Papa John's Opening New Headquarters At The Battery Atlanta

One of the country's largest pizza chains is establishing its second headquarters at The Battery Atlanta.

Papa John's International, which was founded in Louisville, Kentucky, will lease 60K SF at Three Ballpark Center in The Battery Atlanta, the 306K SF office building that will also house Thyssenkrupp Elevator Americas' North American headquarters.

Papa John's is taking direct space at Three Ballpark, Atlanta Braves Vice President of Communications Beth Marshall told Bisnow via email. Bisnow previously reported that Thyssenkrupp was downsizing its footprint at the project and listing some of its space on the sublease market.

The Battery is the 2.5M SF mixed-use project surrounding Truist Park, the home stadium for the Atlanta Braves. Braves Development Co., the team's real estate arm, owns The Battery and is developing Three Ballpark Center.

Papa John's, the fourth-largest pizza chain in the U.S., with more than 5,300 stores and behind Little Caesars, Pizza Hut and Domino's, in September announced plans to move its headquarters from Louisville to Atlanta.

Since then, Papa John's executives have characterized a future Atlanta facility as a second headquarters location in a three-hub system that will include its Louisville office and an international headquarters in the United Kingdom.

“Under the new organizational structure, the majority of our corporate staff will continue to be located in Louisville, their experience and dedication providing essential support and managing key infrastructure for our franchisees and customers will continue to be a bedrock of our business,” Papa John's CEO Rob Lynch said during an earnings call Nov. 5.

At Three Ballpark, Papa John's plans to add 200 jobs, including in marketing and communications. Papa John's will keep IT, supply chain, legal and accounting in Louisville.

“We are thrilled to welcome Papa John’s to The Battery Atlanta where they will literally be at the intersection of the hottest office location in Metro Atlanta,” said Mike Plant, president and CEO of Braves Development Co.

Lynch previously told analysts that the overall corporate realignment would cost between $15M and $20M in one-time severance, relocation and other expenses.

“Atlanta is the home of a large number of consumer and [quick-service restaurant] brands and provides great access for us to a deep talent pool,” Lynch said on the Nov. 5 call. “Atlanta's world-class airport will also connect us to the domestic and international markets that are key to our brand's future.”