Who Is John Schnatter? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Schnatter was born on November 22, 1961, which makes him 63 years old in 2025. He is widely recognized as the founder of Papa John's Pizza, a global pizza delivery and carryout chain. Schnatter’s entrepreneurial journey began in a small broom closet of his father’s tavern, where he started selling pizzas to local customers. Since then, he has built an empire that has significantly influenced the fast-food industry. Despite facing controversies over the years, Schnatter has remained a pivotal figure in the business community.
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1961 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Jeffersonville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | India |
Popularity
John Schnatter's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
John Schnatter stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm). His weight has fluctuated throughout the years due to various health and lifestyle changes, but he is currently reported to weigh approximately 210 lbs (95 kg). As for his body measurements, Schnatter maintains a balanced physique, although specific measurements are not publicly disclosed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, John Schnatter is reported to be single following a high-profile divorce. He shares three children with his ex-wife, Annette Schnatter. While Schnatter has enjoyed significant relationships in the past, there is currently no public information regarding a new boyfriend or girlfriend. He prefers to keep his personal life private, avoiding the spotlight in terms of romantic relationships.
John Hampton "Papa John" Schnatter (born November 22 or 23, 1961) is an American entrepreneur who founded the Papa John's pizza restaurant chain in 1984. Schnatter started the business in the back of his father's tavern after selling his car and using the proceeds to purchase used restaurant equipment. As of 2017, his net worth was more than $1 billion.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, John Schnatter's net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. His wealth largely results from his stake in Papa John's and various business ventures over the years. Additionally, Schnatter is known for engaging in various investments, which have contributed to his impressive financial portfolio. His annual earnings, fluctuating based on business performance, continue to be significant due to his expertise in the pizza industry and other entrepreneurial endeavors.
On September 4, 2019, Schnatter's foundation donated $1 million to Simmons College, a historically black college in Kentucky.
Simmons College President Kevin Cosby expressed the opinion in a press conference that Schnatter's actions should speak louder than his words, saying "The Black community has heard far too many false words, but today this action—his generosity specifically for Black education and uplift—speaks louder." There was some criticism of the donation o
ffer.
Gerome Sutton, a Simmons graduate and member of its board of trustees, said, "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's going on. [Schnatter] is trying to pay off the black community with 30 pieces of silver."
Career, Business and Investments
John Schnatter's career began with the establishment of Papa John's in 1984, which quickly rose to prominence and became one of America’s favorite pizza chains. Over the years, he has also ventured into numerous business opportunities, including launching a venture capital fund to invest in promising startups. In recent times, Schnatter has focused on revitalizing Papa John's brand after stepping down from the CEO position, investing in marketing and product innovation to regain his company's competitive edge.
Schnatter stepped down as CEO on January 1, 2018, after controversy around his comments that the National Football League (NFL), who had a business affiliation with Papa John's, had not done enough to stop national anthem protests by NFL players, and that the protests had hurt his business. Before he stepped down, his comments had resulted in the NFL cancelling its association with Papa John's.
Social Network
John Schnatter is active on various social media platforms, engaging with fans and followers. His presence on Twitter (@JohnSchnatter) is particularly notable, where he shares insights about business, updates on Papa John's, and interacts with his audience. Additionally, he maintains a presence on Instagram and Facebook, where he showcases events and personal interests.
After stepping down as CEO, Schnatter remained chairman of the board of directors until July 2018, when it was revealed that, during an internal sensitivity-training May 2018 conference call, he claimed without evidence that Colonel Sanders had used the word "nigger" without backlash.
Schnatter resigned when the comment became public, but has since maintained that the board conspired against him and unfairly forced him out of his position.
Education
John Schnatter graduated from Ball State University in 1983 with a degree in business administration. His education provided him with the foundational knowledge to navigate the complexities of running a successful business. Throughout his career, Schnatter has stressed the importance of education and often advocates for young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work.
In 2012, Papa John's and Schnatter received media attention after he made critical comments about the Affordable Care Act to a class on entrepreneurship. In a shareholder conference call, Schnatter said that he opposed the ACA because "our best estimate is that the Obamacare will cost 11 to 14 cents per pizza" (equivalent to about $– in ).
