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, No. 33-67472 and No. 333-86537)
pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Ownership Incentive
Plan, (ii) the Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 33-67470 and No.
333-86539) pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. 1993 Stock Option
Plan for Non-Employee Directors, (iii) the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-86535) pertaining to the Papa John's International, Inc. 1999 Team Member
Stock Ownership Plan and (iv) the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 33-96552)
of Papa John's International, Inc. of our report dated February 27, 2001, except
for Note 14 as to which the date is March 19, 2001, 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 31, 2000.


                                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Louisville, Kentucky
March 26, 2001