Papa John’s International Inc. said it would provide financial assistance to its U.S. franchisees through the remainder of the year as it tries to turn around the business it says has been hurt by its founder’s remarks.
Relations between the pizza chain and founder John Schnatter have become increasingly fraught in recent weeks. Papa John’s domestic sales have been sliding ever since Mr. Schnatter last fall criticized the National Football League for its handling of players’ national anthem protests. Mr. Schnatter, who stepped...