Press Releases

Date Title
September 4, 2007 Take 'n' Bake Takes On Edmonton
August 27, 2007 Papa Murphy's Makes Inc. 5,000 List
August 14, 2007 Papa Murphy's Celebrates 1,000 Stores
July 31, 2007 Papa Murphy's Remains Best Pizza Chain in America
July 10 , 2007 Papa Murphy's Partners with Traeger Pellet Grills
July 2 , 2007 Papa Murphy's Partners With Borders for Children's Literacy this July and August for children 16 and under
April 24, 2007 Papa Murphy's Launches Taco Grande Pizza
April 17, 2007 Papa Murphy's Appoints Clarice Turner as President and COO
March 6, 2007 Papa Murphy's Names Victoria Blackwell as General Counsel
February 12, 2007 Papa Murphy's Makes Canadian Debut
September 11, 2006 Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza Announces 25th Anniversary
September 12, 2005 Papa Murphy's Voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for 3rd Year in row by consumers nationwide
April 27, 2005 Papa Murphy's proudly announces the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer
October 04, 2004 Papa Murphy's Offers Flavors "Four" The Whole Family
September 03, 2004 Papa Murphy's Voted Best Pizza Chain in America
August 20, 2004 Papa Murphy's Appoints Jerry Kenney to Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations
August 20, 2004 Papa Murphy's Appoints Stephanie Mehta to Vice President of Business Services
July 12, 2004 Papa Murphy's Re-Capitalized by Charlesbank Capital Partners

Take 'n' Bake Takes On Edmonton
Consumer-voted Best Pizza Chain in America plans 17 stores in area

EDMONTON, Alberta. - September 4, 2007 -- Papa Murphy's International, the world's largest and fastest-growing take 'n' bake pizza chain, has set its sights on Edmonton as a key market for growth. Earlier this year, Papa Murphy's signed an Area Development Agreement with Ananda Holdings Ltd. that includes 17 new stores over the next five years. The first store, to be located at 512 Riverbend Square, is scheduled to open September 20. One more location is slated to open before the end of 2007. Papa Murphy's currently operates six stores in Vancouver, B.C.

"Born and raised in Edmonton, I am very excited to introduce take 'n' bake pizza � the best in the industry � to my hometown," said Cam Weichel, V.P. Operations at Ananda Holdings. "Get ready to have a new favorite pizza, Edmonton. The Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza revolution has arrived! Our customers get the satisfaction of making something at home with the flexibility of preparing it quickly. We offer fresh, delicious meals that are ready whenever our customers want them. Beyond the great food and value, we're also creating new employment opportunities in the Edmonton area."

When all 17 stores are open, Papa Murphy's will be one of the largest pizza chains in Edmonton.

About Take 'N' Bake

Papa Murphy's empowers its patrons. Not only do they decide which fresh, high-quality ingredients top their pizza, but customers have the pleasure of baking it right in their own ovens for a piping hot delicious meal whenever they want. The dough is prepared daily in neighbourhood stores using high protein flour. Each pizza features fresh ingredients, including 100 percent all-natural, whole-milk mozzarella, cheddar and provolone cheeses. Real meat toppings, with no fillers, include savory Canadian Ham and premium salami, pepperoni, Italian sausage and ground beef. Other toppings, including fresh Roma tomatoes, whole mushrooms, green peppers and onions, are sliced and diced daily.

Additional specialties include garden, club and Italian salads, and even desserts, like the cinnamon wheel and chocolate chip cookie dough.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the U.S. and the pioneer of the take 'n' bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates over 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 "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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Papa Murphy's Makes Inc. 5,000 List
Take 'n' bake giant also ranked as a top food and beverage company

VANCOUVER, Wash. - August 27, 2007 -- Inc. magazine has ranked Papa Murphy's International No. 3,673 on its first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. The take 'n' bake pizza pioneer also took a place on the magazine's list of the Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies. Papa Murphy's, now the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country, is widely acknowledged for excellence in value, quality, variety, service and convenience. As such, consumers just voted the company Best Pizza Chain in America1 for the fifth consecutive year.

