Dining With Dylan

Papa Johns in Yulee: A Welcome (and Greasy) Return

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Papa Johns is back! After a decade without one nearby, the beloved pizza chain has opened a new location in Yulee, Florida, and the community was ready for it. I made a point to stop by on their opening day, and let me tell you, they rolled out the red carpet – or maybe just the inflatable wacky tube man, which was flailing around out front like a pizza-themed mascot for joy.

The opening festivities were simple but fun. There was a spin-the-wheel game where you could win prizes like desserts, free pizza, or branded swag. I walked away with a free dessert and pizza, so my day was off to a pretty great start. They also handed out slices of pizza and coupons, which added to the crowd of locals who were already lining up. By 11 a.m., the place was buzzing, but the energy was good. Staff and managers were out greeting people, and despite the rush, everything felt organized.

Of course, the real question is, how’s the pizza? Well, it’s Papa Johns, so you probably already know what to expect – classic fast-food pizza. My first order was the Epic Stuffed Crust pizza with pepperoni. I had no idea Papa Johns even offered stuffed crust. It was everything you’d expect: cheesy, greasy, and satisfying. I’m not going to lie; I had to blot it with a paper towel (yeah, I’m that person), but the flavor was solid. For $9.99 as part of their large one-topping carryout deal, it was also an absolute steal.

On the sweeter side, I tried the Cinnamon Pullaparts, and let me tell you, these are delicious. Imagine gooey monkey bread covered in sweet cream cheese icing – oh, yes. They were rich, soft, and perfect alongside a cup of espresso later that evening.

To give Papa Johns a fair shake, I went back a couple of more times. On my second visit, I ordered a New York style pizza with spinach. It was tasty! I also gave the Oreo Papa Bites a shot. They were sweet and gooey, and a sugar bomb when dipped in the included icing. But at their small size and relatively high price, they’re probably not something I’d order again.

One thing worth mentioning is growing pains. On a late-week visit, the small storefront was packed with people waiting for their orders, and things were chaotic. My order was delayed, and it seemed like the staff was struggling to keep up with the demand. On the other hand, when I ordered earlier in the day, things moved much more smoothly. If you’re planning to grab a pizza, it might be worth timing your order.

Overall, Papa Johns is a solid addition to the local pizza scene. Sure, it’s not going to blow your mind, but if you’re burned out on Domino’s or Pizza Hut, it’s a great alternative. The Epic Stuffed Crust pizza is definitely worth a try, and the Cinnamon Pullaparts are an easy recommendation for dessert. At $9.99 for a large one-topping carryout pizza, the value is hard to beat.