New Bangor outlet marks another step in Rana Group’s 20-restaurant franchise agreement, targeting up to 400 jobs across Northern Ireland.
US pizza chain Papa Johns is expanding its presence in Northern Ireland with the opening of a new restaurant in Bangor, County Down, creating 20 jobs. The new outlet, located at 173 Clandeboye Road, is scheduled to open on November 11, 2026, offering collection and delivery services.
The opening marks Papa Johns’ third restaurant launch in Northern Ireland since signing a major franchise agreement with Rana Group in December 2025. The agreement provides for the development of 20 new restaurants across Northern Ireland over the next decade, representing a significant expansion opportunity for the pizza chain in the UK market.
Rana Group Leads 20-Store Franchise Expansion
The Bangor restaurant will be operated by Amit Abhol, also known as Rana, through Rana Group. The franchise partner brings more than 25 years of experience in the pizza industry and has been associated with Papa Johns since 2017.
Rana Group already operates more than 25 Papa Johns restaurants across the UK. Under the latest agreement, it will develop 20 additional outlets across Northern Ireland over ten years.
The first restaurant under the expansion agreement opened at Broughshane Street in Ballymena in December 2025, followed by a second location on Upper Newtownards Road in east Belfast in May 2026. The Bangor opening brings the number of restaurants launched under the agreement to three.
Each new restaurant is expected to create between 15 and 20 jobs, with the wider development programme targeting up to 400 employment opportunities across Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the Bangor opening, Grant Read, Managing Director of Papa Johns UK and Europe, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Papa Johns to Bangor as part of our ongoing expansion across Northern Ireland. This opening is another important step in our growth plans for the region and demonstrates our commitment to investing in local communities through new restaurants and job creation.”
Amit Abhol said the group was looking forward to serving customers in Bangor while creating local employment opportunities.
Founded in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Papa Johns has built an international restaurant network spanning more than 50 countries.
The UK remains an important market for the brand. Papa Johns operates approximately 450 restaurants across the UK, with the majority managed by franchise partners.
The Northern Ireland agreement is particularly significant following a period of restructuring for the chain. Papa Johns previously closed 74 UK restaurants amid challenging trading conditions, making the new development programme an important part of its renewed expansion strategy.
The Bangor opening also highlights the role of established multi-unit franchise operators in driving regional growth, with Rana Group combining existing operational experience with a long-term development commitment.
