Traditionally, we think more about turkey at Christmas than pizza…but orders are up by 20% year on year at Papa John’s and the chain is keen to give something back.

This year, the chain is partnering with the Dutch Red Cross, and inviting hungry diners to donate €1 of their pizza deal to the charity’s food bank appeal – which the chain will then double.

‘All shoppers can donate to the charity,’ said a spokesman. ‘The festive season is a period where you want to give something back to the community, whether you sell pizza or drive a truck, and that is what we are doing.’

The chain is celebrating success this year, with online orders now making up almost 90% of sales thanks to the effects of coronavirus restrictions on our dining habits. ‘We normally start thinking about turkey now but this is a special year where we can’t go out with our families,’ added the spokesman. ‘Our sales are up and growing.’

The chain, which launched in the Netherlands in 2016, is currently busy opening its 31st store as a conversion from a Pizza Hut in Rotterdam. In the next two years it aims to expand to 40 to 50 stores across the country. The new Papa John’s, on Paul Krugerstraat in Rotterdam, adds to the company’s collection of more than 5,000 franchise operations in 45 countries.

Vegan

Started in 1984 in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, the chain says its ‘USP’ is using the best-quality ingredients, and it also has a strong vegetarian and vegan range. This year, festive family deals which give a euro to charity include a medium pizza with Christmassy cinnamon scrolls.

‘Twenty of our stores are owned & operated by multi store franchisee owners and although the horeca business isn’t for everyone, some of our franchisees are very successful,’ said the spokesman.

‘A lot of our existing franchisees are opening more stores as they are both satisfied and are building a strong portfolio of stores within their business. Papa John’s really do provide a great long term franchise opportunity for a committed entrepreneur’

DutchNews.nl readers can enjoy discounts on pizza deals and give a euro to a good cause with the following coupon codes until January 3 2021.

Festive feel a good deal: medium pizza with cinnamon scrolls (AAPJMPCS13)

Festive family deal: 2 medium pizzas, 2 sides and a large drink (AAPJFES29)

Festive feast: 2 medium pizzas, 2 sides and a large drink (AAPJFES35)