The Inc. 5,000, an extension of Inc. magazine's annual Inc. 500 list, catches many businesses that are too big to grow at the pace required to make the Inc. 500, as well as a host of smaller firms. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

"The Inc. 5,000 provides the most comprehensive look ever at the most important part of the economy � the entrepreneurial part," said Inc. 5,000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. "The expansion of the list has allowed us to tell the stories of larger companies, older companies, and a wealth of companies in industries like Manufacturing and Construction that are underreported in the business media."

According to Clarice Turner, president and COO of Papa Murphy's, making the Inc. 5,000 list is just icing on the cake. "We've had many reasons to celebrate this past month. For the fifth year in a row our customers have named us Best Pizza Chain in America1; we opened our 1,000th store on August 1st in our newest market � San Antonio; and we reached new heights in our category � we're now the fifth largest pizza company in the country based on U.S. locations. The party continues with this accolade. It's quite an exciting time in the company's history."

The 2007 Inc. 5,000, as revealed online at www.inc.com, reported median revenue of $9.4 million and median three-year growth of 140 percent. Complete information on this year's Inc. 5,000, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The list features a profile for each company, almost all of them written as a result of Inc. interviews with management. In addition, the list is searchable according to numerous criteria, including industry, city, state, region, and year founded.

Methodology
The 2007 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2003 through 2006. To qualify, companies had to be U.S.-based and privately held, independent � not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies � as of December 31, 2006, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2003, and $2 million in 2006. Companies can apply for next year's Inc. 500 and Inc. 5,000 by registering with IncBizNet, the new social network for private companies that will launch this fall on Inc.com.

About Inc.com
Inc.com, the Daily Resource for Entrepreneurs, delivers advice, tools, breaking news, and rich multi-media to help business owners and CEOs start, run, and grow their businesses more successfully. Information and advice covering virtually every business and management task, including marketing, sales, finding capital, managing people can be found at http://www.inc.com.

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.

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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.

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Papa Murphy's Remains Best Pizza Chain in America
Take 'n' bake giant receives highest industry honor for fifth consecutive year

VANCOUVER, Wash. - July 31, 2007 -- The "Best Pizza Chain in America" award, as voted by consumers, has extended its four-year-long stay at Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake for one more year. Today Restaurants & Institutions magazine released the results of its annual Consumers' Choice in Chains survey, naming Papa Murphy's International as the Platinum award winner... for the fifth year in a row! In the R & I survey, more than 3,100 consumers were asked to rate nearly 120 chain restaurants on eight customer satisfaction attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience.

"Year after year we continue to challenge our franchisees to reach for higher levels of quality and consistency throughout the system," said John Barr, CEO at Papa Murphy's. "This award is a great testimony to their efforts. I'm very proud of everyone in the Papa Murphy's family for evolving this brand into what it is today."

Now in its 27th year, the Restaurant &Institutions Consumers' Choice in Chains award is recognized as a key measure of success by restaurant chains across the country. "The award is a people's choice award that conveys to the industry and beyond, which restaurants have earned consistent business and guest loyalty, and why," said Patricia Dailey, editor-in-chief of Restaurants & Institutions.

About Restaurants & Institutions
Restaurants & Institutions (www.rimag.com), named the 2005 Magazine of the Year by the American Society of Business Publication Editors, is one of the nation's most respected and widely read foodservice magazines. It is a publication of Reed Business Information (www.reedbusiness.com), a leading provider of critical information and marketing solutions to business professionals, and a part of Reed Elsevier plc group, a world-leading publisher and information provider.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the take 'n' bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 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 "Consumers' Choice in Chains". For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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Papa Murphy's Partners with Traeger Pellet Grills
Take 'n' bake giant spotlights products' "grillability" with market-wide sweepstakes

VANCOUVER, Wash. - (July 10, 2007) - In an effort to demonstrate the ease and flavorful taste of Papa Murphy's pizza fresh off a backyard grill, the company has partnered with Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC, an Oregon-based manufacturer of handcrafted wood pellet grills.  From July 15 through August 28, Papa Murphy's Portland-Vancouver-area locations, 79 in total, will be displaying Traeger's most popular grill, the Lil' Tex ($699, suggested retail price), and consumers will be able to register to win those grills via an in-store sweepstakes. In addition, selected locations across the area will have a second grill on hand for baking pizzas and providing free samples.

"Traeger wood pellet grills cook at a controlled temperature and with indirect heat; therefore, baking a Papa Murphy's pizza is fast, predictable and simple," said Bruce Bjorkman, director of marketing at Traeger. "We've been grilling Papa Murphy's pizzas for some time now and are excited to share it with a larger audience."
 
