With more than 1,000 stores and $500 million in systemwide sales, Papa Murphy’s is the largest take ’n’ bake pizza chain in the U.S., offering customers the unique experience of watching their pizza made fresh before their eyes and taking it home to bake to perfection.

“Our products are all prepared in our stores,” explains vice president of development Kevin King. “Dough is made fresh daily, real whole-milk mozzarella cheese is grated each morning, and all vegetables are chopped on site.”

Consumers have voted Papa Murphy’s “Best Pizza Chain in America” five years in a row, and sales numbers reflect that sentiment. Since 2002, systemwide sales have grown by 50 percent, and the chain is riding five straight years of positive same-store sales growth. In addition, returns are a full 20 percent higher than the average of restaurant chains cited in a December 2007 RBC Capital Markets review.

“We do all this while offering the lowest investment cost of any of the national pizza chains,” King says.

Startup costs range from $209,750 to $299,295—approximately one-third of the total for other quick-service restaurant chains and about half the average required by others in the pizza segment, as listed in the RBC Capital Markets review. A streamlined system ensures that Papa Murphy’s stores are easy to operate, with no freezers, ovens, or delivery required. On a continuing basis, the chain negotiates prices for products and services on the national level to lower the overall costs to owners.

“This low investment cost provides a terrific vehicle for qualified people to get into their own business with very attractive returns,” King says.

With more than 150 stores opening across the U.S. and Canada each year, Papa Murphy’s is growing quickly.

With more than 150 stores opening across the U.S. and Canada each year, Papa Murphy’s is growing quickly. Franchise opportunities are currently available in Midwest, Southwest, and Western states, and the company expects to add additional states and cities to its network soon. More opportunities in existing markets are also being added, and single-unit, multi-unit, and area development agreements are available for those who meet specific financial and operational criteria.

Franchisees who make the cut can count on Papa Murphy’s to provide them with the support necessary for success. Extensive training is available both in-store and at company headquarters in Vancouver, Washington. Ongoing marketing support is also part of the package, and the chain’s network of franchise owners—over 400 in 30 states—have joined together to run advertising schedules in more than 40 television markets.

For more information about franchising opportunities with Papa Murphy’s, visit www.papamurphys.com.