At Papa Johns, we turn our commitment to youth empowerment into action. In June, we were honored to open the doors of our Atlanta Restaurant Support Center to some of the Southeast’s most inspiring young leaders: the 17 finalists for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) Southeast Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year program is more than an accolade; it’s a journey that recognizes perseverance, leadership and the pursuit of excellence among teens in communities across the country. And for four consecutive years, our Atlanta Restaurant Support Center has transformed into a vibrant stage for celebration and growth, underscoring our long-term commitment to investing in the development and dreams of tomorrow’s changemakers.
An Afternoon of Inspiration and Fun
The event began with a warm welcome as finalists arrived, their excitement lighting up our support center. True to Papa Johns spirit, the afternoon was crafted to nurture both joy and learning. Youth participated in a hands-on pizza making activity led by our culinary team - a tradition that brings laughter, creativity and the delicious aroma of possibility to the day.
But the event didn’t stop at culinary fun. The teens also heard from Papa Johns professionals from the brand, public relations, social media, menu innovation and restaurant teams. They even had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Chief Marketing Officer Jenna Bromberg. In these breakout sessions, our leaders shared candid stories about their own journeys - stories of resilience, ambition, mentorship and the power of community support. Each narrative offered a powerful reminder that every success starts with a dream, and that dream is fueled by opportunity and encouragement.
Investing in the Future - One Slice at a Time
At Papa Johns, our investment in youth is a cornerstone of our mission. Hosting the BGCA Southeast Youth of the Year finalists is a privilege and a responsibility we cherish. These young leaders embody the values we strive to champion: integrity, determination and a belief in making the world better.
Year after year, we have watched these promising individuals grow, connect, and inspire -not only within their own circles but also within ours. Earlier this year, we had the National Youth of the Year Nico host a Lunch and Learn with our team members and had a deeper conversation about leadership with CEO Todd Penegor.
As the aroma of fresh pizza lingered in the air and laughter echoed through our halls, we were once again reminded of the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders knowing these teens have what it takes to make positive change and impact in all our communities.
To the 2025 Southeast Youth of the Year finalists: Thank you for inspiring us. Your future is bright and Papa Johns is proud to be a part of your journey.