Papa Murphy's specially designed paper pizza trays allow grillers to easily cook their pizzas on gas, charcoal or wood pellet grills. By following Papa Murphy's specific grilling instructions, which include adding only a handful of minutes to the traditional oven bake time, grilled pizza is sure to become a summertime favorite.
 
"We want to educate customers on our pizzas' 'grillability,' if you will," said Evan Evans, vice president of field marketing and corporate communications at Papa Murphy's. "This partnership will show our customers how easy it is to move pizza baking outdoors during the grilling season and still enjoy the freshness and quality they've come to know and love from Papa Murphy's. Plus, they'll get to experience the unique flavors that the grill brings to our product."

For official sweepstakes' rules and to register to win, visit a Portland/Vancouver-area Papa Murphy's location.

About Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC
Wilsonville, Oregon-based Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC was founded in 1985 by Joe Traeger thanks to an incident on his gas grill in which Joe's Fourth of July meal of barbecued chicken burnt to a crisp. What ensued was a grill that would revolutionize the barbecue industry. Now more than twenty years later, the Traeger Wood Pellet Grill is being used around the world by outdoor cooks who's "Tasted the Difference" and switched to the company's unique handcrafted grills. The Traeger grill has freed families from gas flare-ups, messy charcoal and ruined meals. For more information on Traeger Pellet Grills, please visit www.traegergrills.com.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 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 four consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year." For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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Papa Murphy's Partners With Borders for Children's Literacy this July and August for children 16 and under
Best Pizza Chain in America Promotes Children's Literacy Just In Time for New Harry Potter Release

 

SEATTLE, Wash., July 2, 2007: Papa Murphy's Seattle franchisees have partnered with Borders bookstores and Entercom Communications Corporation in Seattle to promote children's literacy with the "BOOK Your Summer" reading program. This marks the take ‘n' bake pizza chains' first foray into partnership with Borders. Together, the two will encourage children in the Puget Sound Region to read by offering free pizzas and a chance to win prizes including the highly-anticipated new Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows book or a year of free pizzas from Papa Murphy's. 
"I've always believed that readers are leaders," says Jerry McKenna, Entercom Communications Seattle market manager. McKenna. "Entercom Communications strive to support programming and promotions that benefit the community and children's literacy programs are a great way to help in the Puget Sound Region."
All nine Western Washington Borders locations have "BOOK Your Summer" displays and pamphlets including suggested reading lists and entry forms. Once children have completed the reading challenge they will automatically receive a free medium-size one-topping pizza from Papa Murphy's and are entered to win the grand prize of either Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows or a year of free pizza from Papa Murphy's. See participating Seattle Papa Murphy's and Borders locations for rules and regulations.
"We are very excited about this partnership with Borders and the media support from Entercom," said Ralph Etter, a Papa Murphy's franchisee based in Seattle. "With pizza being the most popular food for school-age children and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows one of the most anticipated children's book releases to date, Papa Murphy's saw this as a real chance to make a difference for thousands of children."
Don Shaw, district marketing manager from Borders says, "A successful partnership is built upon the sharing of core values by all participants, which makes Borders especially proud and excited to be partnering with Entercom Broadcasting and Papa Murphy's. This is a wonderful program that will outreach to our Puget Sound communities to promote summer reading and literacy for children and the opportunity for them to discover the magic of books."

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the take ‘n' bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 1,000 locations in 29 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 four consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year." For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

About Borders, Inc.
Borders is a subsidiary of Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) a $4.1billion retailer of books, music, movies and stationery items that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BGP. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Borders Group, through its subsidiaries, operates more than 1,200 Borders and Waldenbooks stores and employs more than 32,000 people worldwide. More information on the company is available at www.bordersgroupinc.com.

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Papa Murphy's Launches Taco Grande Pizza
Soaring success in test market catapults nationwide roll-out of festive pizza

VANCOUVER, Wash. - April 24, 2007 - The "Best Pizza Chain in America"1 is channeling south-of-the-border flavors just in time for Cinco De Mayo with the introduction of the Taco Grande Pizza. This fiesta of flavor, found only at Papa Murphy's, evoked so much customer enthusiasm when tested that the company today announced it will roll out the Taco Grande systemwide beginning April 30.

