John Schnatter: From Pizza King To Controversial Investor

The story of John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John's, is one filled with dramatic twists and turns. Once celebrated as a visionary in the pizza industry, his fall from grace is as notable as his rise. After stepping down from his position as CEO and chairman, Schnatter remains a significant stockholder in the company he built from the ground up. Recently, he made headlines by selling approximately $107.5 million of his stock, sparking conversations about his views on the company’s future.

In a revealing interview with Fox Business, Schnatter emphasized that his decision to sell was purely a business move, devoid of any personal sentiment. He stated, "My decisions are made strictly as an outside investor…And in this case, it’s really simple. Arithmetic is not an opinion." Despite parting with 1.9 million shares, he still retains ownership of 2.9 million shares, valued at around $166 million, representing about 9.2% of the company.

Schnatter expressed his discontent with the direction of Papa John's, claiming the company is "going backwards." He criticized the management for failing to uphold fundamental principles and highlighted a reactive approach rather than a proactive one. His comments raise questions about the company's strategy and whether it can recover from recent controversies, including his own resignation following racially charged remarks. The pizza king’s journey serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the business world.

Table of Contents

• Biography of John Schnatter
• Recent Events and Stock Sale
• Critique of Papa John's Management
• Final Thoughts on Schnatter's Influence