The restaurant industry has been in constant flux since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Customers dine in less, preferring delivery or take-out. Despite these changes, Papa John's continues to succeed and grow. Inc. Russia interviewed PJ Western CEO Christopher Wynne about Papa John's successful adaptation to pandemic conditions.

Wynne explained that after the pandemic-mandated shift to a delivery-focused format, Russian customers adjusted quickly, making up for the losses incurred from the restrictions on dining in. During the first few months of the lockdowns, sales in Moscow and St. Petersburg decreased the most. However, demand in the suburban regions actually increased, since people were spending more time in their dachas.

Later in the interview, Wynne discussed his views on evaluating future partners, the complex nature of the seemingly simple pizza industry, and the challenge of running a business in Russia, saying that it is "something between a sport and a war, depending on the day of the week."

On November 6, Activision released the latest installment of its Call of Duty video game franchise - Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. PJ Western in Russia partnered with them to promote the game.

Starting on November 6, Papa John's will package any 35-centimeter pizza in a unique Call of Duty pizza box, and attach a code for an in-game reward, such as an emblem for the player's avatar. In addition to the pizza and the code, Papa John's will deliver a Johnner, a specialty item based on the Turkish doner.

"I'm certain that a great pizza and a popular video game are a perfect way to pass the time during these November days, and to win cool prizes from Papa John's and the legendary Call of Duty®," stated Nadezhda Ovanesova, Papa John's director of marketing in Russia (original quote in Russian).

The promotion will last until 27 November 2020.

On November 6, Activision released the latest installment of its Call of Duty video game franchise - Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. PJ Western in Russia partnered with them to promote the game.

Starting on November 6, Papa John's will package any 35-centimeter pizza in a unique Call of Duty pizza box, and attach a code for an in-game reward, such as an emblem for the player's avatar. In addition to the pizza and the code, Papa John's will deliver a Johnner, a specialty item based on the Turkish doner.

"I'm certain that a great pizza and a popular video game are a perfect way to pass the time during these November days, and to win cool prizes from Papa John's and the legendary Call of Duty®," stated Nadezhda Ovanesova, Papa John's director of marketing in Russia (original quote in Russian).

The promotion will last until 27 November 2020.

The Moscow-based visual design company Art Lebedev recently hosted a showcase of their work, and needed some delicious and hearty refreshments to serve to their guests. That is why Art Lebedev called Papa John's, and the Company was happy to oblige.

PJ Western's service received universal praise:

"The girls who served us were very friendly"

"Very tasty. There were tons and tons of pizza and there was plenty enough even for those who came late"

"they brought lots of pizza and cute girls. liked" (originals in Russian)

After a fourteen year pursuit, Washington Capitals player Alexander Ovechkin won the coveted Stanley Cup at the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals. The cup eluded the Capitals captain for season and after season, but today Ovechkin holds the cup on the ice in Paradise, Nevada.

PJ Western could not let the champion go uncelebrated. Today, PJ Western announced a 50% sale on all pizzas, available in most locations in Russia.

Ovechkin became a partner of Papa John's in 2017, when he purchased a share of the Company. He has been the brand ambassador to Russia since then, and has appeared in multiple advertisements for the Company.

"I'm always impressed by Alexander's courage and professionalism. To me - and to a lot of hockey fans - he is the #1 hockey player in the world. That's why I am proud to have Alexander as a member of the Papa John's team since he joined last year. We are united in our drive to do our best - be it in getting out on the ice, or making the freshest pizza out of the best ingredients. I've already called Alexander and congratulated him on his victory. I wish to congratulate all of his fans, as well, and all customers of Papa John's. Let's celebrate with some delicious pizza" stated Christopher Wynne, CEO of PJ Western. (original in Russian)

Today Papa John's Internet opens its 100th restaurant in Russia. PJ Western's new location is located in St. Petersburg, a city of over five million people and considered by many to be Russia's second capital after Moscow.
"The opening of the 100th Papa John's Pizza restaurant in Russia is a big milestone for both the Russian market and for the International business as a whole. It confirms the brand's attractiveness in the market and high potential for further development. I am thankful to all our franchisees for their confidence. Papa John's actively chooses each franchisee in Russia to partner with and appreciates their passion and loyalty to the brand," stated Christopher Wynne, the President and CEO of Papa John's Russia and PJ Western Company.