Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza Franchise News

Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza Giant Secures Master Franchise Agreement; Forecasts Large Growth
April 03, 2012 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. – Papa Murphy's International today announced the appointment of its Canada franchise rights to Papa M Pizza Canada Inc. The master franchisee is accelerating Papa Murphy’s Canada footprint with a push to open 80 stores within the next 10 years. Papa Murphy’s opened its first take ‘n’ bake pizza store in Surrey, British Columbia in 2006 and has since opened 17 others in BC and Alberta. Combined with the U.S. store count, the Consumer Reports-ranked chain operates over 1,300 locations in North America.
Ken Calwell, CEO at Papa Murphy’s, recognizes the power this agreement puts behind the brand’s growth potential in Canada...

Take ‘N’ bake pizza chain launches DIY pizza for at-home family fun.
March 06, 2012 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. – Don’t let 30-year-old Papa Murphy’s International fool you – it’s still a kid at heart. And to prove it, the national take ‘n’ bake pizza chain is showing its playful side with today’s launch of the Mini Murph™ Make ‘N’ Bake Pizza Kit. All of Papa Murphy’s craveable quality, freshness and flavor are now available inside a kid-sized pizza box adorned with “Murph,” the company’s cute, new mini chef. Once opened at home, the easy-to-assemble kit will inspire imagination and creativity among the smallest of Papa Murphy’s fans...

Take 'n' bake pizza chain tops newest creation with the savory flavors of a backyard barbeque.
VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's has combined two consumer favorites into what could be the take and bake pizza chain's most unique creation to date – The Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. It starts with Papa Murphy's freshly made Original Crust that is topped with Burger Sauce, a blend of ketchup and mustard. Piled on top are generous portions of 100% real mozzarella cheese, ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh onions and Roma tomatoes. And it isn't a cheeseburger without a layer of dill pickle chips. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar.
"The testing phase of this pizza told us we'd have an instant fan favorite – people love the Bacon Cheeseburger," said Jenifer Anhorn, chief marketing officer at Papa Murphy's...

Consumer "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" expands sales, team and territory.
February 13, 2012 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. - Papa Murphy's International today announced its total U.S. systemwide sales grew to $702 million in 2011, up over 10% from 2010. The Zagat-ranked "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" in the U.S. ended the year with 1,300 locations. Same-store-sales were up more than 5%.
In an internal email from Papa Murphy's CEO Ken Calwell to all employees and franchise owners, Calwell praised the chain for its efforts serving others and making a difference in people's lives. "Thanks to your hard work, every day we provide a fresh, high quality great tasting dinner that Mom or Dad can serve fresh out of their oven and feel good about serving their family at the end of a long day...

Take 'n' bake pizza chain returns HeartBaker™ Pizza through February 14.
VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's is leveling the playing field for all bakers with its Valentine's Day favorite – the HeartBaker™ pizza. With a 425 degree oven, an oven mitt and a pizza cutter, even the most amateur baker can make the family a hot, delicious meal with love. This is demonstrated in the chain's new TV advertisement viewable at www.youtube.com/papamurphyspizza.
"There's already enough pressure to impress on Valentine's Day – leave the work to us," said Carron Harris, vice president of product development at Papa Murphy's. "The HeartBaker starts with our fresh dough that's formed into a heart and topped with freshly grated cheese and loads of pepperoni...

January 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. - Papa Murphy's International today announced it has joined the 2012 American Cancer Society Relay For Life® National Team Program. Employees and franchise owners will come together this year to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. All funds raised will support the American Cancer Society's efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against a disease that has taken far too much from too many.
"Papa Murphy's is proud to be a part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life National Corporate Team Program. Our commitment will help raise funds to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays," said Ken Calwell, Papa Murphy's CEO...

December 22, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash.– Papa Murphy’s International (PMI) announced today that its Company Stores Division – Papa Murphy’s Company Stores, Inc. – has acquired 20 Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza stores. The transaction was completed on Monday, December 19th between PMI and McKinleyville, Calif.-based L&K Hodge, LLC and its assorted partnerships. The acquired stores are located in the Minneapolis, Denver and Colorado Springs markets and increase the company-owned store count to 52.
Papa Murphy’s Chairman and CEO John Barr says the move will strengthen the pizza chain’s penetration in the three markets. “The acquisition complements our current base of stores and fits with our strategy to broaden the Company Stores Division where we have the highest consumer awareness,” said Barr...

