been in the business that my dad started over 50 years, wish I leaned this earlier. Thanks Michael Franzese for this great interview !

[@vanmoody]

You go to Chick Fil-A and say thank you for their service and they say back to you, "It was my pleasure". And they say it like they mean it. It goes a long way.

[@Arthurian.]

He is so inspiring. I hope to meet him someday, and I guess this is the universe telling me if I want to meet guys like you & John, I need to get serious about making it in life.

[@alantinoalantonio]

God might. The universe on the other hand doesn't have feelings and is not a person. Pursue your goals. Discard the nonsense.

[@davidrice3337]

John had always been a believer - " If it is to be - it's up to me "

[@Arthurian.]

@@alantinoalantonio no idea what you're trying to say...

[@aanothertwo2954]

@@Arthurian.they’re saying believe in god and not in the universe.

[@Arthurian.]

@@aanothertwo2954 you have no life, do you?

[@The2ndFirst]

Great success story. I remember the first time I tasted his pizza in southern Indiana. I was like...this is amazing. The brand took a major nosedive and was almost unrecognizble a decade later.

[@419dman]

It's so much better now than it's ever been

[@Clown_fighter]

@@419dmanon which planet it’s got so much worse since he left

[@smartdigital8215]

AS a former Marine, Michael's philosophy about leadership is laser accurate. Very respectful and thought provoking interview. Michael Franzese, thank you for bringing the truth about John Schnatter to the surface. Much love and respect for you my friend! By the way, I love the tattoos on your arms! Proverbs 16:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6!! Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement!

[@adamr149]

🙄

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

The day of reckoning is coming buddy, 40 pizzas in 30 days. Remember that, just think about that. Let that one sink in, just like the grease in that pizza has sunken into his internal organs. Papa John is tired of the lies, tired of the hate. All of the bastards that did him wrong are in for a real rude awakening.

[@magsblack8344]

I’ve always thought he got a very raw deal. Thank you for bringing out the real man to the light once again. Great interview. Thank you for the constantly phenomenal content. ❤ God bless.

[@joannamcpeak7531]

He was certainly maligned and very unfairly.

[@j2times2006]

He was punished for being a tone deaf idiot. He made a blanket statement that he provided no proof for and sounded like he was whining about not being able to use a racial slur. I actually do believe him when he says there was politics involved with his ouster but he sure as hell made it easy for them.

[@419dman]

Nah, my friend's mom used to work for him, she said he was a good dude at first but he turned into a nightmare. Apparently the guy with actual leadership skills was tired of john taking all the credit and tried to go to a rival, John saw it as a betrayal and became a monster to work for after that

[@colderbeer]

@@j2times2006 YOU PEOPLE must really hate the right to FREE SPEECH.

[@LudiCrust.]

I worked for him from 2000-2008 and he is everything he seems. Total stand up guy & he really did look out for his employees. Out of college I got hired on at Pizza Hut in 96 and it was ok, definitely nothing bad, but it wasn’t anywhere near as great as Papa Johns. I left the pizza biz in 08 & went into finance and while the money is better it’s nowhere near as much fun or fulfilling. If I could go back I’d stay at Papa Johns.

[@richardfreeman5293]

Not now you wouldn’t, trust me

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

The day of reckoning is coming buddy, 40 pizzas in 30 days. Remember that, just think about that. Let that one sink in, just like the grease in that pizza has sunken into his internal organs. Papa John is tired of the lies, tired of the hate. All of the bastards that did him wrong are in for a real rude awakening.

[@HebrewJerusalemPrince777]

@@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews I mean they did do him dirty. But what awakening?

[@JOONBUGFILMS]

A truly great man and such an inspiring story

[@billyunderwood3522]

Why is the doe in the pizzas aren’t as fluffy and soft as it was

[@balancedactguy]

@@billyunderwood3522 dough.

[@billyunderwood3522]

@@balancedactguy Exactly It’s not right it’s missing something

[@dalehood1846]

Some people are just in business for the business. They just want to make money, not a good product. When you find a good business, stick with it. All the best on finding the "perfect pie." May God bless.

[@johynsmith]

Excellent Michael! I love his success story! I'm curious as to whether he tried or gave an opinion on Slices! What a cool sit down!

