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While Papa John’s International has confirmed it has suspended all corporate operations in Russia, a US franchise operator in Russia has refused to close its 190 stores.
According to the New York Times, Christopher Wynne, the owner of PJ Western, the company that controls the sites primarily owned by Russian franchisees, has no plans to close its sites.
He told the outlet: “The best thing I can do as an individual is show compassion for the people, my employees, franchisees and customers without judging them because of the politicians in power.
“The vast majority of Russian people are very clearheaded and understand the dark gravity of the situation they’re in. And at the end of the day, they appreciate a good pizza.”
The news comes after the owner of Burger King, Restaurant Brands International, has issued a statement clarifying why Burger King operations are unable to be suspended in Russia, as its operator in the country refuses to shut the group’s restaurants.
The group confirmed it had contacted the main operator of the business and “demanded” the suspension of Burger King restaurant operations in Russia, but noted he had “refused to do so”.
RBI has also started the process to dispose of its ownership stake in the business, but notes that “while we would like to do this immediately, it is clear that it will take some time to do so based on the terms of our existing joint venture agreement”.
