Papa John's Founder John Schnatter Urges Customers Not to Eat Whole Pizzas

One thing is for sure, (Papa) John Schnatter doesn't try to hide the fact that moderation is the key to staying healthy. The founder of Papa John's, the third biggest pizza chain in the U.S., went on the air in the United Kingdom to discuss his pizza.

When the BBC's Radio Four program host asked Schnatter if he was worried about his pizza's sales due to the British government's war against obesity, he responded in a surprising manner.

"No. Pizza's actually healthy for you if you don't eat too much of it. You can't eat five or six slices, but if you eat one or two slices it's very nutritious."

This unexpected and candid advice coming from the founder of Papa John's has its upside and downside.

The upside:

For once, someone in the fast food industry came out and said that moderation when eating food is better than overeating.

The downside:

According to CNN, Schnatter was in the United Kingdom for an annual franchisee conference, in which he was encouraging small business owners to buy into Papa John's. Coming right out and saying that eating too much pizza is a bad thing may keep investors from buying in.

I have always loved Papa John's and honestly, John Schnatter's candor makes me appreciate the restaurant even more. I first began my love affair with Papa John's in college. Originally, I was all Pizza Hut all the time, but the small town in which I lived didn't have the cleanest restaurant, nor was the pizza well prepared.

But conveniently, the college provided all new and returning students with a wealth of Papa John's coupons. I was sold. In college, my friends and I made any excuse to get Papa John's. It was inexpensive, delicious and when shared among friends, even better.

Having had my fair share of experiences in which I ate more than two pieces of pizza in one sitting, I can tell you that of course it's unhealthy. It certainly doesn't make you feel good. It's obvious that eating five or six pieces of pizza at one time will have negative effects, especially when you take the garlic and marinara dipping sauces into account.

Number One of the Top Three Pizza Chains, Pizza Hut, has made the same sort of announcements as Schnatter, just not in public. There is a Nutrition page on their website that advises restaurant-goers to partake in sensible eating and exercise. While they provide nutritional information, they never come right out and say that eating five or six pieces of pizza is bad for you.

Same thing goes for Number Two, Dominoes. They provide nutritional information and how to choose the right ingredients for a healthier pizza, but do not try to sway those who want to eat more than one or two pieces.

One thing is certain: it would be a definite shame if Schnatter's business suffered just because he told the truth.

Papa John's Founder Warns Against Eating Too Much Pizza, CNN

Pizza Hut Official Website

Dominoes Official Website

Bruce Horovitz, Pizza Chains Deliver . . . Fees, USA Today