Papa Johns bolsters in-store tech with AI platforms
One of the nation’s largest pizza chains is further investing in its in-store technology capabilities.
Papa Johns is partnering with Par Technology Corporation to deploy the Par POS and Par OPS platforms at its U.S. restaurants to build a “faster, more intelligent and connected” restaurant and digital ordering experience for guests, operators and franchisees.
Through the partnership, Papa Johns will transition from its legacy on-premise systems to Par’s enterprise solutions. Par POS and Par OPS will bring front-of-house ordering, make-line operations, above-restaurant management, as well as AI-powered labor, inventory and restaurant management on one platform.
The companies say that real-time shared data, a consistent interface, and unified support will enable teams to deliver a more consistent guest experience. Papa Johns plans to integrate Par’s enterprise solutions with their standard store technology configuration, which it says will significantly reduce deployment costs.
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“At Papa Johns, one of our strategic priorities is investing in and optimizing our technology to deliver a better experience,” said Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer at Papa Johns. “A key element of that strategy is reducing complexity, driving efficiency, and accelerating innovation to improve our in-restaurant operations. Par Technology’s integrated solutions give us the scale, performance, and support infrastructure needed to run our business better and help our restaurant teams deliver every day.”
Highlights of the Par platforms being used by Papa Johns include the following:
•AI-Native and Future-Ready Architecture: Powered by an intelligent AI layer embedded across the platform, and strengthened by Par’s open APIs and flexible middleware – the system is built for automation, smarter decision-making and the rapid deployment of new AI capabilities.
•Streamlined Menu and Promotion Management: Centralized control for faster, less manual deployment of limited-time offers and robust submenu support.
•Real-Time Intelligence: Enhanced visibility into critical operational metrics to enable faster, data-driven decision-making.
A full-system rollout is planned across all U.S. corporate and franchise Papa Johns locations by the end of 2027.
The partnership with Par Technology is just the latest tech-focused move from Papa Johns. Last April, the company expanded its partnership with Google AI to transform its ordering and delivery experience.
“Utilizing Par’s front- and back-of-house solutions gives Papa Johns real-time insight, operational control, and the foundation required for intelligent automation,” said Savneet Singh, CEO of Par Technology. “Our mission is to simplify operations at scale and empower restaurants to create exceptional guest experiences. We’re ready to support Papa Johns as they scale for the future with Par.”
Co-headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. and Louisville, Ky., Papa Johns is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.
