What Is John Schnatter Doing Now

The scent of garlic butter hung heavy in the air, a phantom aroma clinging to the memory of countless Friday nights spent huddled around pizza boxes. For many, that smell is inextricably linked to one name: John Schnatter, the man who built a pizza empire, only to see it crumble under the weight of controversy. But what has become of the Papa, ousted from his kingdom? The question lingers, a quiet curiosity amidst the ever-changing landscape of the fast-food industry.

This article delves into the current endeavors of John Schnatter, exploring his post-Papa John's life, his evolving perspectives, and his continued presence in the business world.

From Papa to...What Exactly?

For decades, John Schnatter was synonymous with Papa John's. He wasn't just the CEO; he was the face of the brand, the embodiment of its promise of "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." His story was classic American Dream: a young entrepreneur who turned a broom closet into a pizza powerhouse.

He started in 1984, selling his beloved Camaro to purchase used pizza equipment and setting up shop in his father's tavern. The concept was simple: deliver a superior pizza, made with fresh dough and quality ingredients.

The strategy worked. Papa John's rapidly expanded, becoming a national phenomenon and making Schnatter a multi-millionaire. His folksy demeanor and passionate pronouncements about pizza quality resonated with consumers.

The Fall from Grace

However, the fairytale crumbled in 2018. A series of missteps and controversial statements, including criticisms of the NFL's handling of player protests and the infamous use of a racial slur during a media training call, led to his ouster from the company he built.

The backlash was swift and severe. Schnatter's image, once carefully cultivated as the friendly face of Papa John's, was tarnished. He resigned as chairman, and his name was removed from the company's marketing materials.

The pizza empire he built essentially severed ties with him. The man who had been the very essence of the brand became persona non grata.

Rebuilding and Reimagining

So, what has John Schnatter been doing since then? The answer is complex, a mix of attempts to reclaim his narrative, investments in new ventures, and a quiet, if not entirely successful, effort to reshape his public image.

Initially, Schnatter publicly disputed the circumstances of his departure, claiming he was forced out and that his words were taken out of context. He launched a website and social media campaign to defend himself and share his side of the story.

He gave interviews, often expressing regret for his remarks but also maintaining that he was unfairly treated.

"My use of a word was not what it's portrayed to be," he told one news outlet, as reported by *Forbes*.

However, these efforts largely failed to regain public sympathy. The damage was done, and Schnatter's reputation remained significantly impacted.

Beyond attempting to repair his image, Schnatter has also focused on new business ventures. He still holds a significant stake in Papa John's, but his attention has seemingly shifted elsewhere.

Reports indicate that he's invested in real estate and other business opportunities. He's also been seen visiting various pizza restaurants, reportedly assessing their operations and potentially looking for new investment opportunities.

According to several sources including *Bloomberg*, Schnatter has been actively exploring new avenues in the food industry, though specific details remain closely guarded.

A Changed Perspective?

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Schnatter's post-Papa John's life is the subtle shift in his perspective, or at least in how he presents himself. He appears to be more introspective, acknowledging past mistakes (albeit often with caveats).

While he initially focused on defending himself, there have been hints of a growing awareness of the impact his words had, especially on Papa John's employees and franchisees.

In some interviews, he's expressed a desire to learn from his experiences and to contribute positively in the future. Whether this is a genuine change of heart or a calculated effort to rehabilitate his image remains open to interpretation.

It is not uncommon for public figures to pivot and reposition themselves after facing criticism. *Schnatter's* attempts, however, face the challenge of deeply ingrained public perception.

The Legacy of a Pizza King

Regardless of his future endeavors, John Schnatter's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is undeniably a successful entrepreneur who built a major brand and created thousands of jobs.

He is also a figure who stumbled publicly, demonstrating the consequences of insensitive and offensive language. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibility that comes with wealth and influence.

His story underscores the growing importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible leadership in the modern business world. It's a lesson for anyone in a position of power that words matter and actions have consequences.

While the aroma of garlic butter may still evoke memories of Papa John's, the name John Schnatter now carries a more nuanced and complicated weight. It's a name that represents not only entrepreneurial success but also the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing social landscape and the enduring power of public perception.

Whether he ultimately succeeds in rebuilding his reputation or carving out a new niche for himself, John Schnatter remains a figure of fascination and a reminder that even the most carefully constructed empires can be vulnerable to the winds of change.

His future path is uncertain. However, one thing is clear: John Schnatter's story is far from over.