Click here to go back to the press room.
Papa Murphy's Celebrates 1,000 Stores
Take 'n' bake giant reaches milestone and becomes fifth largest pizza chain in the country
VANCOUVER, Wash. - August 14, 2007 -- Thanks to over 400 devoted franchisees, nearly 15,000 employees chain wide, and millions of pizza lovers, award-winning Papa Murphy's International is celebrating the opening of its 1,000th location. Not only has Papa Murphy's remained the undisputed category leader in the take 'n' bake segment, but the chain has taken the entire pizza industry by storm, becoming the fifth largest chain in the country based on number of U.S. locations. Papa Murphy's is widely acknowledged for excellence in value, quality, variety, service and convenience. As such, consumers just voted the company "Best Pizza Chain in America"1 for the fifth consecutive year.
"The list of restaurant chains that has grown to 1,000 units is a relatively short one, and we're proud to be in the company of many of our industry's leaders," said John Barr, CEO of Papa Murphy's. "The milestones we reach - from "Best Pizza Chain in America," to our Canadian expansion, to becoming a top-five player in the U.S. - continue to demonstrate the vitality of this brand."
The 1,000th Papa Murphy's store is located in San Antonio, a new market for the company. Earlier this year Papa Murphy's signed an Area Development Agreement with Pizza Makers of San Antonio, Inc. to open 16 stores over the next four years. Owner Rip Patel is honored to initiate the celebration. "We were just excited to introduce San Antonio to the concept; being the 1,000th store brings on a whole new level of excitement," said Patel.
About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the take 'n' bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates 1,000 locations in 30 states and Canada. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas featuring high-quality fresh toppings generously layered on pizza dough that is made fresh each morning in each store. Papa Murphy's pizzas are baked at home in customers' ovens for a piping hot, delicious meal whenever they want it. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers a growing menu of take 'n' bake items, including Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, chocolate chip cookie dough and freshly-made salads. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for five consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Choice in Chains" survey. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.
