This article was inspired by content originally published on AdAge
Introduction
Papa Johns’ new CMO knows the brand can’t out-pizza everyone on sheer size alone. Instead, they’re doubling down on what he calls a “challenger mindset” constantly questioning what’s next and refusing to coast on nostalgia.
For local shops, this is a wake-up call: just because your regulars love your pepperoni doesn’t mean they won’t get bored. Test fresh flavors, seasonal specials, or even limited-edition collabs to keep buzz alive. Equip your team with the right prep tools, like high-performance commercial pizza ovens that handle new crust types, or a quality spiral dough mixer for ultra-consistent results.
A Pizza Pro Tip: Surprise and Delight (Literally)
A fun takeaway from Shambura’s interview? His team spent weeks ordering from Papa Johns stores undercover to “see what the customer sees.” It’s a simple but powerful idea: you can’t fix what you don’t taste for yourself.
Pizza pro tip: Order your own delivery, check your unboxing experience, and taste your pie 30 minutes later. Then ask: is the crust still crisp? Are the toppings balanced? Small tweaks like investing in insulated delivery bags or pizza savers can make a big difference in repeat orders.
For Enthusiasts: Take the “Challenger” Home
For die-hard home pizza makers, Papa Johns’ pivot is also your cue to play with your own pizza tradition. Why not challenge yourself to perfect a copycat garlic sauce? Or try your hand at a stuffed crust with that signature cheese pull?
Up your game with a versatile home pizza oven, and grab a pizza steel to get that crispy base. Want to test different doughs? Pick up a pizza cookbook that goes deep on hydration ratios and crust styles.
Suppliers: Think Like a Challenger, Too
Shambura says Papa Johns is studying brands outside pizza for fresh ideas. Suppliers can adopt that same mindset. Don’t just offer commodity mozzarella bundle it with chef-driven recipes, trend reports, or new product lines (think vegan cheese, gluten-free crusts, or regionally inspired sauces).
Consider partnering with shops on marketing support: exclusive menu drops or pop-up collabs can drive sales for both parties. If you’re exploring ways to streamline logistics, look at food service tech solutions that optimize ordering and cut down waste.
Customer Engagement: Loyalty Over Discounts
Another gem from Papa Johns’ playbook? Shambura wants loyalty programs to go beyond coupons creating perks that feel meaningful and keep customers coming back for the brand, not just the deals.
Local operators should take note: reward repeat customers with experiences like “secret menu” pies, early access to new items, or free add-ons. And if you’re ready to digitize, try a user-friendly loyalty app that integrates with your POS. It’s cheaper than discounting every week and builds real community.
Final Slice
Papa Johns’ new CMO summed it up perfectly: “If we ever get too comfortable, we lose.” That’s true whether you’re a global pizza chain or a single shop on the corner. Stay hungry. Listen to your customers. Experiment boldly. And invest in the tools, ingredients, and people who keep your pizza experience exceptional no matter what the competition is cooking up next.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on AdAge. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
