Papa Johns' signature garlic sauce will hit retail shelves

Papa Johns signature garlic dipping sauce has been one of the brand’s biggest differentiators since it was founded in 1984 and is largely credited as the first dip created specifically for pizza. It has since been included with every pizza ever sold at the brand.

Soon, it will also be included in any meal made at home. For the first time, Papa Johns is bringing its signature garlic-flavored sauce to grocery stores nationwide.

“Our Special Garlic Dipping Sauce is one of the most iconic flavors in our brand, and our fans have a deep connection to it,” Vice President of Culinary Mark Gabrovic said in a statement. “Our goal was to take that bold, buttery garlic flavor fans love and reimagine it for life beyond pizza night. Inspired by the flavors of our Special Garlic Dipping Sauce, this new Garlic Flavored Sauce delivers a rich, craveworthy garlic experience that’s best served warm and is ready to dip, drizzle, or cook with at home.”

The bottled Garlic Flavored Sauce will begin hitting select U.S. grocery and retail stores nationwide this summer, with about 7,500 distribution points across Walmart, Kroger, Albertson’s, Safeway, and H-E-B. Availability may vary by retailer.

During Papa Johns’ first quarter earnings call May 7, CEO Todd Penegor said the extension into retail “unlocks new sales layers to expand our topline.”

“This launch builds awareness by extending our brand beyond our restaurants and gives customers a convenient way to add Papa John's signature flavor to their everyday meals,” Penegor said.

Retail extensions have become more common for restaurant brands of late, with 7 Brew, Long John Silver’s, Dutch Bros and Melting Pot adding new products in the past several months alone. Last year, Texas Roadhouse expanded its retail presence with appetizer-inspired dips, while Chick-fil-A, Zaxbys, Buffalo Wild Wings and others have all recently bottled their sauces, dressings and dips for retail shoppers.

To support the launch, Papa Johns is rolling out new recipes showcasing creative ways to use the Garlic Flavored Sauce, from snack hacks to weeknight meals, available on papajohns.com/garlicsauce.