Representatives of Papa John’s stores in the Tampa Bay area are speaking out after the company’s founder admitted to using a racial slur.
Earlier this week, a Forbes report surfaced saying Papa John’s founder John Schnatter used the N-word during a conference call in May. Schnatter apologized for his language and resigned as chairman after the report.
After his resignation, local Papa John’s franchises released a statement to say they “do not share the same sentiments” as Schnatter.
“We are local franchisees that independently own and operate Papa John’s stores,” the statement reads. “We have been a part of the diverse Tampa Bay community since 1993. We respect and appreciate all our employees and customers equally.”
The statement also reaffirmed the stores’ commitment to the company’s core values of accountability, constant improvement and making people a priority.
“At every level, we are locally committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all our employees,” it says. “We will continue to be the strong spirit of our Papa John’s local ownership and team and we will continue to proudly serve our Tampa Bay communities.”