Pan Pizza, Reimagined: Papa Johns Ushers In a Bold New Era
The wait is officially over. On January 29, Papa Johns is bringing back Pan Pizza, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and crafted with more intention than ever before. After years of development since it last appeared on the menu, Pan Pizza is stepping back into the spotlight with a recipe that takes everything fans love about pan‑style pies and elevates it to a whole new level.
This isn’t just a return. It’s a reinvention.
Built on Nostalgia—Perfected Through Innovation
There’s something inherently nostalgic about a great pan pizza: the crispy edges, the soft‑in‑the‑middle bite, the indulgent layers of cheese and toppings. But as Papa Johns looked to bring this fan-favorite back, one question fueled the process: How do we make a nostalgic classic feel fresh, modern, and distinctly Papa Johns?
According to Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer, the answer was clear - by listening to consumers and obsessing over every detail.
“Consumer expectations for flavor and value are higher than ever. And the pan pizza category is crowded, which is why we took a deliberate, consumer-led approach to developing the perfect recipe, and focused on getting every detail right. Pan pizza is nostalgic, indulgent and so beloved, and we saw the chance to elevate a pan-style pizza in a way that feels distinctly Papa Johns.”
The result? A pan pizza that is as comforting as the one you remember and as exciting as the one you didn’t know you needed.
A Pan Pizza Experience Built Layer by Layer
Papa Johns new Pan Pizza is all about texture, flavor, and craftsmanship. Every component serves a purpose and contributes to a crave-worthy bite.
Here’s what makes it special:
- A fluffy, thick crust
Pillowy and airy on the inside with a light chew—this crust is engineered for a satisfying bite from center to edge. - A crispy garlic-parmesan finish
Parmesan cheese and Papa Johns Special Garlic Sauce bake directly into the bottom of the pan, creating golden, caramelized edges and a savory crunch that sets this pan pizza apart. - A decadent six-cheese blend
Real Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Parmesan and Romano all come together for a melty, rich, indulgent top layer. - Built for toppings—lots of them
Designed to hold up to seven edge‑to‑edge toppings, this crust doesn’t buckle under the pressure. - A final hit of Italian seasoning
An aromatic finishing touch for a well-rounded flavor experience. - And as always: No artificial colors or flavors
Just real ingredients, real craft, and real pizza passion.
Raising the Bar for Pan Pizza
For Papa Johns, this launch isn’t just about bringing a product back, it’s about setting a new standard in a crowded category.
Shivram Vaideeswaran, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing, made that intent unmistakably clear:
“Consumers shouldn’t have to settle for ‘good enough’,” said Shivram Vaideeswaran, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Papa Johns. “We didn’t bring Pan Pizza back to simply participate in the category; we rebuilt it from the pan up to raise the standard. From the golden, crispy edges to the soft, airy center and bold, indulgent flavors in every bite, every detail was intentional. This isn’t just another launch, it’s our statement that great pizza matters, and our new Pan Pizza proves it from the very first bite.”
One of Papa Johns largest franchisee partners, who owns and operates more than 275 Papa Johns restaurants, giving him unique insight into today's pizza lovers. agrees.
"Pan crust is a consumer favorite, and we knew we had to get it right this time," said Nadeem Bajwa, CEO of Bajco Group. "We took our time to craft a 'Better' pan pizza - one that's loaded with flavor, and we fine-tuned every detail. When people crave that perfect pan experience, we want them to know they can count on Papa Johns.
Try the New Pan Pizza Starting January 29
Pizza fans nationwide can get their hands on the new Pan Pizza beginning Thursday, January 29. Prices start at $11.99 for a 1‑topping medium Pan Pizza, available at participating Papa Johns locations. Download the Papa Johns app or visit papajohns.com to find your local Papa Johns.
