Consumer

Papa John’s Drops as Downcast Consumer, Pizza Wars Hit Sales

A Papa John's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky.Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg

Papa John’s International Inc. shares tumbled after sales shrank more than expected, indicating consumers are cutting back on dining out while pizza chains respond by ramping up promotions.

The Louisville-based fast-food chain’s stock retreated as much as 6% in New York. It had lost 12% this year as of Wednesday’s close.