Almost 200 Papa John’s restaurants remain open in Russia despite an announcement the chain would suspend all corporate operations in the country due to its invasion of Ukraine, reports say.
The 190 shops are run by Russians through an agreement with a company owned by Christopher Wynne, a U.S. citizen who has lived part-time in Russia since the early 2000s. Despite other companies suspending their business in protest of the war in Ukraine, Wynne said he doesn’t plan to halt operations, instead saying he expects to open more locations throughout the year.
“The best thing I can do as an individual is show compassion for the people, my employees, franchisees, and customers without judging them because of the politicians in power,” Wynne told the New York Times. “The vast majority of Russian people are very clearheaded and understand the dark gravity of the situation they’re in. And, at the end of the day, they appreciate a good pizza.”
THE COMPANIES BAILING ON RUSSIA OVER ITS INVASION OF UKRAINE
Papa John’s International announced on March 9 it would cease all operational, marketing, and business support to the Russian economy, noting the company itself does not own or operate any franchises in the country. These locations are typically run by independent franchisees, giving owners a financial incentive to remain open.
As a result, the company essentially cut ties with Wynne’s restaurants, which he said wasn’t entirely unexpected.
“Our perspectives diverged fairly quickly,” Wynne said. “I have a perspective where my interest is first and foremost my employees and franchisees and keeping the lines of cultural exchange with the Russian people open.”
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Wynne, a Colorado native who also owns a home in Moscow, told the outlet he also plans to open 20 to 40 more locations in Russia by the end of this year. However, he acknowledged the plans could be hedged by Russia’s reeling economy and possible retaliation from the Russian government against U.S.-owned companies.
The pizza chain was one of several companies to announce a suspension of business in Russia amid similar actions from Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola. The United States and several other countries have also imposed sanctions on Russia, causing the value of the country’s currency to collapse by the end of February.
