When that Papa John's pizza you ordered is delivered to your doorstep, you shouldn't have to be reminded to tip your driver.
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However, a recent viral video sparked debate over whether the pizza chain should reconsider its messaging about rewarding your driver.
What Is the Message on Papa John's Boxes?
On the front of Papa John's pizza boxes, there is a message that says, "Delivery fee is not a tip. Please reward your driver for outstanding service."
One TikTok user, who posts under the handle @sydneeee___, took issue with the statement and tipping culture as a whole.
She believes that tips "are not paychecks." She believes that companies like Papa John's should pay workers more for what they do. One commenter agreed, writing, "Companies telling us to tip their workers knowing they won't pay them is crazy lol."
The Viral Video Baked Up Some Discussion
While other brands would try to sway the debate with a humorous one-liner or a statement, many users noticed that Papa John's remained silent on this issue.
As the conversation evolved, the focus shifted to tipping culture in general. Many believe it has become "inescapable." Pizza drivers and other service workers are reliant on tips. But companies like Papa John's are seen as using them to subsidize wages.
One user wrote, "For pizza delivery drivers in the US, tips typically make up 25-50 percent (or more) of total take-home pay. Which is crazy."
This discussion comes at a time when Papa John's is going through a rough patch.
Back in February, we reported that the pizza chain announced it plans to close 300 of its restaurants by the end of next year. That is roughly 5% of Papa John's 6,000 locations across around 50 countries and territories worldwide.
Ravi Thanawala, the company's Chief Financial Officer, said in an earnings call that the locations to be closed are "not meeting brand expectations or lack a clear path to sustainable financial improvement."
Papa John's reported revenue of $2.1 billion in 2025, which is flat compared to the previous year. Profits are reportedly also shrinking.
