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John Schnatter, Romney backer and CEO of Papa John's.
John Schnatter, CEO of the Papa John's pizza chain, shared a political, election-year message during a shareholders conference call the other day. His message: the Affordable Care Act will be bad for his business and its customers.
On a conference call last week, CEO and founder John Schnatter (a Mitt Romney supporter and fundraiser) said the health care law's changes -- set to go into effect in 2014 -- will result in higher costs for the company -- which they vowed to pass onto consumers.
"Our best estimate is that the Obamacare will cost 11 to 14 cents per pizza, or 15 to 20 cents per order from a corporate basis," Schnatter said.
Matt Yglesias had the same reaction I did: "Stipulating for a moment that this is true, doesn't it seem like a rather small price to pay?"
Actually, yes. I haven't the foggiest idea if Schnatter's figures are accurate, and given that his enthusiastic support for the Romney campaign, I'd recommend caution before accepting them as fact.
But for the sake of argument, let's say the Papa John's CEO is correct and the price of a large pepperoni pizza will go from $14.08 to $14.19 (or, on the outside, $14.22) as a consequence of the Affordable Care Act. This is supposed to make Americans oppose the health care law?
In other words, Schnatter is effectively arguing, "On the one hand, 30 million Americans will have access to affordable health care; seniors will pay less for prescription medication; people with pre-existing conditions will be protected; young adults will be able to stay on their families' plans; annual and lifetime caps will be eliminated; and preventive care will be available to all without copays. On the other hand, consumers might have to pay an additional 11 cents on a pizza."
Schnatter seems to think the reaction should be obvious. As it happens, I think it is obvious, but not in the way he prefers.
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Does anyone here really think he'll raise his prices ONLY by 11-15 cents? I don't. I think he'll raise his prices by at least a buck then blame Obama for it.
Papa Johns: sh!tty pizza, sh!tty speaker!
I think he's been eating too much of his product, don't get high on your own supply!
I never liked this guy on TV, somehow he seems disingenuous on camera. His newest ad is painful to watch, forced effort, insincere smile, tight lipped smile, etc.
So, let's see, umm here's an idea, he can cut out 11 cents worth of factory churned mozzarella from each pie, and reduce the level of unsaturated fat consumed during NFL games nationally, saving millions in future emergency room visits. After all, emergency rooms are why we don't need the health care act in the first place.
This whole bit shows us that though all liars need not be thieves all thieves are by nature liars.
Government programs as pizza topping is a great idea.
I'd like to order one large pie, half medicare, half social security, a medium ACA and a side of cheesy carried-interest sticks
Thx. for the information about Papa John's pizza. Nice to know which companies to boycott. And yes, 11-15 per pizza isn't much. If the PJ employees are showing up in ER's without insurance, we are paying a lot more.
assclown.
plain and simple.
Maybe a few of those 30 million might be able to afford a pizza now.
I am saddened after i read this because i am the assistant manager at a papa john's franchise and our franchise operations head has also said that the affordable health care act will be bad for our business. I don't understand why papa john's is so unwilling to swallow the overhead cost to ensure the health of its employees.
Oh looky! More evidence of "compassionate conservatism!"
That's all right - Papa John's is @!$%#ty pizza anyway ... so, drive up the costs for your @!$%#ty pizza and even more people won't buy your @!$%#ty pizza.
One problem with this story is that it shows the entire world that the United States is willing to let people die for want of 15 cents per pizza.
That's not the kind of image or legacy that I want for my country. We are the nation of the Marshall Plan. We are the nation "With malice toward none, with charity for all." We are the re-builders of the cities of our defeated enemies.
I want this nation to be known by the words of Franklin Roosevelt:
I do not want to be ashamed of this country that I love so much, and that has done me such good. Especially in this national financial crisis, I want to be proud of how we chose to act in the end.
After reading this story and all of the comments posted I have to say the real scary thing here is the lack of understanding people have. To say that the president is trying to separate the country then keep on using fake anger to justify overcharging for a product is telling in itself.
Romney supporters are trying to help fan the flames of fake anger. In case you somehow missed the main points of the story here they are in a condensed version. I also added in a little common sense information to show the level of deception as well as their lack of respect for their base.
He already provides health care for his employees so why would he have to raise prices to do something he already does anyway? He is a millionaire and a supporter of Mitt Romney. Of course his comments are politically motivated!! If you can try and find some reason to raise you prices, support someone who is going to save you a bunch on taxes as a rich person, and and blame it all on someone else then that is what I like to call the hat trick. This fake outrage is just another attempt by the opponents of the president to try and deceive people into believing the same old lies that have been proven to be false and just not true.
This guy just sits there and acts like he is outraged over something that he already does and that is the very definition of shameful and dishonest business tactics.
How can this guy sit there with that cheesy smile and act like he is experiencing some kind of hardship when there is no way most of his pizza locations has over 50 people employed there? Ever been to a pizza place before? Most are small places with maybe a few tables to sit at.
It does not take more than 3 people per shift (8 hours) to make pizzas during the busy part of the day. Add to that another 3 people employed as delivery drivers and a store manager you are only talking about 6-12 employees total. This fake outrage is just to re energize their base, and push people who are undecided to vote for them. Talk about Washington or the government controlling you! It is because you are giving them the ability to do just that. What to get mad? Then stop and think for yourself. If you are going to comment on a story at least read it all. In fact reread it a few times if you are not sure you understand the story. Then react. Trust me that so called "anger" is going to feel a lot more real!
I'll never feel compelled to buy another of his filthy pizzas, either. More support for the local pizzeria...