Best Thing Since Sliced Bread: Duygu Dalkanat

Ancient artwork, texts and archaeological discoveries all offer clues to just how beloved bread is in Türkiye: excavations have uncovered ancient utensils and a 1,800 BCE Assyrian seal of a master and his flatbread, while the writings of Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi reference the 46 variations of breads on offer in Istanbul alone.

"Breaking bread is a very important tradition in Turkish culture," Duygu Dalkanat tells The CEO Magazine.

As CEO and Board Member of Papa Johns Türkiye, she adds that being able to share this moment with millions of families through a more contemporary twist on the food staple is one of the most significant drivers in her role.

It was in 2008 that the Papa Johns International team landed in Türkiye with a view to opening its first pizza restaurant in the country (and what would become its 500th in the world).

The investors, PJ Gida, were concurrently scouting for a CEO and luckily Dalkanat was already known to them as CEO of its telecom business, TelecityGroup.

"I was hired to showcase how embracing culture and empowering women in leadership positions was our contribution to the global community," explains Dalkanat, who juggled both roles for six years until deciding to focus solely on Papa Johns.

Today Papa Johns is one of the country’s most popular quick-service restaurant brands with 55 stores operating under a robust franchise model. Dalkanat explains that female empowerment and teamwork continue to be an area of great focus for her as she pursues her two passions in the business: innovation and sustainability.

As well as spearheading comprehensive employee training programs to ensure, across the business, people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to uphold this commitment, she says that much emphasis has been placed on encouraging store managers to take the reins of their own businesses.

"Many have become franchisee owners, in many cases with multiple stores," she says. "This has given us inner motivation and momentum, as well as a feeling of belonging to the brand."

Better and Better

The Papa Johns brand promise – ‘Better Ingredients, Better Pizza’ – is global and one that Dalkanat has wholly embraced.

"During my journey in the food industry, I’ve encountered a myriad of opportunities to carve out a unique role and contribute positively to the culinary landscape," she says.

One of the primary opportunities she has recognized is the power of customization. "In an era where consumers increasingly seek personalized dining experiences, I’ve seen the importance of tailoring menus and offerings to cater to individual tastes, dietary preferences and cultural backgrounds," she says.

The aim, she adds, has been to create dining experiences that not only satisfy hunger, but also use each unique pizza as a platform to foster a deeper connection between food and the consumer.

Key to the success of this strategy was leveraging the diversity of what she finds on her doorstep in Türkiye.

"By championing the use of local produce, proteins and speciality items in our menu offerings, we are not only supporting local farmers and producers but also providing diners with unique and authentic culinary experiences that celebrate the flavors and traditions of the region," she says.

In addition, by prioritizing local sourcing, Papa Johns is also minimizing its environmental footprint by reducing food miles and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

From Strength to Strength

Dalkanat may have ticked off many goals during her time in the role – from menu innovation to customer feedback mechanisms and sustainability certifications – yet she knows she cannot rest on her past achievements, especially in an industry as fluid as quick service restaurants.

Looking forward, she says the next 12 months are mapped out to ensure the business can strategically navigate various focus areas in order to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of consumers.

"First and foremost, digital transformation will remain a cornerstone for us," she says. "As technology continues to reshape consumer behavior, investing in in-house digital ordering platforms will be crucial."

Also on the menu is operational efficiency, community engagement initiatives and enhancing the user experience, which will be achieved through contactless delivery options, personalized offerings driven by data analytics and the introduction of lighter, more nutritious options without sacrificing flavor and toppings.

"We’re embracing plant-based alternatives," she explains. "Alongside other sustainable practices in the supply chain, we will also be implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions."

These are the key touchpoints identified to ensure Papa Johns continues to thrive in a dynamic market landscape.

"By embracing digital transformation, menu innovation, sustainability, community engagement and operational efficiency, we will further appeal to ever-changing consumer preferences and emerge stronger," she says.