November 08, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. – Papa Murphy’s International, America’s take ‘n’ bake pizza leader and fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., today announced the company’s President Ken Calwell will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2011.
Current CEO John Barr will remain Papa Murphy’s Chairman of the Board and will hand over day-to-day executive duties to Calwell. “Under Ken’s leadership Papa Murphy’s will continue on its successful growth path,” said Barr. “I am confident in his ability to build on our momentum and sustain our strong consumer rankings; I look forward to focusing my chairman’s duties on guiding the brand’s strategic growth...

October 12, 2011 // Franchising.com //
WHO: 30-year-old Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza, the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S. and one of the fastest growing chains in the country.
WHAT: Papa Murphy’s Franchise Sale Seminar. The company is looking to build many more locations in the San Francisco area and is looking for potential franchise owners.   Papa Murphy’s currently operates 42 stores in the market. Interested parties can register for the seminar at www.papamurphysfranchise.com.
WHERE: La Quinta Inn, 1390 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
WHEN: Tuesday, October 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
CONTACT: Lindsi Taylor at lindsi.taylor@papamurphys.com or 360-449-4017
About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer and leader of the take 'n' bake pizza segment...

Top industry magazine evaluates performance based on consumers' perspectives

September 12, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. - Just days after standing in Zagat Survey's winner's circle, the now two-time "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" finds itself on top of yet another national consumer opinion poll. Papa Murphy's International achieved the highest Overall score in the first-ever Consumer Picks survey, produced by Nation's Restaurant News and research firm WD Partners. More than 5,000 people rated 92 popular limited-service (quick service and fast casual) restaurant chains on nine attributes: Food quality, value, cleanliness, service, menu variety, reputation, atmosphere, likelihood to recommend and likelihood to return. Papa Murphy's Overall score was higher than the likes of Starbucks, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread...

Take 'n' bake pizza giant ranks third among all large fast food restaurants

VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The revolutionary Papa Murphy's Pizza has landed on top of yet another best-in-class survey. According to Zagat's 2011 National Chain Restaurants Survey, based on 6,064 respondents, Papa Murphy's is the highest-scoring large(1) pizza chain for the second year in a row. Outside of the pizza segment, Papa Murphy's received the third highest marks among all large fast food chains for Service, Food, and Overall, behind Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger.

"Our first customers 30 years ago continue to be some of our biggest fans today because we offer a meal solution unlike any other brand," said John Barr, Chairman and CEO at Papa Murphy's...

June 06, 2011 // Franchising.com // WHO: Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza, the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S. and one of the fastest growing chains in the country.

WHAT: Papa Murphy's San Francisco Franchise Sale Seminar. Just named "#1 Rated Pizza Chain in the U.S." by consumers in Zagat's 2010 National Restaurant Chain Survey, Papa Murphy's is growing stronger than ever and looking to open 47 stores in San Francisco. Currently there are 40 locations in the greater San Francisco/Oakland area. Interested parties can register for the seminar at www.papamurphysfranchise.com

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn

670 Gateway Blvd

South San Francisco CA 94080

WHEN: Thursday, June 16 from 7:00 p...

June 01, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. – Papa Murphy's International, America's take 'n' bake pizza leader and fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., today announced the hiring of Ken Calwell to the position of President, effective June 6th. He will report to John Barr, Papa Murphy's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Ken joins Papa Murphy's with over 20 years of leadership experience at large quick service restaurant chains. Most recently Ken was the Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy's International where he was accountable for all Brand Marketing, Advertising, New Product Development, Pricing, Field Marketing, and Research and Development. Prior to joining Wendy's, Ken was the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP of Research and Development at Domino's Pizza where he was part of the leadership team that executed a comprehensive business turnaround and led the company through an IPO in 2004...

Take 'n' bake pizza pioneer expands thin crust deLITE line to include family size VANCOUVER, Wash., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's International is now offering Thailand's distinctive flavors with the launch of its newest take 'n' bake pizza - The Thai Chicken deLITE. Beginning with a cracker-thin crust, the pizza is topped with sweet chili sauce, 100 percent real mozzarella cheese, zucchini, grilled chicken, a mix of white, red and green onions, and finished with a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes. Price and participation varies nationwide.

