News and Tribune

June 27, 2009

Papa John’s founder increases award for his first car to $250,000

Schnatter says he wants his ’72 Camaro Z28 back

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOUISVILLE — “Papa” John Schnatter is looking to make someone the ultimate doughgirl or doughboy.

The pizza company founder has increased the award to find his original ’72 Z28 Camaro to $250,000.

Schnatter sold the car in 1984 to open his first Papa John’s restaurant. He announced the original $25,000 award last month when he began a cross-country Road Trip in a replica.

When calls started pouring in with leads, Schnatter decided to show his gratitude with a prize 10 times the original offer.

He says he is aware that his car is not a “true classic,” but it means so much to him that he would even accept a piece of the original.

Schnatter will hit the road again July 4 in Daytona Beach, Fla., and continue through the Midwest.