Papa Johns Really Thinks Its New Pan Pizza Is Worth a Michelin Star

Papa Johns really wants to earn a Michelin Star, and is going to great pains to earn the coveted honor.

Papa Johns Is Determined to Earn a Michelin Star

Earlier this month, Papa Johns launched its brand-new Pan Pizza. On Feb. 19, as the first step in its “official bid for a Michelin Star,” Papa Johns transformed one of its Manhattan storefront locations into an exclusive, reservation-only dining experience for one night only. The experience featured a three-course, “pizza-forward” chef-curated tasting menu built around the Pan Pizza and curated Pepsi-Cola® pairing flights led by a dedicated Soda Sommelier. The ambiance consisted of “an elevated, softly lit atmosphere crafted to showcase the artistry behind every slice.”

Papa Johns is striving to become the first pizza chain ever afforded a Michelin Star. If that seems far fetched, it’s probably part of the publicity campaign. While there are currently 70 pizzerias afforded a rating in the Michelin guide, none of them have achieved an actual star rating. Papa Johns thinks itself worthy of the honor, and is pitching itself hard to be the first-ever pizzeria to receive a Michelin Star.

The Chain Touted the Reasons It Should Be Honored

In a press release touting the one-night-only event, Papa Johns enumerated the reasons why the Pan Pizza is worthy of Michelin recognition. “Quality ingredients: An intentional lineup featuring a garlic parmesan crust, a six-cheese blend made with real Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Parmesan, and Romano, and fragrant Italian seasoning. And, like every item on the Papa Johns menu, the Pan Pizza is made with no artificial flavors or colors.” Papa Johns also touts its “mastery of technique,” which involves “years of testing, iterating, proofing, and perfecting for that crispy edge and cloud-soft center.” The chain also called out its “harmony of flavors, a balanced blend of taste and texture in every bite,” as well as its “consistency,” bearing “the same high standards delivered at every Papa Johns restaurant nationwide.”

“This is a love letter to a food that has shaped moments and memories for decades,” said Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Papa Johns. “That’s why we’re putting our Pan Pizza front and center. If any QSR pizza belongs in a Michelin-level conversation, it’s this one. Years in the making, our Pan Pizza was built to impress.”