Leading pizza franchise Papa John’s has announced the opening of its latest store in Lowestoft. Erol Ayvaz, who joined Papa John’s as a franchisee in the summer already runs the Cambridge and Peterborough stores and opened Corby in September.

“I run my Papa John’s businesses as a group of companies called the Serve First group,” confirms Erol Ayvaz. “I am very excited by the popularity of the store openings so far and before the end of this year Newcastle-under-Lyme and Lichfield will also be open and I am in negotiations for two further sites. Success is ‘on the menu’ and I have a development plan to take store numbers up to ten within 12 months plus a further ten the following year.”

Erol who has a background working with organisations on customer insight and research says: “Support is a key ingredient when setting up and running a multi-operation franchise like this. In this regard, Papa John’s has been phenomenal. The team has been instrumental in helping with negotiations on sites and opening plans. I believe in the brand and the company’s expansion strategy and am excited to be part of that. However, I’d also be lost without my girlfriend, family and business partner – they often provide a sounding board for new ideas and can sometimes be the voice of reason! RBS has also been great when it’s come to backing my expansion plans financially.

“In addition, one of the main challenges in opening so many stores in such a short space of time is managing multiple teams of staff,” continues Erol. “Human beings tend to be a ‘moving target!’ However, my area manager and our individual store managers are highly motivated to look after our staff. Working together and supporting each of our team members will ensure we can always deliver the best pizza and customer service in town!”

Papa John’s uses 100% fresh dough pizzas combined with a unique tomato sauce made from the best Californian tomatoes, picked and packed from vine to can in just six hours, to give a better natural flavour.

Papa John’s is one of the largest pizza companies in the world, with more than 4,500 stores worldwide and is rapidly expanding in 36 markets around the globe.

Papa John’s, which is renowned for its product quality, has opportunities for potential franchisees throughout the UK including the key locations of the South East, Yorkshire, Manchester, West Midlands, East Midlands, South West, North East, Wales & Scotland.