Papa Johns Is Angling for a Michelin Star—Could They Actually Get One?

I don’t often quote emails directly, but I have to try and replicate how confused I felt when I read the following statement: “Papa Johns is setting its sights on a bold ambition to become the first national pizzeria brand to earn a Michelin Star.” Sorry, what? As part of the promotional launch for Papa Johns’ pan pizza, the company is leaping towards the highest mark of culinary excellence by running a free pop-up luxury restaurant in New York City.

Is Papa Johns’ pan pizza really worthy of a Michelin star?

According to Papa Johns, yes! The brand actually broke down how the new recipe embodies what Michelin looks for when awarding their hallowed stars: Papa Johns’ pan pizza recipe features a six-cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, fontina, asiago, parmesan, and romano) atop a garlic parmesan crust—with no artificial flavors or colors to boot. The brand spent years perfecting the pizza’s recipe before this launch to ensure the crispy edges and pillowy interior would be consistent every time at every location.

Returning to reality, we all know this is a stunt rather than a sincere request. That said, I think Papa Johns might have had a shred of a chance if they’d aimed for a different Michelin dining award. Michelin’s Bib Gourmand is a “special distinction recognizing restaurants that serve high-quality food at great value.” That feels far more achievable for the quick-service pizza joint, no?

And what’s this free NYC pop-up all about?

On February 19, Papa Johns is offering a free one-day-only Michelin Dining Experience in Manhattan. Lucky guests will enjoy a chef-curated three-course meal of Papa Johns’ Pan Pizzas topped with premium ingredients. In addition, a Soda Sommelier will provide a flight of Pepsi-Cola offerings that best complement each course. (Here’s hoping that doesn’t include the Dirty ‘Cini Soda they promoted last year.)

Seats are very limited, so Papa Johns is limiting the first-come, first-served opportunity to Papa Rewards members. If you’re close enough to make the trip, you can apply for a reservation on Papa Johns’ website. I fly back home from NYC just two days before this event; you cannot imagine how disappointed I am to miss it.