Introduction
In a long-running case dating to 2018, employees alleged that Papa John’s franchise agreements included “no-poach” or non-solicitation clauses among franchisees, which suppressed workers’ mobility and wages. The proposed class comprises approximately 400,000 employees working between 2014 and 2021. In 2025, the court preliminarily approved a $5 million settlement.
Court & Jurisdiction
U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky (Louisville), presided by Judge Benjamin Beaton.
Plaintiffs’ Counsel
One of the co-lead plaintiff firms is Lowey Dannenberg (Lowey). Christian Levis and Noelle Forde are named attorneys in press materials.
Complaint / Docket
The original complaint is referenced as Houston v. Papa John’s International, Inc., filed Dec. 14, 2018 in the Kentucky federal court. A version of that complaint is available via ClassAction.org.