[@johynsmith]

@@michaelfranzese It might be a great follow up sit down, to have him visit your Slices in the California sunshine and get a break from the snow! Might be an interesting collaboration. Who knows! It was an excellent, honest and inspiring interview. Thank you

[@christophertaylor9100]

He is right to be concerned about the future of the economy and this country. Very right

[@foxgloved1]

My son is starting his own LLC and I will be sharing this with him.I am sure he will benefit from this inspiring interview. Thank you Michael for all you do

[@bnegs521]

Michael is such a great communicator; great listener. It's rare these days.

[@gentrysmith4924]

Papa John's has NEVER been the same since John was fired! It was our go to dinner on Saturday nights but since he left my family has only had 1 pizza and it was uneatable!

[@loganoftherockies9453]

Thanks so much Michael, I look forward to more shows like this one. And back in his time, that was hands down the best pizza I ever had.

[@brodyfamman]

People have said bad things about John. Whatever. I had coffee and talked to him in at a shop in Louisville, close to his headquarters, on multiple occasions. He had absolutely no reason to be cool or talk to me. I recognized him and simply said hello. He was gracious and kind, great to talk to, and always remembered me. When he found his original Camaro and made his commercial in St.Matthews, KY close to my home, my son and I rode bikes to the scene and he let my son see his car and hang out for a bit. We by no means we’re close friends, but he was always kind to me. Always another side to every story. Good man and so glad to see him on my favorite podcast!!! Thx for having him Michael. This was awesome. Love you brother!

[@trueempire8948]

Out of all the pizza chains out there I always say Papa Johns is the best in my opinion.

[@bbqtool]

The way this man talks about business is incredible. He knows his stuff. He could save businesses post COVID with his insight.

[@patriciajackson2554]

Being a louisvillian, I remember when this was a small local chain. The ups like the stadium and the downs. I remember Ricky's Sub Pub too, Cut Rate Liquors....the memories. Enjoyed this very much

[@uk7900]

This is wonderful. The owners of a business have to keep the motivation up .. always. Empathy. The human side .. Cannot lose it. Thank you for this segment, Michael. Always excellent content 💯🏆

[@AtillatheFun]

Owner? Since when did John own anything? He hasn’t been associated with Papa Johns for years.

[@michaeltorres3231]

Loved this interview Michael, great guest, and a real champion. You always have those that are snakes in the world that should never should be given a chance...

[@indyminded5473]

I'm from Louisville Ky. Jeffersonville where John started Papa John's is just across the river. I grew up watching the rise of Papa John's Pizza become what it is. What his own company did to him was despicable.

[@markellwood4132]

I really enjoyed that interview. Built up a great business, shared his wealth with his employees and treated them with the greatest respect. And then was ousted by idiots. I hope he gets back to what he should be doing. Being the boss of a great business.

[@419dman]

Not according to those who actually worked for him.

[@markellwood4132]

@@419dman thanks for the reply. Can you supply evidence?

[@americasteam2112]

So did he treat his employees nice when used the n-word?

[@TheNavyGonzo]

I worked at Ball State University for 6 years... The way they did John was disgraceful when the scamdal went down was ridiculous... I admire him greatly and respect everything he built!

[@HereIStandNow]

Excellent interview Michael. I loved John's wisdom.

[@carterclews5337]

Thank you for bringing John on, Michael. You are a stand up guy.

[@a.true.story.31]

I appreciate you giving John this platform

[@elmerkilred159]

John seems like a really solid guy. Good interview.

[@nickmad887]

Respect to Michael he helped me get a new car when I hade no credit Thank you again Sir.

[@cody9579]

Welcome to Utah Michael. Great interview as always.

[@davidfernandes1608]

He looks like he should've been casted in Sopranos

[@bradt8019]

Your right! 🤔👍 I definitely see it.

[@ironcurtainboxing]

I love some of your interviews, Sir. This wasn't one of the best & was rather boring. No disrespect, just honest feedback. Stay blessed 🙏

[@sloppyjoe6243]

Excellent interview Michael. You need to have a talk show. You are excellent with the interviews and have some amazing people on the show.

[@GonzytheMage]

Incredible interview, thanks Mr. Franzese!

[@texassportsoutdoors]

John spoke all of that very well! This interview was excellent! God Bless!