"The sweetness of the chili sauce, the heat of the red pepper flakes and the creaminess of the mozzarella converge with the grilled chicken and fresh, crunchy zucchini for a nice balance of flavors and textures," said Carron Harris, VP of product development...

Pioneer of take 'n' bake pizza celebrates 30th anniversary March 28, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash. – Fifty million people did it over the past year, and today Papa Murphy's International is challenging everyone to "Join the Take 'N' Bake Revolution" with the launch of its 2011 marketing initiative. The new campaign is based on revolutionary ideas the take 'n' bake chain brought to the market 30 years ago: Pizza made fresh in front of customers eyes and baked fresh in their own home oven Pizza topped with an abundance of high-quality ingredients Pizza that's handmade and customizable Pizza that is high in quality, but low in price – the best value The new campaign was created in large part by Papa Murphy's agency of record Minneapolis-based Periscope and consists of print, television, radio, online and in-store elements...

Take 'n' bake pizza chain nets strong marks on report card, according to franchise owners VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza today announced it was named to Franchise Business Review's list of top food franchises for 2011 based on high satisfaction ratings in a survey of its franchise owners. Papa Murphy's is one of only 19 food companies out of over 150 major brands that can make this claim.

"Are we seeing higher satisfaction rates as the economy improves? Absolutely," said Eric Stites, President and CEO of national franchise market research firm Franchise Business Review. "But many of the award-winning companies have maintained great satisfaction scores throughout the recession and only continue to improve...

Take 'n' bake pizza chain sweetens its seasonal offerings with the gooey goodness of chocolate and marshmallows VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As if the delicious, pepperoni Heart-Shaped Pizza wasn't enough to please Papa Murphy's customers this Valentine's Day, the take 'n' bake chain announced today the launch of its S'mores Dessert Pizza. The decadent treat is made with real Hershey's® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, mini marshmallows and a delicious crisp topping. The S'mores Dessert Pizza paired with the Heart-Shaped Pizza is the perfect solution for a couple's sweet and savory cravings this Valentine's Day.

"Like some of our most popular pizzas, the S'mores Dessert Pizza evolved from feedback from our franchise owners and guests," said Carron Harris, VP of product development...

Take 'n' bake pizza pioneer closes 2010 with over 600 franchise owners and 1,250 stores VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's International today announced that Forbes magazine has ranked the take 'n' bake pizza chain #5 on its list of top 20 brand-name U.S. franchises. In partnership with Robert Bond, publisher of Bond's Franchising Guides and chief executive of the World Franchising Network, a franchise database, Forbes researched the 100 most recognized franchise operators and found 20 that deliver "the best bang for a franchisee's investment buck." Papa Murphy's ended 2010 with over 600 franchisees in 37 states and Canada and now boasts over 1,250 locations.

Long-time Papa Murphy's franchisee reflects on his desire to join the chain nearly a dozen years ago...

Customers visit company's Facebook page to enter to win one of over 30,000 gift cards VANCOUVER, Wash., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's International today announced via the company's Facebook page the launch of its "Colossally Massive Super Ginormous Sweepstakes," set to run now through January 2nd. Over 30,000 gift cards are up for grabs, loaded anywhere from $5 all the way to $100!

"Simply by visiting www.facebook.com/papamurphyspizza or any one of our 1,200-plus U.S. stores, consumers can register to win," said Jenifer Anhorn, Papa Murphy's Chief Marketing Officer. "It's an exciting time to be a Papa Murphy's fan…and it could literally pay off!"

Upon entering the sweepstakes, participants will be encouraged to join Papa Murphy's eClub, a consumer group emailed great deals every month (including an offer for free cookie dough during the member's birthday month)...

Seasonal favorite returns to stores for a limited time VANCOUVER, Wash. /PRNewswire/ -- The topic of recent posts to Papa Murphy's Facebook Fan page (www.facebook.com/papamurphyspizza) indicate yet another reason why the take 'n' bake chain continues to be a nationally-ranked consumer favorite! Hundreds of loyal fans are cheering for the return of a seasonal favorite – the Jack-O-Lantern Pizza. "I want one!" demands one fan. "Are they ready now?"

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101019/SF84063)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101019/SF84063)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090212/PMLOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090212/PMLOGO)

Though widely imitated in the recent past, the original Papa Murphy's Jack-O-Lantern Pizza is made right in front of customers with freshly-grated cheese and premium pepperoni slices, arranged to resemble a Jack-O-Lantern's face...