Papa Johns Aims to Become First Pizzeria Awarded MICHELIN Star

The brand launches new Pan Pizza in bid to prove pizza can be star-worthy cuisine.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Papa Johns is making a bold move to become the first pizza establishment to earn a coveted MICHELIN Star. The company is launching a new Pan Pizza that it believes checks all the boxes for what MICHELIN looks for in a star-worthy contender, including high-quality ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, and consistency. To kick off the MICHELIN bid, Papa Johns is transforming a Manhattan location into an intimate, reservation-only dining experience that puts the new Pan Pizza in the spotlight.

Why it matters

No pizza restaurant has ever earned a MICHELIN Star, and Papa Johns' push to become the first is a significant milestone for the pizza industry. If successful, it would elevate pizza to the level of fine dining and prove that this beloved comfort food can be considered star-worthy cuisine.

The details

Papa Johns' new Pan Pizza features a garlic parmesan crust, a six-cheese blend made with real Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Parmesan and Romano, and Italian seasoning. The company says the pizza was built to impress, with years of testing, iterating, proofing and perfecting to achieve the perfect crispy edge and cloud-soft center. For one night only, Papa Johns is transforming a Manhattan location into an intimate, reservation-only dining experience that puts the new Pan Pizza front and center, with a three-course, pizza-forward chef-curated menu and Pepsi-Cola pairing flights.

  • The one-night-only dining experience will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Reservations for the event will open on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Papa Johns

A major pizza delivery chain that is making a bid to become the first pizzeria awarded a MICHELIN Star.

Jenna Bromberg

The Chief Marketing Officer at Papa Johns.

Pepsi-Cola

The beverage company that will provide pairing flights for the Papa Johns dining experience.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a love letter to a food that has shaped moments and memories for decades. That's why we're putting our Pan Pizza front and center. If any QSR pizza belongs in a MICHELIN-level conversation, it's this one. Years in the making, our Pan Pizza was built to impress.”

— Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Papa Johns (digitalmedianet.com)

What’s next

The one-night-only dining experience at the transformed Papa Johns location in Manhattan will be a key step in the company's bid to earn a MICHELIN Star. If successful, it could pave the way for pizza to be recognized as a star-worthy cuisine.

The takeaway

Papa Johns' push to become the first pizzeria awarded a MICHELIN Star represents a significant milestone for the pizza industry, elevating this beloved comfort food to the level of fine dining and proving that great pizza can be considered star-worthy cuisine.