"This is a standout product that has resonated with both pizza lovers and Mexican food fans," said Mark Strickler, vice president of brand marketing at Papa Murphy's. "In fact, reception to the Taco Grande during its test was so outstanding that many stores had record sales. Consumers have told us that we have yet another great-tasting pizza at a fantastic price."

The Taco Grande starts with Papa Murphy's freshly-made Original Crust, which is then topped with a delicious refried bean and salsa blend. Next, generous portions of 100 percent real mozzarella and taco-seasoned ground beef are garnished with Roma tomatoes, black olives and green onions. Finally, the pizza is topped off with freshly grated cheddar cheese. Papa Murphy's pizzas are always made fresh daily - never frozen.

Like Papa Murphy's other signature pizzas, the Taco Grande takes 12-18 minutes to bake in customers' home ovens.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 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, lasagna, chocolate chip cookie dough and freshly-made salads. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for four consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year." For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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Papa Murphy's Appoints Clarice Turner as President and COO

VANCOUVER, Wash. - April 17, 2007 - Papa Murphy's International, pioneer of the world's largest and fastest-growing take-n-bake pizza chain, today announced the hiring of Clarice Turner to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective May 14. Papa Murphy's currently operates close to 1,000 locations in 30 states and Canada.

Clarice joins Papa Murphy's following a highly-respected 16-year stint with Yum! Brands, where she progressed rapidly through a variety of executive management positions with its subsidiary Taco Bell Corporation. Most recently Clarice spearheaded national initiatives to address improving the chain's systems, processes and new products as well as contributing in the areas of margin improvement analysis and brand communications. She began her career with Yum! as a fast-track market manager in Seattle accountable for Taco Bell locations in Washington and Sacramento, California and was rapidly promoted to lead all aspects of Taco Bell's emerging business as an expatriate in Canada. Upon her return to the U.S., Clarice was appointed to lead operations for eight western states. In addition to her work with the Taco Bell brand she was also instrumental in establishing standards for successful operation of multi-branded Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Long John Silvers locations. Her previous experience while earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees included international sales and marketing and a stint as a financial controller.

"We are excited about Clarice joining our senior management team, bringing to Papa Murphy's her strong background and broad experience in the QSR industry," said John Barr, Papa Murphy's CEO. "She has proven to be a respected leader and one that leads by example thus earning the confidence and trust of her co-workers and Yum! Brands' franchisee community."

Clarice attended Fudan University in Shanghai, China and the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, earning her undergraduate degree in Geology from San Francisco State University. She later also earned an M.B.A. from San Francisco State University. Clarice currently serves as Board President of Washington State University's Advisory Board for the School of Hospitality where she's been a member of the Board since 1994.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 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, lasagna, chocolate chip cookie dough and freshly-made salads. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for four consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year." For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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PAPA MURPHY'S NAMES VICTORIA BLACKWELL AS GENERAL COUNSEL
Take 'N' Bake pizza pioneer opens five Canada locations with 11 more on the way

VANCOUVER, Wash. - March 6, 2007 -- Papa Murphy's International, pioneer of the world's largest and fastest-growing take-n-bake pizza chain, announced today that Victoria Blackwell has been named general counsel. Blackwell has been with Papa Murphy's as the company's corporate attorney since 2000.

Most recently, Blackwell was responsible for leading Papa Murphy's expansion into British Columbia where the company currently operates five stores and plans to open 11 more by year's end. Blackwell also oversees all legal aspects of franchisor/franchisee agreements, as Papa Murphy's currently maintains over 400 franchisees nationwide.

Blackwell has remained with the company for nearly seven years because of its enthusiastic franchisee community, strong corporate values and superior quality product. "I am proud to be part of a company whose products encourage family, friends and fun.  We still get excited for pizza night at our house and it's been a pleasure to help bring that excitement into others' homes."
 
Prior to joining Papa Murphy's, Blackwell served as associate counsel of real estate for KinderCare Learning Centers. At KinderCare, Blackwell was responsible for negotiating and closing real estate transactions such as ground leases and space renovations. Before KinderCare Blackwell ran her own private practice for nearly two years.

