More Papa John's stores coming to Sacramento region

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Tim Harris

​About a year after a handful of its local pizza stores abruptly closed, Papa John's is preparing to increase its presence in the region, starting with a Rocklin location opening soon.

Sonya Sorich

Staff Writer and Social Engagement Manager- Sacramento Business Journal

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About a year after a handful of its local pizza stores abruptly closed, Papa John's International Inc. is preparing to increase its presence in the Sacramento region.

Last September, six local Papa John's stores closed. The franchisee, APNA Investments, expected to file for bankruptcy at the time and attributed the closings to "circumstances beyond our control," according to KXTV-TV Channel 10.

Now, the Louisville-based pizza company has three restaurants in the region. Those stores are in Elk Grove, Natomas and Rancho Cordova.

The brand might become more visible soon. There are plans to open 18 Papa John's locations in the Sacramento region between now and 2017, according to Joni Dalton, director of new business development for Papa John's.

The franchisee is PRB I LLC, a subsidiary of Dixie Foods International Inc.

Among the first of the upcoming locations: a Papa John's store in Rocklin that's expected to open Nov. 6. The store covers 1,200 square feet at 2169 Sunset Blvd.

Papa John's offers take-out and delivery. The company says it owns or franchises about 4,200 restaurants in 50 states and 35 countries.

Sonya Sorich is social engagement manager and a staff writer at the Sacramento Business Journal. She oversees social media activity and writes about retailing, small business and restaurants.