Freedom and Capitalism, Ingenuity, Hardwork and Discipline

 

John Schnatter

1961 -

John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John's, began his pizza career at Rocky's Sub Pub in Indiana, while attending High School. Schnatter graduated from from high school in 1980. While attending Ball State University, he worked as a delivery driver for Greek's Pizzeria in Muncie. Upon graduating, he began working for his father, who was co-owner of a bar. In 1984, he sold his car (a 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28) to buy out the other owner of the bar, and started serving pizza to customers. In 1983, at the age of 22, Schnatter started delivering pizzas out of the tavern. In 1983, he sold his 1972 Camaro Z28 to buy the other half of the bar in what became his first "pizza place." Today, Papa John’s has more than 3,400 restaurants in 50 states and 30 countries.