[@AMETHYST21897]

Such great advice in this sitdown like any other. ❤

[@slamtilt01]

Great sit down Michael. I have been in a similar situation to John. My business was taken away from me by trusted partners whom I also considered friends too. I think 🤔 for John Schnatter though, when he spoke about grooming a replacement. He didn't take into consideration at that time what that would mean for that guy's ego. Papa John was officially anointing him to be his replacement. He'd proven himself worthy of the honour. So when John stepped back in. This guy would've seen it as interference from someone who couldn't let go and allow him and to trust in him to run the company. That I believe is why John Schnatter was set up in the way he was to remove him.

[@jimhartley4460]

Great Interview Michael! Worked for him for 9 years and might still be there if that all had not happened.

[@polopopolo2197]

I love the way, Mr. Franzese, Carrie’s himself. You do not see this much anymore in our society. Man’s Man.

[@Justfedup47]

Thank u. I was.just thinking about where john is. GOD BLESS BOTH OF U..

[@cfierle]

Great stuff guys! My 1st real paycheck was washing dishes at a Country Club.

[@pscllc4604]

It was nice to hear how John Schnatter wasn't selfish in doing things just to benefit himself. He gave back, plain and simple. A true leader.

[@krugmeister7301]

That's a GREAT STORY from PAPA JOHN'S..💯💯💯💜💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏🤗

[@shotgunsnare]

He seems like a great guy , lots of wisdom

[@YTConor]

Clever move Michael, have a sit down with another pizza franchise to make sure Slices stays top of the game, next mafia war incoming 😆, hope you and the family(pardon the pun) are doing well!

[@haroldfarmer8834]

@@michaelfranzese but that’s how it will grow one slice at a time

[@Nemanya77]

​@@michaelfranzese I didnt know you have pizza biz, if you want contact me and I would share some insights that might serve you really big. I was about to offer that to PJ but I dont think he ll respond to my comment.

[@badfinger20]

Great channel Michael...I just found your channel this week...it's superb...thanks for the honesty.

[@chrissena3050]

Michael, I could not agree more with what was said. One of the worst parts of all of this, meaning what is going on in this country, is that hope is being extinguished. Not even little by little but rapidly. Including the hope of young men & women that have something great to offer. Sad! As always, love the sit-downs. God bless!

[@frankmelendez8064]

Great story!! Thanks Michael!

[@peacearbiter]

Honestly I like this interview and how humble it is

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

The day of reckoning is coming buddy, 40 pizzas in 30 days. Remember that, just think about that. Let that one sink in, just like the grease in that pizza has sunken into his internal organs. Papa John is tired of the lies, tired of the hate. All of the bastards that did him wrong are in for a real rude awakening.

[@savedin87ify]

Awesome love Pappa John. Haven't ordered a lot since he was kicked out of his own company.

[@mikeedwards2637]

Great interview Michael . I really never knew what happened (didn’t research it) but coming from your channel I can trust that it’s truthful.

[@cryptohodlerjim5956]

Michael, you are bringing back childhood memories mentioning the Big Bow Wow, used to go there in the early 80’s in Howard Beach!

[@bradt8019]

Now I need to make some homemade pizza!! 🍕 🤔👍 It's been a long time. This is a great video for anybody starting a business.

[@dougprescotti8794]

Great job! Excellent video brother!

[@joekreisel1792]

Great sit down, sir.

[@JimmyCalandraABathAvenueStory]

I listen to Michael and I learn 💙👋

[@TV14greaterthanPG]

I love these sit-downs you do sir, idc what anybody says, u did well to escape the mafia, use ur experience, go legit abd be a positive role model to inspire the youbger generations to run away from crime

[@tbrian420]

This guy is someone you def could have shaken down back in the day Michael

[@u.s.m.c.fewproudthemarines2987]

Why is that cuz he looks Timid???

[@tbrian420]

​@@u.s.m.c.fewproudthemarines2987 And sweaty.

[@Frosty98206]

lmao "Give us 25% of your Monthly Intake Or Imma Run ya out"

[@franciscohorna5542]

great video of papa john´s guy watchen right now in fact have a papa john´s here in peru south america close to my apartment not very far god bless be safe there!!!!!!

[@PrestonSikes]

Better Ingredients, Better Pizza, Papa Johns

[@cranerigging3604]

Thank you Michael for this interview as John Schnatter got raked over the coals by " Woke " corporate business and media . This country needs more " John Schnatter's " at the helm !

