Papa John's in Sunderland has been renamed in honour of Black Cats head coach Lee Johnson ahead of the team's trip to Wembley later this week.
Sunderland AFC will head to Wembley on Sunday (March 14), for The Papa John’s Trophy as the finals of the 2020 and 2021 competitions are played.
The Black Cats will face Tranmere Rovers in what promises to be an epic encounter as they hope to bag their first win at the stadium since the FA Cup triumph of 1973.
And in a bid to build up excitement, Papa John's on Newcastle Road, Sunderland, has been renamed 'Papa Lee's' in Sunderland's iconic colours of red and white after boss Lee Johnson.
The Wirral, which is the home of sleeping giants Tranmere Rovers, will also have a store transformed to Papa Keith’s after the opposition manager Keith Hill.
Ahead of Portsmouth FC and Salford City's game on Saturday (March 13), the Salford store, will be transformed to Papa Richie’s after their manager Wellens.
Papa John’s in Portsmouth will also take up the name of Papa Kenny’s (Jackett) as Pompey look to win the competition two years on the spin.
Giles Codd, Marketing Director at Papa John’s said: "We can’t wait for the action at Wembley this weekend, and we know that all four teams are going to be desperate to get their name on the trophy.’
"We want to wish all of them luck, so by renaming our stores in each of the finalists’ towns we’re hopefully able to build a sense of anticipation among each local community. Who better to be able to provide this than the manager of each team? After all, they’re the boss!"
It comes as Papa John’s announced plans to inject £250,000 into football communities with its ‘Together We Can’ fund.
From goalposts that need replacing to clubhouses that need a lick of paint, local football clubs all over the UK will have the chance to apply for access to a £100k fund, distributed by a Papa John’s committee to give grassroots clubs a boost.
The pizza delivery chain has also pledged to provide £150k worth of brand-new football kits to clubs all over the UK in 2021 to help the 12 million people in the UK involved in the grassroots game.
