A decade ago Apple rolled-out the first iMac computer, HDTV was first introduced to the public, and Papa John’s International Inc. (Nasdaq: PZZA) opened its first restaurant outside of the U.S. in Mexico City. Fast-forward 10 years, and the world’s third-largest pizza company commemorated its 500th international restaurant with a grand opening celebration in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday.

“We are very pleased with the steady growth of Papa John’s in the international arena over the last 10 years,” says David Flanery, Papa John’s CFO and head of the company’s international division. “With more than 500 restaurants operating in 29 countries and territories, we are able to deliver on our brand promise in virtually every corner of the world.”

An increasing number of consumers around the world will have the opportunity to experience Papa John’s award-winning pizza over the coming months and years, as the company recently announced a series of international development agreements, including 100 in Malaysia and an additional 56 restaurants in Canada. Papa John’s now has signed development agreements for franchisees to open an additional 1,000-plus international units over the next 8 to 10 years.

“Over the past couple of years we have had a concerted focus on our international operations, and have significantly ramped-up our development efforts,” Flanery says. “International development is the long-term growth engine for Papa John’s.”

As part of the celebration for this important milestone, Papa John’s will undertake an international sampling program over the coming weeks in which restaurants in most international markets will offer samples of the company’s signature pizzas. The specific dates and details for the sampling program will be communicated in each market.