[@user-nz6pl8gz1c]

Don't disrespect the pizza parlor!!!

[@DIDDLOTIC]

😂

[@Realmikesambo]

Wow. Loved this interview with John. Great to hear what actually transpired vs what the media portrayed.

[@ToledoOhio]

❤ Praise God in The Most High, we give Glory and Gratitude to Our Lord and Savior for our brother shown here, his beloved wife and their family in the example of love and joy that comes from repentance of sin. Prayers lifted for HIS continued favor of protection and good health for all who can read these words.Amen.

[@darkstar92772]

While you were in the life who would you say was the best natural leader?

[@liam5382]

Great video Michael

[@remotetrekker-dg3re]

Fantastic interview and excellent commentary.

[@kevinfrawley6098]

thank you please do more like this

[@bigh6530]

A great metaphor for what’s going on in our country. We pray.

[@mranderson3441]

This guy is 71 years old. Holly shit, he looks so young

[@swampghost72]

There was a lot of talk about leadership in this sit down.everything was spot on but it sparks the memory of some of your earlier videos when you spoke about Machiavellian principles,and the question of.Is it better to be feared or loved.looking at his success and his ideas on leadership I'd say it's better to be loved..I see the results of that in this sit down.

[@sking3285]

Great interview. He’s definitely right about the work force these days.

[@JoseMoreno-vd8vj]

Great content micheal John story inspirational 👏

[@mikemarsh7387]

I think the secret to papa john's success is the little butter garlic dipping sauce and peppers that come with every pizza.

[@hanknipper3921]

Good leaders lead from the front and know how to motivate and grow people. Kinda like you Michael

[@Jayyy667]

Pappa John Nationalism ❤⚡⚡

[@RobFromRI]

great interview!

[@tobiasblack1749]

It was a different world and economy when John made it big. A strong family isn’t something a lot of people have either.

[@pattiharvey1787]

I've been ordering Papa John's for years, never knew the background. Thanks for the upload 👍

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

The day of reckoning is coming buddy, 40 pizzas in 30 days. Remember that, just think about that. Let that one sink in, just like the grease in that pizza has sunken into his internal organs. Papa John is tired of the lies, tired of the hate. All of the bastards that did him wrong are in for a real rude awakening.

[@spriggs1983]

Great interview Michael.

[@Stizzle151]

I never had an issue with John.. Papa Johns has been my goto pizza chain, over dominoes and PH, for years now.. And for some reason, I really like his vest 😄

[@keithsifford5326]

Awesome interview!

[@cilldublin07]

really enjoyed that. great interviewee

[@jasonb4988]

John, figure out how to take your company back .. instill the values and work ethic necessary in today’s world ! I realize you probably agreed not to do this, but you need too if you can .. Thank you .. great interview Michael ..👍😉

[@Klearedc]

Just found this channel, you are a class act I’m learning a lot here

[@0bits_1]

'When are you going to realize Vietnam is over?, when are you going to realize the war is over, you've made it.' - That sentiment really hit home for me, and - although it's not entirely applicable to me and my life at the moment - it's a sentiment I am definitely going to make a conscious effort to remember and reflect on in the future,

[@salgonzalez908]

Amazing interview, wow.

[@jamiegormer1010]

Michael I see a perfect situation for you , You have someone who is an expert in the pizza business,with an axe to grind ,could be a perfect partnership,

[@robincook8828]

I was thinking same thing. maybe slices will get bigger and go public ...

[@Mei-tg7mq]

I have been interested in your talking about mob and talking about business. Thank you for great video.

[@damianstarks3338]

Great sit down.

[@rockyoxford4884]

Great listen for young guys like me trying to get into the pizza business

[@scottmortensen9955]

I remember his commercials he always seemed outgoing..but in this interview which he made some great comments about the employee experience but he was kinda monotone wasn’t expecting that. All in all great content, Micheal knows what people are interested in

[@NewTheoryMagazine]

Well done 👍

[@dannyboy84]

What a all inspiring video great to watch

[@Stizzle151]

I never had an issue with John.. Papa Johns has been my goto pizza chain, over dominoes and PH for years now.. And for some reason, I really like his vst

[@dj1698]

Hope all is well Michael

[@ctb6731]

Great interview!!!!!