Papa John’s is shutting down a significant number of underperforming franchise locations across North America as competition in the pizza market intensifies. According to reported company actions, the chain closes nearly 50 locations across 17 states, with some outlets describing the moves as part of a broader contraction of its footprint. Financial filings cited by one source indicate that Papa John’s closes 44 stores in the first quarter of 2026, which is presented as the initial phase of a longer restructuring plan. Another source reports that the company lays off about 7% of its corporate workforce during the process. Together, the accounts describe a coordinated effort to reduce costs and refocus operations by eliminating locations that are not meeting performance targets, alongside workforce reductions at the corporate level. One report also characterizes the potential end-state of the restructuring as the elimination of roughly 300 locations by the end of next year, framing the closures as part of a multi-step plan rather than isolated store-by-store decisions.