For husband-and-wife duo Jarvis and Josslyn Young, the decision to become Papa Johns franchisee partners wasn't driven by a lifelong dream, but by a desire for better pizza in their neighborhood. In February 2018, the Youngs decided to open their own Papa Johns restaurant in Southern Los Angeles, aiming to elevate the pizza experience in their community.
Jarvis was introduced to Papa Johns during his college years, when his brother and friends spent many weekends creating memories over a Papa Johns pizza. Years later, Jarvis introduced Papa Johns to his wife Josslyn, and they both felt a strong desire to bring the brand to their community.
Before taking the leap into franchising, the Youngs often made long trips to their nearest Papa Johns, always bringing along their personal hot bag to keep their carryout orders fresh. Now, as franchise owners, Jarvis and Josslyn are not only sharing their love for Papa Johns but also fostering a sense of belonging through their business.
Over the years, the Youngs have transformed their business into a cornerstone of community support. They have established strong partnerships with local schools, sponsoring pizza parties, school lunches, and various events. "For us, it's not about the money; it's about the impact we're able to make in our community while feeding families, creating lasting memories, and bringing people together,” Josslyn Young said.
When walking into the restaurant, you immediately feel the Youngs' passion and dedication through the warm, inviting atmosphere. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment is further highlighted by the vibrant mural outside, created from children's drawings of their favorite pizzas in partnership with a local school. Every December, the Young family organizes an annual food and toy drive to support local families. They also regularly attend community meetings to stay connected and engaged with their neighbors. Through their restaurant, Jarvis and Josslyn have continually worked to improve their community, making a positive impact on countless lives.
Their community efforts are particularly impressive given that both Jarvis and Josslyn hold other full-time jobs. Jarvis is an engineer, while Josslyn is a real estate agent. Despite their demanding day-to-day careers, they work together to ensure their restaurant receives the attention it deserves. This venture is a true passion project for them, providing a meaningful way to give back to their neighborhood. Their dedication has been recognized in articles by the Los Angeles Standard and other notable publications. Balancing their busy professional lives with raising their children and keeping up with the evolving franchise industry, the Youngs exemplify commitment and dedication in all aspects of their lives.
"In the seven years Josslyn and I have been franchisees, the business landscape has evolved significantly,” Jarvis said. “We advise aspiring and current Papa Johns franchisees to stay ahead of these changes by embracing social media, actively engaging with their communities through various initiatives and continuously updating their restaurant technology. It's crucial to adapt and innovate to remain competitive and relevant in today's fast-paced environment."
Learn more about becoming a Papa Johns franchise here.
