Worked at a Papa John’s restaurant between December 18, 2014 and December 31, 2021? If you earned more than $200 during that time, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a $5 million class action settlement.
This case alleges that Papa John’s International, Inc. and Papa John’s USA, Inc. violated federal antitrust law.
Why This Lawsuit Exists?
The lawsuit claims Papa John’s and its franchisees entered into so-called “no-poach” agreements.
According to the complaint, these agreements prevented franchisees from hiring or soliciting employees from other Papa John’s restaurants. The plaintiff alleges this may have:
Suppressed wages
Limited job mobility
Reduced employment opportunities for restaurant-level workers
The defendants deny all wrongdoing and deny any liability. They agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs of continued litigation. The Court must grant final approval before payments go out.
Who Qualifies?
You may be a class member if all of the following apply:
You worked at a Papa John’s-branded restaurant in the United States (Company-owned or franchisee-owned locations both count)
You worked there at any time between December 18, 2014 and December 31, 2021
You earned more than $200 in compensation during that period
Both full-time and part-time employees are included if they meet the requirements.
If you received a settlement notice with a Unique ID and PIN, you are likely eligible.
How Much Can You Get?
The total settlement fund is $5,000,000.
Deductions may include:
Attorneys’ fees and costs: Up to $1,250,000
Settlement administration: Estimated $259,043.23
Service award to lead plaintiff: Up to $5,000
Payments will be distributed on a pro rata basis, meaning:
Your payment depends on the allocation formula
The number of valid claims submitted affects your share
You will not receive a payment if your calculated amount is less than $5
Your Options
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Submit a Claim | Receive a payment (if your share is $5 or more). You give up the right to sue separately. | March 16, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | You are bound by the settlement but receive no payment. | March 16, 2026 |
| Exclude Yourself | Receive no payment but keep the right to sue separately. | March 16, 2026 |
| Object | Tell the Court why you oppose the settlement. | March 16, 2026 |
| Attend Hearing | Ask to speak in court about the settlement’s fairness. | May 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM CST |
How to File a Claim?
To receive money, you must submit a claim form by March 16, 2026.
You can:
File a claim online
Download, print, and mail a PDF claim form
To submit an online claim, you’ll need:
Your contact information
The last four digits of your Social Security number
Your Unique ID and PIN (from your notice)
Payment Options:
Digital payment (PayPal, Amazon, or digital debit card)
Paper check
Mailing Address:
Papa John’s Employee Settlement
c/o A.B. Data Ltd.
P.O. Box 173013
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Payments will be distributed after the Court grants final approval and resolves any appeals.
