Papa John’s International, Inc., announced domestic systemwide comparable sales declined 5.3 percent for the four weeks ended January 27, 2002 (Period 1), composed of a 5.0 percent decrease at franchised restaurants and a 6.2 percent decrease at company-owned restaurants. Total systemwide international sales increased 11.4 percent over the comparable period last year.

Papa John’s says its Period 1 comparable sales results were negatively affected approximately 4.6 percent by the unfavorable timing of the company’s national Anniversary Promotion and the Super Bowl, partially offset by the favorable timing of New Year’s Eve as compared to the prior year. In 2001, the Super Bowl and one week of the Anniversary Promotion were included in Period 1 results, while New Year’s Eve was included in Period 12 of 2000; in 2002, New Year’s Eve was included in Period 1 while results from the Super Bowl and the entire three-week Anniversary Promotion will be included in Period 2.

The company says it will announce fourth quarter and full-year 2001 results February 26, 2002, after the market close.

As of February 4, 2002, there were 2,720 Papa John’s restaurants (602 company-owned and 2,118 franchised) operating in 47 states and nine international markets.