Just a week after closing its doors, a national pizza chain is returning to the southwest Michigan lakeshore.
Bajco Group, an Ohio-based franchisee of over 190 Papa Johns locations, has purchased the Papa Johns at 4068 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville.
Jim Adkins, director of operations for Bajco, was in the store Thursday prepping the restaurant for its opening early next week. He said they’ve updated the technology and computer systems, and are just waiting for approval to open Monday or Tuesday.
“We’re excited to be here,” said Adkins, who also oversees several other Michigan and Indiana stores. “I think it’s a perfect fit for our franchise group.”
Adkins said he plans to retain as many previous employees as possible, and said they’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of applications coming in. The previous owner, who had operated the location since 1996, said in a note posted to the store’s window that a lack of staff and reduced business hours led to its closure.
“Papa Johns will not allow us to continue running with shortened hours,” the note said. “We are not able to hire enough staff to run 7 days/12 hours [and] are forced to close altogether. … Our current employees have worked long hours through out this period and are TIRED. Thank you for the many years of patronage. We love our customers [and] will miss you all!”
After the store’s closure, local developer Joe Giannola told the Herald-Palladium he was contacted by Papa Johns corporate to see if he and building co-owner Jim Roberts were interested in another tenant. The franchise was sold on Wednesday.
“It’s not only good for us, but it’s good for the community,” Roberts said Thursday. “We’re going to be able to create some jobs.”
Adkins said the store plans to be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and stay open until midnight on weekends.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
