# Papa Johns - How do they manage to make some of the greatest pizza on earth? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 13, 2017, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705 "2017-10-13T05:16:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/81 "2017-10-13T23:48:22Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Kroger’s Deli used to have a take and bake pizza. They were already made and packaged. I bought a few over the years. I haven’t looked in awhile to see if they still sell them. > > I guess other grocery stores sell them in their deli section? > > It is a nice alternative to frozen. I bought one of those pizzas once. It was from another supermarket, not Kroger, but it was a refrigerated ready-to-bake pizza that cost five bucks a few years ago. And it was awful. Really bad. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/82 "2017-10-13T23:48:53Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > O’Fallon MO or IL? If you’re in O’Fallon MO, that’s where Stefanina’s first location is. Missed this. O’Fallon, Missouri. I didn’t even realize there’s another O’Fallon on the Illinois side of the river. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/83 "2017-10-13T23:52:53Z")
I remember the 3 for 5 pizzas that was in the place for odd things usually next to the pudding and biscuits at the store … the higher end stores do a pretty good pizza now…Costco’s and sams club is better than little Caesars …although these days AV high schools pizza is better … ---
**Author:** ![Trancephalic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trancephalic/32/380_2.png) [@Trancephalic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trancephalic)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/84 "2017-10-14T00:06:25Z")
Sam’s Club pizza had given me the raging squirts. Never again. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/85 "2017-10-14T00:48:59Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Since pizza is a food, I would usually agree. However, this is about Papa Johns. I _knew_ someone was going to raise that objection! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![JHBoom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/13edae/32.png) [@JHBoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JHBoom)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/86 "2017-10-14T01:14:29Z")
> [@MinnesotaBorn\_Raised](#): > > Papa Johns - How do they manage to make some of the greatest pizza on earth? They don’t. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/87 "2017-10-14T01:35:49Z")
> [@Trancephalic](#): > > If you wish to make an pizza pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe. Right on…I wouldn’t want to live in a universe without pizza. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/88 "2017-10-14T03:51:27Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I’m a Chicagoan, and I know there’s supposed to be some big macho Chicago-New York pizza war or something like that, but New Yorkers make some fucking great pizza. I was not aware of this macho pizza war. Real Chicago-style pizza is a wonderful thing - and even more so if it’s eaten IN Chicago. > [@Kimballkid](#): > > Believe it or not, New York is not the end all be all of everything. There is a whole country to the west and south of New York that has things that are much better than in New York. Defensive much? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/89 "2017-10-14T04:04:20Z")
I guess I must be the lone Pizza Hut fan? Maybe it’s just childhood nostalgia. Little Caesar’s isn’t bad either, and their [owner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Ilitch#Philanthropy) was the exact opposite of that asshole, Papa John. Fuck him and his “better ingredients”. The one time I tried PJ’s, I wasn’t impressed. I’d definitely rather have frozen. (Including Jenos) > [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s pizza. It’s good if it’s hot and crunchy. Yuck – who wants _crunchy_ pizza? > [@kayaker](#): > > Schnatter chose to use his business as a springboard for his political opinions. My response has been to eschew his pizza. Fuck him and his pizza. > > There’s a pizza shop near me with a single location, a few decent beers, and excellent food. It’s been decades since I’ve purchased a chain pizza. Ever been to Monte Cellos? They’re not bad. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/90 "2017-10-14T04:10:27Z")
I like Pizza Hut too Guin. I think it’s the best national chain if you like pan pizza. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/91 "2017-10-14T04:56:40Z")
Little Caesar’s triple pork, BBQ sauce, and on an edible crust was surprisingly good for $9, though not if you expected “pizza.” ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/92 "2017-10-14T05:56:28Z")
