Papa John's Sells an Impressive 75,000 Pies in 23-cent Pizza Promotion

Papa John's reversed some recent negative publicity and estimates that they sold an estimated 75,000 pizzas on Thursday in Ohio during a promotion that offered pizza lovers the chance to snag a pie for just 23-cents. More than 80 Papa John's locations in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Toledo, and Columbus took park in the one-day special.

The promotion netted more than $17,500, with all proceeds going to the LeBron James Family Foundation. Papa Johns also donated an additional $10,000 to James' foundation, as well as another $10,000 to the Cavaliers Youth Fund.

Papa Johns offered the promotion to Ohioans after backing the wrong team in the playoffs, and giving away t-shirts making fun of "cry baby" LeBron James. After numerous complaints, Papa Johns decided on a 23-center special, taking inspiration from LeBron's #23.

Obviously more than just Cavs fans showed up for the special deal, and throughout the day there were reports of long lines, traffic problems, and complaints about long waits.

In a press release issued by the company, Tim North, a division vice president, said: "We salute Cleveland fans for coming out in incredible numbers. Papa John's employees across Northeast Ohio worked incredibly hard (Thursday) to keep up with orders and to show how committed we are to Cleveland, the Cavaliers and LeBron James."