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Papa Murphy's Takes Fourth Chain of the Year Award in Less Than a Decade
Take 'n' bake pizza giant continues to attract franchise owners with low initial investment, easy-to-operate platform and strong customer value
VANCOUVER, Wash. - June 9, 2009 - Papa Murphy's International, America's largest take 'n' bake pizza chain, has been named by Pizza Today magazine as its 2009 Chain of the Year. Announced in the magazine's June 2009 issue, the company is a four-time recipient of the accolade, beginning in 2001, then again in 2006 and 2008, and is the only chain to receive the title more than once. Papa Murphy's, now the fifth largest pizza chain in the country, currently operates over 1,100 locations in 32 states and two provinces in Canada, and has seen steady franchise sales during the first half of 2009.
Since January, Papa Murphy's has announced six area development agreements that will yield nearly 50 stores over the next three years. Kevin King, senior vice president of operations, credits the low investment and ease of operation required of its franchisees. "It takes a lot of hard work, but it isn't really difficult to run one of our stores," said King. "Our success and strong value proposition are the primary reasons that people buy a Papa Murphy's and we think they're ideally suited for the current economy."
Mandy Wolf Detwiler, managing editor at Pizza Today, echoes King's assessment. "The company's concept is simple - fresh dough, a make-line of sensible ingredients and cheese combined with a small menu of side dishes - and its relatively low operating costs makes Papa Murphy's an attractive option for potential franchisees."
For information on franchise opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Papa Murphy's Franchise Sales Department at 877-777-5062 or visit www.papamurphys.com.
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. Papa Murphy's operates over 1,100 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 32 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. By baking Papa Murphy's pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers a growing menu of take 'n' bake items, including Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for five consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today's Chain of the Year award, most recently in 2009. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.