Blackwell is a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received her law degree from Lewis and Clark University's Northwest School of Law in Portland, Ore.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 1,000 locations in 29 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, lasagna, chocolate chip cookie dough and freshly-made salads. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for four consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year." For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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PAPA MURPHY'S MAKES CANADIAN DEBUT
Take 'N' Bake pizza pioneer opens five Canada locations with 11 more on the way

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - February 13, 2007 -   Papa Murphy's, the world's largest and fastest growing take-and-bake chain, has opened five locations in the Vancouver area with plans for a total of 16 locations by 2008.  With nearly one thousand locations poised to meet today's fluctuating meal schedules, Papa Murphy's is widely acknowledged by consumers for excellence in value, quality, variety, service and convenience. The company was voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for four consecutive years by consumers in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year."

Papa Murphy's empowers its patrons. Not only do they decide which fresh, high-quality ingredients top their pizza, but customers have the pleasure of baking it right in their own ovens for a piping hot delicious meal whenever they want. The dough is prepared daily in neighbourhood stores using high protein flour. Each pizza features fresh ingredients, including 100 percent all-natural, whole-milk mozzarella, cheddar and provolone cheeses. Real meat toppings, with no fillers, include savory Canadian Ham and premium salami, pepperoni, Italian sausage and ground beef. Other toppings, including fresh Roma tomatoes, whole mushrooms, green peppers and onions, are sliced and diced daily.

Tom Lovelace, store owner, is excited about Canada's reaction to the product. "Word is starting to spread and we've already built a loyal following.  Nothing compares to the taste of a pizza fresh out of your own oven," said Lovelace.  

Additional specialties include garden, club and Italian salads, and even desserts, like the cinnamon wheel and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy's menu items are prepared by hand in the restaurant and baked fresh at home so they're always hot and delicious.

Papa Murphy's stores are located at:

  • 4429 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2A1
  • 7592 Vedder Road, #103, Chilliwack, BC V2R5V9
  • 20330 88th Avenue, #170, Langley, BC V1M2Y4
  • 20991 Lougheed Highway, #13, Maple Ridge, BC V6X 2P9
  • 18789 Fraser Highway, #104, Surrey, BC V3S7Y3

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. Papa Murphy's operates nearly 1,000 locations in 29 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, chocolate chip cookie dough and freshly-made salads. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for four consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and was recently named Pizza Today's "2006 Chain of the Year." For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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PAPA MURPHY'S TAKE 'N' BAKE PIZZA ANNOUNCES 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrates Honors, Expansion, Remodeled Stores

VANCOUVER , Wash. , Sept. 11, 2006 - Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza is celebrating its 25 th anniversary! And the chain has a lot to celebrate, including two prestigious awards, international expansion and remodeled stores.

Two awards recognized Papa Murphy's as an outstanding pizza chain. Consumers voted the company "Best Pizza Chain in America " for the fourth year in a row in Restaurants & Institutions magazine's annual "Choice in Chains" survey. Voters rated eight attributes including value, quality, variety, service and convenience. In addition, Pizza Today named Papa Murphy's "2006 Chain of the Year," recognizing the company for making strides in areas including unit and same-store sales growth, marketing initiatives, leadership, menu development and store design. Papa Murphy's, which also won in 2001, is the first two-time recipient of the award.

"We are proud of our 2006 accomplishments," says John Barr, chief executive officer. "It's an honor that the pizza industry and - most importantly - consumers are recognizing and rewarding Papa Murphy's. Our ability to offer high quality and great value to our customers is directly linked to the outstanding operators who represent our brand in their stores every day."

The awards aren't the chain's only exciting accomplishments this year. The first international Papa Murphy's location opened in Vancouver , British Columbia , this summer, and five more will open in Canada by year-end. Finally, over 90 percent of the chain's units are being updated with a new look that includes warmer interior colors, a new make-line system and menu boards, and self-service merchandising of add-on products.

About Papa Murphy's: Papa Murphy's International is the sixth-largest pizza chain in America and pioneered the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. With nearly 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, lasagna, chocolate chip cookie dough, dessert pizzas and cinnamon rolls, as well as freshly made salads. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.


PAPA MURPHY'S VOTED "BEST PIZZA CHAIN IN AMERICA" FOR 3RD YEAR IN A ROW BY CONSUMERS NATIONWIDE

VANCOUVER, Wash. - For the third year in a row, American consumers have voted Papa Murphy's "Best Pizza Chain in America" in the annual "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine. Papa Murphy's, the world's largest and fastest-growing take-and-bake pizza chain, was awarded top honors (or a Platinum Award) in the pizza category.

