Feb. 13, 2025
Last year, the Papa Johns community lost a beloved member, Andy Freitas of Colonel’s Limited, LLC, who passed away unexpectedly. Committed to ensuring Papa Johns was the best in the industry, Andy was not only a long-time franchisee of Papa Johns, he was a pillar of mentorship and guidance for fellow franchisees. This week, at the 65th annual convention of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Andy was posthumously named a 2024 Franchisee of the Year. The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by Papa Johns, Andy was selected for his contributions to his community, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting his fellow franchisees.
I am honored to share Andy’s story with you – one that highlights the growth mindset and commitment to excellence that has made Papa Johns what it is today.
Andy began his career at Papa Johns as the first General Manager for Colonel’s Limited, LLC, which he co-founded with his father, Colonel William Freitas. Starting with a single location, he expanded his franchise to an impressive 98 stores by 2020, transforming the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia communities into vibrant markets for the brand. Andy’s legacy is a testament to his dedication to excellence in service and business strategy.
As a visionary in embracing change, Andy recognized the potential of online ordering early on. By eliminating phone numbers from printed materials and focusing on his stores’ digital presence, he positioned his stores as leaders in online sales. Andy also spearheaded sports partnerships, which contributed significantly to increased engagement with the communities he served and the overall growth of Andy’s business.
Amidst a competitive landscape, Andy’s franchises continue to thrive. Over the years, his markets have grown in strength even as competitors have exited. His approach to market share expansion included elevating service standards, boosting operational efficiency and engaging actively in local store marketing. Through initiatives in schools and businesses and community involvement, he cultivated a strong local presence that resonates with customers to this day.
Andy was solidly committed to the Papa Johns value of People First. By establishing a dedicated maintenance and warehouse team, he ensured his restaurants received prompt support and resources, fostering a positive environment for his team members. Andy’s high standards for the experiences of his team members reflected his respect for the people who continue to contribute to his restaurants’ success.
Andy’s legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to elevating his community and his brand. Andy is survived by his father, Bill; mother, Francie; son, Charlie; daughter, Francie; brother, Pat; and sister-in-law, Tammy.
While the loss of Andy is a great one, his legacy lives on in his loved ones, his team members, and all of us at Papa Johns who owe Andy a debt of gratitude for the culture and success we enjoy today.
