Papa Johns adds a new franchise partner in Mexico

Papa Johns adds a new franchise partner in Mexico

Mon, August 24, 2026 at 6:12 PM GMT+3 2 min read

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Papa Johns has named KM Capital as its new franchise partner in Mexico. Under the agreement of this new partnership, KM Capital will assume leadership of 44 existing franchised restaurants across the country, which the company said is a priority market for Papa Johns International.

KM Capital will also focus on expanding the brand across the country with continued investments in operations, branding, and restaurant growth. The Mexico-based private investment and advisory firm was founded in 1986 and focuses on middle-market companies across Mexico and Latin America. In a statement, Papa Johns' Global Chief Development Officer John Matter said KM Capital brings local expertise, commercial discipline, and a strategic growth mindset need to support the brand's next phase in the market.

"Together, we are focused on enhancing the customer experience, growing our presence in the market and building a stronger Papa Johns brand for consumers across Mexico," he said.

KM Capital's executive leadership team recently met with Papa Johns' executives to align on growth plans, market priorities and long-term development opportunities for Mexico. In a statement, Enrique Ruiz Mandujano, founding partner and CEO said Mexicans have a "strong passion for pizza, and we see an opportunity to grow the Papa Johns' brand by delivering great pizzas and expanding our reach to serve more communities across the country."

Papa Johns' Mexico will continue to feature global favorites and locally relevant menu innovations.

This partnership comes as the chain's international business continues to grow. In the second quarter, same-store sales in the division increased 1.5%, marking its seventh consecutive quarter of positive comps. This is compared to the domestic business, which was down 8.3%.

CEO Todd Penegor said the company's international transformation has included a focus on priority markets and strategic closures to improve franchisee health and market performance. The company is now translating that playbook into its North American system.

Papa Johns has approximately 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

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