Source: The Takeout
Introduction
When you tie your brand wholly to your founder and that founder jumps into racial slur-infested waters, the brand will inevitably sink as well. Papa John's International, Inc. (PZZA) was unable to escape this very fate - its share price now 52% off its late 2016 highs. However, management has slowly but carefully severed the ties between its sinking founder and the brand. Selective hiring and a re-established corporate identity have resulted in Q2 guidance that hints at a potential turning point for the struggling pizza chain.