Papa John's Pizza Opening Hatboro Location

HATBORO, PA — Papa John's Pizza is opening a new location in the borough, but some residents aren't pleased about it.

The Barth Consulting Group — which Hatboro hired to assist with its downtown revitalization and economic development efforts — recently announced the pizza chain's arrival.

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Papa John's will be opening in the old TD Bank at the corner of Lehman and York roads. A Dunkin' Donuts recently opened there.

Barth Consulting Group said finishing touches are being completed with an opening expected soon.

Papa John's is expected to appear before the Hatboro Borough Council to pitch its plans at the Aug. 17 council meeting.

Some residents commented about the announcement, stating that the new business will hurt an existing Papa John's two miles away in Warminster Township.

Others said they didn't expect the borough to be bringing in "cheap franchises."

"I didn't realize that by 'revitalizing' a town full of history meant bringing cheap franchises into a small-town community," one commenter remarked. "You should really learn the feel of the town that you're trying to bring life to. Papa John's is a cheap way to run mom and pops into the ground."

"I agree," another stated. "If I want donuts, I go to Lochel's. If I want pizza, I go to a local family owned" business.

With the arrival of two major apartment complexes in the borough, some residents said they expected new restaurants and not chains.

"So fitting that Hatboro Council would sign off on yet another desperate attempt at pretending they have a clue what is best for our historic little town," one resident commented on Barth's Facebook post. "Can't wait for another brilliant decision by those who pretend to know how to attract, support and cultivate job producing, tax generating businesses."