• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, June 20, 2019

Papa John’s is adding more firepower to its marketing program, pledging to spend an additional $80 million on ads and related brand initiatives starting in Q3.

The company reported spending $60.8 million on advertising and related costs in 2018. The additional spending pledge is a sizeable bump.

The announcement comes just a few months after the firm sealed a deal with basketball great and businessman Shaquille O’Neal to be a brand ambassador, franchisee investor and company board member.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that it’s been a bit of a rough patch for the pizza chain. Its founder, former CEO and chief jackass John Schnatter, plunged the company into scandal with some racist comments and other shenanigans a couple of years back.

“The strength of our brand and of our franchisees are both critical to Papa John’s long-term success,” stated current CEO Steve Ritchie. “We’re pleased to announce that Papa John’s will make a significant investment in the exciting future of our brand.”

Landing Shaq was certainly a brilliant move. His work with Carnival Cruise Lines was hilarious.