Papa John's International delivers gift of thanks

Business Wire, May 16, 1996

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 1996--Papa John's International founder and CEO John H. Schnatter announced today that he and the company will make a commitment of $5 million to make the University of Louisville's new football stadium a reality.

Papa John's International, headquartered in Louisville, is the nation's fourth largest pizza chain, with outlets in 27 states and 1995 sales of more than $450 million.

In making the announcement, Schnatter said the gift allows him and the company to say "thank you" to those who have made Papa John's a success.

"I wanted to do something nice for my employees, for the community and for my brother, Chuck," Schnatter said.

Schnatter said he is particularly pleased that the stadium's new media room will be named for his brother, Charles Whitley Schnatter.

"I have always been proud that three generations of my family have graduated from the University of Louisville School of Law, my grandfather, Louis Ackerson, my father, Robert Schnatter, both of my uncles, Bob and John Ackerson, and my brother, Chuck. I'd like to thank the University for the role is has played in educating members of my family over the last 60 years."

By July 1996, Papa John's is expected to have approximately 1,000 restaurants systemwide. Metro Louisville is the company's fourth-largest market, and home to more than 1,000 employees.

"We're strongly committed to the continued growth and progress of Kentuckiana and this community as a whole," said Schnatter.

The University of Louisville stadium committee will seek approval from the U of L Board of Trustees on Monday (May 20) to begin construction on the $56 million, 45,000-seat, on-campus facility.

Plans are to open the 1998 Cardinal football season in the new Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

CONTACT: Papa John's International

Bev Reese, 502/261-2710