Selling a Papa John’s Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for Papa John’s Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling a Papa John’s franchise is a strategic transaction that requires brand-specific expertise, disciplined valuation, and maximum buyer exposure. Papa John’s is a globally recognized pizza brand with a highly structured franchise system, and franchise resales are closely evaluated by buyers, lenders, and the franchisor—making experienced M&A representation essential.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing Papa John’s franchisees across the United States. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a professional, highly structured process designed to maximize value and ensure transaction certainty.

Why Selling a Papa John’s Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

Papa John’s franchise resales involve defined operational and system requirements, including:

• Franchisor approval and formal transfer processes

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and pizza/QSR operating experience standards

• Brand compliance reviews, remodel requirements, and audits

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and real estate economics

• Multi-unit portfolio and territory considerations

These factors directly impact valuation credibility, buyer eligibility, financing, and transaction timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands Papa John’s.

How Papa John’s Franchises Are Valued

Papa John’s franchise valuations are driven by cash flow durability, operational efficiency, and transferability, not gross sales.

Core Valuation Drivers

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical financial performance

• Delivery and carryout sales mix and margin structure

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Management depth versus owner involvement

• Brand compliance and anticipated capital expenditures

At Highwater Partners, we apply M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation methodologies, ensuring pricing is credible to sophisticated franchise buyers, lenders, and private equity investors.

Who Is Buying Papa John’s Franchises Today

Active buyers for Papa John’s franchises include:

• Existing Papa John’s franchisees expanding territory

• Multi-unit, multi-brand pizza and QSR operators

• Private equity–backed franchise platforms

• Strategic buyers seeking scalable delivery-oriented concepts

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

Maximum Exposure Through a National Buyer & Broker Network

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners delivers broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the U.S.

• Direct outreach to active, brand-aligned Papa John’s buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials designed for institutional and lender review

This approach creates competitive buyer interest, stronger negotiating leverage, and higher certainty of close, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Why Papa John’s Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Papa John’s franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we deliver:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific Papa John’s resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• Maximum listing exposure across national buyer channels

• Proven execution on complex, multi-unit franchise transactions

• Professional, discreet representation from start to finish

We are consistently selected by franchise owners seeking the best firm to sell a Papa John’s franchise, not a generalist brokerage.

Our Papa John’s Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential Valuation & Exit Strategy Assessment

2. Professional CIM & Transaction Packaging

3. Maximum Buyer Exposure & Targeted Outreach

4. Buyer Qualification & Franchisor Coordination

5. Offer Negotiation & Deal Structuring

6. Transaction Management Through Closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.

When Is the Right Time to Sell a Papa John’s Franchise?

The strongest sale outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable or improving

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are established

• Buyer demand for Papa John’s franchises is active

Preparation and positioning often matter more than market timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your Papa John’s franchise—now or in the future—begin with a confidential consultation to discuss valuation, timing, and exit strategy.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Call or text: 714.330.9999