Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s is a take-and-bake pizza chain that invites customers to pick up fresh, customizable pizzas and bake them at home. The brand began in 1981 with the opening of Papa Aldo’s Pizza in Hillsboro, Oregon. A few years later, it merged with Murphy’s Pizza of California, creating the Papa Murphy’s name that is now familiar across many U.S. communities. Over the years, Papa Murphy’s set itself apart from traditional pizza restaurants by focusing on freshness and the convenience of the home-baking experience. This approach fueled rapid franchising and helped the company reach a high point of 1,577 stores in 2017.

As of December 2024, Papa Murphy’s operates 1,084 locations, with its strongest presence in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Western United States. The company is now owned by MTY Food Group, which acquired the brand in May 2019. Following the acquisition, the headquarters transitioned to MTY’s U.S. office, though the primary address remains in Vancouver, Washington.

In the last five years, Papa Murphy’s has shifted its focus from aggressive expansion to stabilizing its core markets and optimizing the performance of existing stores. The company has closed about a third of its locations since its 2017 peak, reflecting a more measured approach to growth. New franchise opportunities are still available, but development is selective and concentrated in established regions.

Papa Murphy’s continues to offer its signature take-and-bake pizzas, along with salads and sides, maintaining its appeal in suburban and family-oriented areas. The brand’s recognizable name, flexible store footprint, and steady adaptation to consumer trends have helped it remain a resilient choice in the competitive pizza segment. Its recent efforts include relaunching a customer loyalty program and enhancing digital engagement, signaling ongoing investment in customer experience and operational strength.