Papa John's new Hertfordshire-based franchise owner has set a new company record for a first week's trading.

Luigi Forgione, who opened his Papa John's pizza outlet in Ware in March with his brothers Tony and Libby, saw takings up in excess of 20 per cent in the first week compared to other Papa John's store opening in the past 12 months.

Forgione puts his start-up achievement down to "proactive marketing" as well as "previous food retail experience". He said: "I also run several fish & chip shops and a chicken shop in the area, so I knew how to prepare my staff for the busy opening period.

"Enthusiasm for the product is also essential when running any successful business. I believe in the Papa John's concept of only using the highest quality ingredients and 100 per cent fresh dough to create a top quality pizza with a better natural flavor. Combine this with excellent customer services, rapid delivery times and a great brand and I knew the franchise would be a winner from the outset."

Forgione, who funded the franchise through the success of his other investments, first discovered Papa John's when he was on holiday in the US. He was so impressed he returned home determined to open his own Papa John's with his brothers. Now, the enterprise employs 20 people in the Ware outlet and there are plans to open a further Papa John's in Broxbourne within the next few months.

The entrepreneur's ambitions don't stop there, as Forgione added: "My aim is to open a total of 10 Papa John's over the next five years. It will be hard work, but with the right staff and the Papa John's UK head office team behind me, the potential of running multiple franchise outlets is really exciting."