The Consumers' Choice in Chains survey is commissioned annually by Restaurants & Institutions and is conducted by the Reed Research Group. According to Restaurants & Institutions , "more than 2,600 consumers rated 123 chains on eight important attributes of guest satisfaction. Scores for each attribute - food quality, service, convenience, cleanliness, value, atmosphere, menu variety and reputation - were then weighted to create an overall score."  As in 2003 and 2004, Papa Murphy's received extremely high marks in each attribute area in the 2005 survey.  The sample for the study mirrors the American population at large, making survey results projectable on a national level.

"We are so gratified and pleased that American consumers have once again name us 'Best Pizza Chain in America'," says Jeff Hill, chief strategic officer for Papa Murphy's. "This award is a testament to our outstanding owners and franchisees, and our overall commitment as a company to offer the highest quality products at a great value for today's busy families. We look forward to bringing our fresh ingredients and unique take-and-bake concept to more of the nation as we expand to more than 900 stores this year."

Papa Murphy's is enjoying strong sales around the country and growth in several key markets, including Detroit, Michigan; Dallas, Texas; and Columbus, Ohio. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, the pioneer of the take-and-bake pizza concept also has a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest, Northern California and the Midwest.  The company is currently launching a new Sicilian Pan Pizza - which tested extremely well with consumers -- as well as take-and-bake Cinnamon Rolls, also proven to be very popular in test markets.

"As we grow our chain and expand our menu, our focus will continue to be bringing our customers the delicious, high-quality take-and-bake menu items and meal solutions they've come to love," says Hill.  "And throughout the next year, you can bet we'll be doing our very best to garner a fourth consecutive 'Best Pizza Chain in America' award."

About Papa Murphy's. Papa Murphy's is the sixth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of the Take 'N' Bake pizza concept. Nearly 900 Papa Murphy's locations operate in 29 states, and the company plans to open 70 additional restaurants in 2005. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas on dough that is made fresh each day and generously layered with the highest quality fresh toppings to ensure a superior tasting product.  Made-to-order in each store, Papa Murphy's pizzas are baked at home in your oven for a piping hot, delicious product whenever you want it. In addition to its pizza products, the company offers a wide spectrum of Take 'N' Bake food - including cheesy bread, chocolate chip cookie dough and dessert pizzas, as well as salads. New products are constantly in development. Papa Murphy's has been selected "Best Pizza Chain in America" for the last three years by Restaurants and Institutions " Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com .

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PAPA MURPHY'S ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Papa Murphy's proudly announces the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer and the addition of Chief Strategic Officer to help lead chain through rapid expansion.

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PAPA MURPHY'S OFFERS FLAVORS "FOUR" THE WHOLE FAMILY

Take 'N' Bake chain's new Awesome Foursome pizza pleases every palate

Vancouver, Wash. - Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza, the world's largest and fastest growing take-and-bake pizza chain, launched a four-sectioned pizza on Oct. 1. The new Awesome Foursome, priced at $8.99 for a family size, is a fast, delicious way to feed the whole family, and is perfectly timed to give customers something new to try during October's National Pizza Month.

"The Awesome Foursome gives busy households the variety they crave in an easy meal solution," said Doug Collins, vice president of research and development. "Papa Murphy's pizza is always fresh, always ready when you are, and always hot from your oven. Our new Awesome Foursome is no exception!"

The Awesome Foursome offers one pizza divided into four different sections of toppings. Customers can enjoy a cheese pizza, a pepperoni pizza, a Hawaiian pizza and a Specialty of the House pizza, all on one pie.

  • Papa's Cheese Pizza - Made with high-quality, fresh mozzarella cheese, grated daily. Papa Murphy's uses mozzarella made the traditional Italian way, using only Grade A pasteurized milk and the proper aging time to enhance the flavor.
  • Papa's Pepperoni Pizza - Fresh pepperoni, made with only premium meat, is added to our traditional cheese pizza.
  • Papa's Specialty of the House Pizza - Cheese is smothered in Italian sausage, freshly sliced mushrooms, black olives and an herb and cheese blend. Papa Murphy's is one of the few pizza operations that uses only number one grade button and medium mushrooms. The freshest produce is selected to result in the freshest taste!

