Papa John’s to open more pizza restaurants in Chile and Spain

American pizza company Papa John’s will expand its brand in Chile and Spain after signing a deal with franchisee Drake QSR.

The global expansion of the firm’s Better Ingredients, Better Pizza brand will see Drake open 45 restaurants in Chile, bringing its total in the South American country up to 100.

Drake has also signed an expansion agreement with PJI España Pizzerías to expand outside of Madrid to all areas of Spain. The company hopes that by the end of 2017 it will have over 40 restaurants operating in the country.

Drake CEO Silvio Rostagno said: “We are excited about the development opportunities that remain in Chile and the tremendous growth opportunity in Spain. Our customers in both Chile and Spain continue to tell our team members they love Papa John’s.”

Drake was awarded Papa John’s franchisee of the year in 2015 and is one of the fastest-growing franchise partners for the company.

Senior vice president of Papa John’s Tim O’Hern praised the partnership with Drake, stating: “They continue to focus on delivering on quality which has resulted in a continued expansion in both Chile and Spain. We remain enthusiastic about Papa John’s growth opportunities in both countries.”

Kentucky-based Papa John’s is the world’s third largest pizza delivery company and has over 1,650 restaurants worldwide, including 400 in Latin America. It is currently looking for potential franchises in Brazil, Honduras and the Bahamas.