Domino's vs. Papa John's: Pizza Workers Burned Down Rival Store, Police Say

Two Domino's Pizza store managers apparently tried to put a definitive end to the "Domino's versus Papa John's" debate when they allegedly set fire to one of their local rivals, burning it down so they would get more business.

Store managers Sean Everett Davidson and Bryan David Sullivan were arrested on arson charges in Lake City, Fla. Thursday in connection with a fire that set a local Papa John's store ablaze Oct. 20.

According to the Ocala Star-Banner, the fire was discovered shortly before 3 a.m. By the time it was brought under control, the store had been destroyed.

Police said Sullivan's motive was that the Domino's location he managed would see an uptick in business if the Papa John's restaurant was out of the picture.

The two were arrested after they told others of their plan.

“After the fire some people got nervous and we got some tips,” a Lake City police department spokesman told the Lake City Reporter.

According to the Reporter, Domino's officials have been cooperative with authorities and there is no reason to think the store's owner had prior knowledge of the plan.

The police spokesman said some of those interviewed by police lied about what they knew of the plot and slowed the investigation.

“If everybody had been honest from the beginning we would’ve solved this a whole lot quicker,” he said.

Investigators are still searching for the ignition device, the paper reported.