United Capital said it provided $2.2 million in financing to PJ’s East to acquire 12 Papa John’s Pizza locations in the Los Angeles area. The California-based franchisee also owns Del Taco and Denny’s restaurants.

“Despite intense competition, Papa John’s remains a leader among the national pizza chains,” said William Johnson, senior vice president of sales and business development for United Capital. “United Capital is committed to supporting Papa John’s franchisees with loans for new store development, acquisitions and debt refinancing.”