It’s far from the best pizza, but it’s ok. I pass a Papa Johns, a Pizza Hut, and a Domino’s on my way home from work. My usual pizza order is for pick up when on the way to or from work. I stopped ordering from Papa John’s not because of politics but because the delivery drivers insist on blocking the only handicapped ramp. I asked the franchise owner to have a word with his staff, but no luck. I need a walker to get around and will not unduly struggle to get into the Papa Johns when there is no problem at Pizza Hut or Domino’s. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/93 "2017-10-14T06:05:34Z")
> [@Iggy](#): > > I stopped ordering from Papa John’s not because of politics but because the delivery drivers insist on blocking the only handicapped ramp. I asked the franchise owner to have a word with his staff, but no luck. I need a walker to get around and will not unduly struggle to get into the Papa Johns when there is no problem at Pizza Hut or Domino’s. My cane is sometimes my tripod, ensuring that I don’t fall down. Fuck the rest. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/94 "2017-10-14T07:58:53Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Gimmee a basic genuine hand-kneaded wheat flour [neapolitan](http://www.pizzanapoletana.org/index_eng.php) pizza, with San Marzano tomatoes & water buffalo mozzerella, baked in a 900 degree F oak-fired stone oven and you can have all those chains with their horrible to mediocre products, Papa Johns included. Neapolitan _pizza_? How does that work? Do they divide the circle of the crust into three parallel stripes of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, or is it more like a target, with a chocolate outer band, then a vanilla middle band, and a strawberry bullseye? Or is it one of those weird rectangular pizzas? Then at least the stripes would work. But whoever thought chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry would be good on a pizza anyway? ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/95 "2017-10-14T09:50:59Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > Papa John’s pizza is pretty lousy, IMHO. However, their sides are awesome. Of the chains, they have some of the best garlic knots and cheese sticks. So, it’s a conundrum. Hmm. So they are the Arby’s of fast food pizza, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/96 "2017-10-14T09:53:54Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Frozen has better crunch. > > And no waiting. I hope you cook it. As for the crunch, not something I’m looking for in pizza. Reminds me that a local place has a sign that says something like “it’s in the crunch” and I assume that means it’s that weird cracker stuff thats cut into squares. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/97 "2017-10-14T10:05:21Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Kroger’s Deli used to have a take and bake pizza. They were already made and packaged. I bought a few over the years. I haven’t looked in awhile to see if they still sell them. > > I guess other grocery stores sell them in their deli section? > > It is a nice alternative to frozen. I’m assuming this might be an Ohio thing or Columbus area specifically, but our Kroger offers Kroger deli pizza as well as both fresh and frozen Donatos take and bake pizza. I don’t like them too much but people around here seem to love that chain. Also, just about every grocery store from Walmart on up has a section of refrigerated pizzas. The Kroger used to even make them to order but not sure if they still do. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/98 "2017-10-14T11:23:54Z")
> [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](#): > > I hope you cook it. > > As for the crunch, not something I’m looking for in pizza. Reminds me that a local place has a sign that says something like “it’s in the crunch” and I assume that means it’s that weird cracker stuff thats cut into squares. But then it wouldn’t be crunchy. ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/99 "2017-10-14T13:37:22Z")
> [@anomalous1](#): > > If you live anywhere close to a major city, there is no excuse to get “fast food” pizza unless you want crappy pizza. Or unless you don’t want a pizza-maker’s grubby hands to touch your pizza. I had an evening chat with a co-worker (a recent transplant from Georgia) and she mentioned that she was going to order Domino’s for her and her husband. As we lived in the same neighborhood in NYC I rattled off three or four other places within a few blocks that tasted better than Domino’s. That didn’t matter. The important thing was that Domino’s wore gloves and the thought of the local pizza guy’s bare skin touching her pizza disgusted her. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2017, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705/100 "2017-10-14T14:00:59Z")
Crunchy is good. I’m totally sick of “Chicago Style” meaning far more dough than toppings, as it used to mean dough plus LOTS of toppings so the mess would try to slide apart when you picked it up. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papa-johns-how-do-they-manage-to-make-some-of-the-greatest-pizza-on-earth/798705.md?page=6)