Shifts In Dining Habits Lead To Papa John’s Store Closures

(KMDL-FM) Papa John's International has announced plans to shutter some 300 stores across 17 states over the next year and a half. The majority of the closings are expected to come before the end of 2027.

As of the latest count, there were 51 Papa John's locations scattered across Louisiana. Baton Rouge has seven locations, New Orleans has six, and the Lafayette area has three, according to the company.

Where is Papa John's Closing The Most Restaurants?

The website Fast Company has analyzed Papa John's confirmed closings to date and determined that Texas, California, and Arizona have experienced or will experience the most closures as part of the planned restructuring.

The decline in pizza parlors and pizza delivery in general has been felt by other purveyors of pie. Pizza Hut has announced plans to shutter locations, and so has Domino's Pizza. The pizza industry as a whole has suffered as more home delivery options have sprung up over the past few years.

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Economic studies also suggest that dining out tastes have shifted to more Mexican favorites, and instead of going out for pizza on a date, many younger folks are opting to make that first date or after-the-movie date happen at a coffee shop.

Which Louisiana Locations are on Papa John's Closure List?

The Fast Company website did publish a list of 17 stores that it has confirmed as being on the closure list. So far, that list does not include any of the Louisiana locations we've listed or any of the other Papa John's stores throughout the state, but that could change and most likely will.

According to company executives, the closures are being weighed carefully as the chain negotiates new consumer preferences and choices in the casual dining industry. The plan as it stands now is to only shutter stores that are underperforming.

But don't worry, you won't go hungry if they close your Papa John's. We've still got more than a few really good choices that I am sure will satisfy your appetite.

10 on 10: The 10 Best Places to Eat on I-10 in South Louisiana

Part of the fun of traveling is stopping for a great bite to eat. Here in Acadiana, great places to eat is kind what we're famous for.

Whether you're a traveler in need of stopping to stretch your legs and get some great food, or you're a local that's in the know, I-10 through Acadiana is chocked full of amazing local restaurants.

Picking the best of anything when it comes to food in Louisiana is a pretty impossible task, but using Google reviews and a little geography, we've compiled the list of "The 10 Best Places to Eat on I-10 in South Louisiana".

Gallery Credit: Michael Scott