CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Published on March 31, 1997



EXHIBIT 23

Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in (I) the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8 No. 333-16447 and No. 33-67472) pertaining to the Papa John's
International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan, (ii) the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-67470) pertaining to the Papa John's International,
Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, and (iii) the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 33-96552) of Papa John's International,
Inc. of our report dated February 28, 1997, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Papa John's International, Inc. and subsidiaries
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 29, 1996.

Ernst & Young LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
March 24, 1997