Papa Johns has announced a major growth push in Northern Ireland after signing a landmark franchise agreement with leading operator Rana Group. The deal will see 20 new Papa Johns restaurants open across the region over the next decade — a significant moment for the brand’s UK expansion strategy.
The first new Papa Johns location officially opened on 5 December at 82 Broughshane Street, Ballymena (BT43 6ED), marking the beginning of a long-term rollout. A second site is expected to be announced by March 2026, with further openings planned steadily through to 2035.
This expansion follows Papa Johns’ ongoing investment in new stores, menu innovation and digital enhancements across its UK network, which already includes more than 450 locations nationwide.
A Boost to Local Employment
Each newly opened Papa Johns restaurant will create 15–20 jobs, representing a major lift for local employment in towns and cities across Northern Ireland. By the end of the decade, the full rollout of 20 restaurants is expected to generate up to 400 new jobs.
Papa Johns says this fits into its wider mission to expand its footprint while investing back into local communities with training, development and long-term career opportunities.
Learn more about the brand’s global commitments on the official Papa Johns website: https://www.papajohns.co.uk
Rana Group: A Franchise Partner with Deep Industry Roots
The new Northern Ireland locations will be operated by franchisee Rana Abhol, a highly experienced figure in the pizza sector with more than 25 years in the industry.
Abhol began his career taking phone orders before rising through the ranks to become regional operations director for another major pizza chain in Northern Ireland. He joined Papa Johns in 2017 and has since built a portfolio of over 25 Papa Johns stores across the UK.
Rana Group’s proven track record and strong understanding of local markets were key factors behind the decision to expand the partnership.
“A Major Milestone” for Papa Johns
Chris Phylactou, Managing Director for the UK & Europe at Papa Johns, says the deal represents a pivotal moment for the brand:
“This new agreement is an exciting milestone for Papa Johns, reinforcing our momentum and long-term vision for sustainably growing in the UK. We are proud to bring our Better Ingredients, Better Pizza ethos to more communities in Northern Ireland and the UK. This expansion will create hundreds of local jobs and allow us to play a meaningful role in the communities we serve — not just as a consumer brand, but as a committed partner in local growth and development.”
A Growing Presence in UK Food Culture
Papa Johns’ Northern Ireland expansion signals the brand’s continued ambition to compete within the UK’s booming quick-service pizza market — a sector driven by convenience, quality, and digital-first ordering experiences.
