Papa Johns and PJP Investments Group signed a ten-year extension to their Middle East development agreement on 2 November 2026, running exclusive rights to the end of 2036 and adding Iraq as a new market, Khaleej Times and Iraqi News reported.
Papa John’s International (NASDAQ: PZZA) and PJP, the exclusive Papa Johns franchisee in the region, jointly announced a comprehensive extension of their Development Agreement. According to the announcement, the new term adds a full decade of development runway and keeps PJP’s exclusive rights through the end of 2036.
The parties plan to grow the regional estate from 167 restaurants to more than 400 across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq. PJP also operates Papa Johns in India through a joint venture with a plan to open 650 restaurants by 2034, as covered in VF’s earlier report on Papa Johns opening 650 stores in India.
Iraq marks Papa Johns’ formal entry into the country, which the announcement describes as having a population of 40 million and a growing consuming class. The first restaurants are planned for spring 2027, with a target of 25 restaurants by 2035.
“Underscores our confidence in the Middle East as a strategic market.”
Todd Penegor, President and CEO of Papa Johns, made the comment, citing the partnership’s expansion to include Iraq alongside the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and India.
PJP has been an exclusive Papa Johns franchisee in the region for more than two decades. Levant Capital made an initial investment in 2017 and fully acquired PJP in 2019, and the estate has since grown nearly four-fold with entries into Saudi Arabia, Jordan, India and now Iraq.
The company built its own mobile app, e-commerce platform and loyalty programme, and developed products such as the Shawarma pizza and Croissant pizza, which other Papa Johns markets have since adopted. Papa Johns has recognised PJP twice as Global Franchisee of the Year and twice as Developer of the Year.
The deal shows how a global pizza brand is consolidating a region under one scaled operator rather than splitting it by country. A single exclusive franchisee with digital assets and a two-decade track record gives the franchisor a long runway and gives the operator exclusivity to build density.
For investors weighing pizza and casual dining in the Gulf and the Levant, the competitive set keeps widening: see how Caprinos Pizza signed a 30-store Riyadh deal and how PizzaExpress works with international partners. Market-entry rules differ by country, so operators should read the local framework first, starting with VF’s guides to franchising in Jordan and agency rules in Kuwait.
Source: Khaleej Times — Papa Johns and PJP Investments Group extend Middle East franchise partnership through 2036 (partner content). Also reported by Iraqi News — Papa Johns to enter Iraq in 2027, plans 25 restaurants by 2035.
