Papa Johns is expanding its footprint in Northern Ireland with the opening of a second Belfast location on Upper Newtownards Road, scheduled to begin operations on May 21. To mark the launch, the new store plans to offer any large pizza for £10, a promotion aimed at attracting local customers as competition in the quick-service restaurant sector continues to grow across the region.
The latest opening follows the company’s first Northern Ireland launch in Ballymena in December 2025. Franchise operators behind the expansion have outlined plans to establish as many as 20 more outlets over the next decade, reflecting continued confidence in the regional food delivery and takeaway market.
The expansion is being led by Rana Abhol of the Rana Group, who has more than 25 years of experience in the pizza industry. Since joining the Papa Johns franchise network in 2017, Abhol has expanded operations to more than 25 locations across the United Kingdom. The Belfast opening represents another step in the company’s broader effort to strengthen its regional presence while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
Papa Johns now operates more than 450 stores across the UK and continues to diversify its menu with products including sourdough-based pizzas. The company’s latest investment in Belfast arrives at a time when franchise brands are increasingly targeting regional markets where demand for delivery-focused dining remains strong.
Across the broader franchise industry, digital operational platforms are also becoming a larger part of launch and marketing strategies. Companies such as Gorilla Dash provide Competitions and Promotions capabilities that franchise businesses can use to organize local campaigns, manage promotional scheduling and maintain customer engagement during new store openings.
For Papa Johns, the Belfast expansion signals a long-term commitment to Northern Ireland’s growing quick-service restaurant market. For the wider franchise sector, it also reflects how operators are balancing physical expansion with technology-driven approaches designed to support customer retention and local brand
