SPOKANE -- Every Papa John's pizza restaurant in the Inland Northwest closed Tuesday without warning and may not reopen for some time.
According to corporate officials at the company's headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, 12 locations were shut down, all owned by a group called North Country Pizza.
Papa John's officials say all stores in Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, Pullman, Moscow, Yakima, Kennewick, Richland, and Wenatchee closed.
Officials would not specify the reason the 12 restaurants were shut down, but said North Country Pizza franchise owners had not responded to their attempts at contact.
A Papa John's store located near 29th and Regal on Spokane's South Hill displayed a sign in the door indicating it was closed, and that all employees inquiring about W-2 and payroll should email spokanepizza@yahoo.com.
Papa John's officials say they are working to ensure all employees receive their latest paycheck in the mail.
Officials also indicated that other franchise owners have been contacted about taking over some of the stores, but no permanent plans have been established.
KREM 2 News has been contacted by regional Pizza Hut managers, who say they're looking to hire many of the former Papa John's employees. A career fair will be held on February 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Lion River Inn for those who are interested in applying.
