Tapan Vaidya, CEO of PJP Investments Group (UAE, KSA, Jordan), shared insights with Khaleej Times at his Dubai office. Photo by Muhammad Sajjad
Innovation is frequently cited as crucial for brand success. Tapan Vaidya has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to craft the ideal pizza for the Papa John’s franchise, owned and operated by his group in the region. The secret to a great pizza lies in the precise ratios of ingredients and cooking temperatures.
“We have a camera above the cutting table capturing the final image of each pizza before it’s boxed. An AI program scores each pizza, grading its appearance and quality. If a pizza doesn’t meet standards, it’s flagged immediately, and the restaurant manager takes corrective action to coach the staff,” Vaidya explains.
Vaidya emphasizes the importance of the ‘ROC’ promise, which stands for ‘return of customer’. He believes in recruiting ‘PHDs’—People with passion, hunger, and drive—and encourages his team to go ‘ABCD’—above and beyond the call of duty. This approach naturally leads to customer loyalty and, subsequently, return on investment (ROI).
Papa John’s, alongside Dominoes and Pizza Hut, is one of the three major players in the UAE market, with over 300 restaurants. Vaidya’s 38-year journey in the restaurant business began with a necessity-driven start in Ahmedabad, India, where he bussed tables to earn cash. His early experiences taught him the value of customer care, which has been a cornerstone of his success.
This year, Papa John’s introduced two innovative products: Crispy Parm Pizza and Chicken Shawarma Pizza. The Crispy Parm Pizza features a thin, crispy crust with a layer of golden brown Parmesan, while the Chicken Shawarma Pizza includes a special shawarma seasoning, pickles, and a drizzle of toum (garlic sauce), which has exceeded sales expectations.
Vaidya’s leadership philosophy emphasizes listening to his team. He believes that effective listening optimizes resources and enhances decision-making, contributing to the overall success of the business.
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