Papa Johns in Barnstaple reportedly closes

Pizza outlet Papa Johns in Barnstaple has reportedly closed - leaving staff worried whether they will be paid and if they will lose their jobs.

The Gazette understands that workers were told about the closure by the franchise owner via a group message, although there has been no official confirmation of the shutdown.

But an online search via Google shows the High Street store has “temporarily closed”.

On the official Papa Johns Barnstaple website, it reads: "This store is not currently accepting online orders."

Other locations reportedly affected include Plymouth, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Torquay and Newquay.

Cassie Smitherson, who works at the Torquay branch, told the Gazette: “Yesterday, our franchise owner sent us a message informing us that the business is shutting down. None of us were given prior warning.

“We’ve had no confirmation about whether we’ll be paid for the work we’ve already done, and we don’t know where we stand in terms of our jobs or wages. We’re left completely in the dark and extremely worried — especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, when most of us are already struggling to make ends meet."

In a message sent to staff, franchise owner Jabbar Mumtaz said that “external circumstances beyond our control” had left the business with “no path forward,” adding that a “new party” was expected to take over the stores, with further announcements to follow.

According to Ms Smitherson, staff were told that a new brand, BOSS Pizza, may take over operations in September, but nothing has been confirmed.

She added: “Jabbar helped save our jobs just over a year ago. Now we’re back in the same position with no answers.”

It was reported in December 2023 that Mr Mumtaz, a businessman from London, had taken over the Papa Johns franchise for Devon and Cornwall after the previous operator went bust.

Staff claim they have reached out to the Papa Johns head office but were told the situation was not its responsibility, and some were advised to apply for benefits.

The Gazette has contacted Papa Johns and Mr Mumtaz for comment.