Q4 comps still strong at Papa John's Pizza

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After three strong quarters in 2006, Papa John's International said its positive comparable-store sales momentum stalled in the 13 weeks ended Dec. 31.

According to a news release, domestic system-wide comps for the fourth quarter declined 0.5 percent (made up of a 0.3 percent increase at company stores and a 0.7 percent decrease at franchised stores.)

Full-year system-wide comps rose 3.1 percent (made up of a 3.6 percent boost at company stores and a 2.9 percent increase at franchised stores.)

Comparable system-wide international sales increased 37.4 percent for the quarter and 30.4 percent for the year, on a constant U.S. dollar basis.

At the end of the year, there were 3,026 Papa John's restaurants (589 company-owned and 2,437 franchised) operating in 49 states and 29 international markets.