Free Guide to Papa Murphy's Pizza Chain Information

Papa Murphy's Pizza Overview and History

Papa Murphy's is a pizza chain that operates in the United States and several other countries. The company was founded in 1981 in Yuma, Arizona, by Papa Murphy (the founder's business name). What makes Papa Murphy's different from many other pizza chains is that customers order and pay for their pizza, but then take it home to bake in their own oven instead of having it pre-baked at the restaurant.

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As of recent counts, Papa Murphy's operates over 2,000 locations across North America. The chain has grown significantly since its founding, expanding from a single Arizona location to become a major player in the pizza delivery and takeout market. The company operates under different ownership structures—some locations are franchises run by individual business owners, while others operate as company-owned stores.

The "take and bake" model that Papa Murphy's pioneered has become its defining characteristic. This approach means the pizza arrives at your home completely uncooked, allowing you to bake it according to the instructions provided. This model offers several practical advantages: customers can bake the pizza whenever they want (not just when they pick it up), the pizza can be fresher since it hasn't been sitting cooked in a box, and customers have some control over how crispy or soft they prefer their crust.

Papa Murphy's also sells other items beyond pizza, including sides like breadsticks, salads, and desserts. Many locations offer both dine-in spaces where customers can wait and pickup windows for those in a hurry. The chain has positioned itself as a family-friendly option with competitive pricing compared to some other pizza delivery services.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding that Papa Murphy's operates on a take-and-bake model is essential before ordering. Unlike traditional pizza delivery, you'll need access to an oven at home and about 12-18 minutes of baking time. This works well for people planning meals in advance but may not suit those wanting immediate pizza consumption.

Menu Options and Pricing Structure

Papa Murphy's offers a wide range of menu items with various pricing tiers. Their pizza sizes typically include small, medium, large, and extra-large options, with prices varying based on size and toppings selected. As of recent information, a large specialty pizza at Papa Murphy's generally costs between $12 and $18 before tax and any promotional discounts, though prices vary by location and region.

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The chain offers several categories of pizzas. Their signature specialty pizzas come with predetermined topping combinations, including options like the "Herb Chicken Mediterranean," "Cowboy," and "Gourmet Vegetarian." Customers can also build their own pizzas by selecting their preferred crust type, sauce, cheese amount, and individual toppings. This customization approach allows people with dietary preferences or restrictions to create pizzas matching their needs.

Crust varieties at Papa Murphy's include traditional hand-tossed, thin crust, and stuffed crust options. Some locations offer cauliflower crusts for customers seeking lower-carbohydrate alternatives. Different crust types may have different pricing. The sauce options typically include red sauce, white sauce, and sometimes specialty sauces. Cheese options usually include regular mozzarella, and some locations offer alternative cheeses.

Beyond pizzas, Papa Murphy's menus typically feature sides such as breadsticks with marinara sauce, chicken tenders, salads, and dessert items like cinnamon rounds or chocolate chip cookies. These sides range from about $3 to $8 depending on the item and location. Bundle deals combining pizzas with sides often provide savings compared to ordering items separately.

Seasonal promotions and location-specific offers affect pricing throughout the year. Some Papa Murphy's locations participate in promotional periods offering discounts on certain menu items or bundle combinations. Prices also vary based on geographic location, with urban areas sometimes having higher prices than rural locations.

Practical Takeaway: Before ordering, check your local Papa Murphy's menu and current pricing, as menus and prices vary significantly by location. Building your own pizza allows you to control costs by choosing fewer toppings, while specialty pizzas offer convenience with predetermined combinations. Checking for current promotions before ordering could result in meaningful savings.

How the Take-and-Bake Process Works

The take-and-bake process at Papa Murphy's differs fundamentally from traditional pizza delivery services. When you order at Papa Murphy's, employees prepare your pizza in the restaurant but do not place it in the oven. Instead, they prepare it completely raw on the pizza pan, seal it in a box, and hand it to you ready for you to bake at home.

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The ordering process begins either in-person at a Papa Murphy's location, through their website, or via their mobile app. Customers can order for immediate pickup or schedule orders for a specific time on that same day. Unlike services that deliver to your home, Papa Murphy's requires you to physically pick up your order at the restaurant, or some locations offer delivery service in certain areas.

Once you have your uncooked pizza, the baking instructions come printed on the box or included with your order. Standard baking instructions typically call for preheating your home oven to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit and baking the pizza for 12-18 minutes, depending on your oven and crust thickness. The box provides specific guidance, and following these instructions is important for achieving properly baked pizza.

The advantage of this system is that you control the exact timing. You can place the pizza in your oven whenever you're ready to eat, whether that's immediately or several hours later (though uncooked pizzas should be used within a reasonable timeframe). You also have some control over the final product—if you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake it slightly longer; if you prefer it softer, you can remove it slightly earlier.

Storage of uncooked Papa Murphy's pizzas is straightforward. Most locations recommend storing the pizza in your refrigerator until you're ready to bake it, which can extend its usability. Some locations provide guidance on whether pizzas can be frozen for later use, though this varies by location policy.

Practical Takeaway: Successfully using Papa Murphy's requires planning ahead and having a functioning oven at home. Pick up your pizza when you'll reasonably be ready to bake it within the next few hours, and follow the box instructions for your specific oven type, as baking times vary. Set a timer to prevent overbaking, as ovens heat differently.

Locations and Availability Across Regions

Papa Murphy's operates locations across multiple U.S. states and several international markets. The chain has particularly strong presence in the western United States, with significant numbers of locations in states like California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado. However, Papa Murphy's also operates in many eastern and central states, making it available to a broad portion of the U.S. population.

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Locating your nearest Papa Murphy's is straightforward through their website or mobile app, which includes a store locator tool. This tool allows you to enter your zip code or city name and displays nearby locations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. The store locator also shows which locations offer delivery service, as not all Papa Murphy's locations provide delivery—some are pickup-only.

Store hours vary by location. Most Papa Murphy's locations operate during typical lunch and dinner hours, though some stay open late into evening hours. Hours may differ on weekends compared to weekdays. Calling your local store or checking online before heading in ensures you arrive during operating hours, particularly if you're planning a visit during non-peak times.

International Papa Murphy's locations exist in countries including Canada, Mexico, and a few other markets, though the vast majority of locations are in the United States. The chain continues to expand and contract in various markets based on business performance and franchise decisions.

Some Papa Murphy's locations operate in physical storefronts, while others operate as smaller express locations or kiosks within other businesses. The specific format varies by location, which can affect the selection of menu items available and the parking or accessibility situation. Checking online before visiting ensures you know what to expect at your specific location.

Practical Takeaway: Use Papa Murphy's store locator tool on their website before making a trip. Confirm your local store's hours, whether they offer delivery, and what menu items they currently have available, as not all locations stock all menu options.

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