Papa John’s is keeping its stores in Russia open despite stating it’d boycott the country for invading Ukraine. The decision has been met with social media backlash. 

Christopher Wynne, the independent franchisee owner of Papa John’s in Russia, is refusing to close the 200 or so outlets in the country. The company already stated they’d suspend corporate operations there and also promised aid for Ukrainian refugees.

As per their statement, “Papa John’s has suspended all corporate operations in Russia”, which also says, “It has ceased all operational, marketing and business support to, and engagement with, the Russian market, where all restaurants are owned by independent franchisees …”, Newsweek reported. 

Also Read | How Zelensky can assist Ukrainians displaced by Russian invasion: Explained

Despite the decision being Wynne’s alone, the Papa John’s brand has faced criticism on Twitter. One handle asked whether Papa John’s should face sanctions, while the other called for a boycott of the pizza chain. A user jokingly referred to the quality of food there, saying having the store open would be torture enough for the Russians. 

Franchisee owner Wynne responded to this criticism saying, “The best thing I can do as an individual is show compassion for the people, my employees, franchisees and customers without judging them because of the politicians in power”, as per The New York Times. 

Also Read | Why Russian President Vladimir Putin uses WWII to justify war with Ukraine. Explained

Speaking of Wynne’s decision Papa John’s released a statement saying its decision to suspend operations in Russia was “supported by the vast majority of our team members, franchisees, customers and communities around the globe”, Newsweek reported. 

Also Read | How world-famous Ukrainian cat Stepan escaped war-torn Kharkiv to safety

Papa John’s is among the many major food chains that have stopped operations in Russia condemning its actions against Ukraine. Among them are McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, and Pizza Hut. 

President Vladimir Putin, on February 24, sent troops into Ukraine claiming he wanted to “denazify” and “demilitarize” the country. Since then, Russia stands accused of war crimes for targeting civilians in Ukraine.