Form: 10-K405

Annual report [Sections 13 and 15(d), S-K Item 405]

March 25, 1999

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Published on March 25, 1999



Exhibit 23



Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in (i) the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8 No. 333-27823, 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, (iii) the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-48999) pertaining to the Papa John's
International, Inc. 401(k) Plan, (iv) the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-66985) pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. Wade S. Oney
Employment Agreement, and (v) the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 33-96552)
of Papa John's International, Inc. of our report dated February 26, 1999, 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 27, 1998.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Louisville, Kentucky
March 19, 1999