Papa Murphy's Launches Awesome Foursome

  • Papa's Hawaiian Pizza - Shredded cheese is topped with real Canadian bacon and juicy Dole® pineapple cubes. Papa Murphy's is one of the only pizza chains that uses real Canadian bacon, produced in Canada, not Canadian-style bacon. The fabulous flavor comes from an exclusive aging, curing and smoking process. The superior tastes, textures and colors of Dole pineapples are a result of tightly controlled quality standards.

With four different toppings available, one pizza will please the whole family. Papa Murphy's other great-tasting take-and-bake menu items, such as salads, pasta, lasagna and cookie dough, mean that it's easy to put together a complete family meal in a flash - at home, whenever it's convenient.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of Take 'N' Bake pizza. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made specialty pizzas with the freshest toppings. There are more than 820 Papa Murphy's locations in 24 states and the company plans to open additional new restaurants in 2005, bringing the concept to approximately 950 domestic locations. Papa Murphy's pizzas are available for pick-up and baked fresh at home in your own oven. In addition to its pizza products the company offers a wide spectrum of Take 'N' Bake food, including lasagna, calzones, cheesy bread, chocolate chip cookie dough and dessert pizzas. Papa Murphy's doesn't have freezers in its restaurants, just quality fresh ingredients! Papa Murphy's was selected Best Pizza Chain in America in 2003 and 2004 by Restaurants and Institutions magazine, and was named Pizza Chain of the Year in 2001 by Pizza Today magazine.

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PAPA MURPHY'S VOTED BEST PIZZA CHAIN IN AMERICA

Take 'N' Bake pioneer once again recognized with "Consumers' Choice in Chains" award from Restaurants and Institutions magazine

Vancouver, Wash. - Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza, the world's largest and fastest growing take-and-bake pizza chain, has once again been voted best pizza chain in America. For the second straight year, the restaurant received the Consumers' Choice in Chains award from Restaurants and Institutions magazine.

Rankings are based on guest responses to eight attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, reputation, service, atmosphere, cleanliness and convenience. Respondents rated 200 of the largest chains in the nation and Papa Murphy's received the highest overall score in the pizza segment.

"We're honored that our customers have ranked us so highly for another year," said President Mark Laramie. "In February we launched our Thin Crust deLITE with ½ the carbs and ½ the calories of our traditional pizza, and we've also opened almost 100 of our newly redesigned stores that showcase our superior pizza quality and freshness. These kinds of programs demonstrate our ongoing effort to give customers the best experience possible whenever they visit any Papa Murphy's location."

Restaurants and Institutions conducts the Consumers' Choice in Chains survey on an annual basis in conjunction with Reed Research Group. To gauge guest loyalty, respondents who have patronized a chain in the past year are asked whether they would go back, and are able to rank the restaurant on the eight attributes listed above. The survey found that 85 percent of Papa Murphy's guests would return to the chain, and that the restaurant led the pizza category in six of the eight criteria.

"The timing of this announcement comes at an important juncture for us, as we have significant expansion plans currently underway in new markets," said Peter Fowler, vice president of business development. "In the near future we will be awarding both multi-unit and individual franchises in Southern California and the Southwest US, Texas and the South Central states, the Mid-Atlantic states and some markets in the Southeast. National recognition like the Consumers' Choice in Chains award helps new customers in these communities know that they can rely on Papa Murphy's for superior quality pizza."

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of Take 'N' Bake pizza. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made specialty pizzas with the freshest toppings. There are more than 820 Papa Murphy's locations in 24 states and the company plans to open additional new restaurants in 2005, bringing the concept to approximately 950 domestic locations. Papa Murphy's pizzas are available for pick-up and baked fresh at home in your own oven. In addition to its pizza products the company offers a wide spectrum of Take 'N' Bake food, including lasagna, calzones, cheesy bread, chocolate chip cookie dough and dessert pizzas. Papa Murphy's was selected Best Pizza Chain in America in 2003 and 2004 by Restaurants and Institutions magazine, and was named Pizza Chain of the Year in 2001 by Pizza Today magazine. Papa Murphy's doesn't have freezers in its restaurants, just quality fresh ingredients!

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Papa Murphy's Appoints Jerry Kenney to Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations

Papa Murphy's International is pleased to announce the promotion of Jerry Kenney to Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations. In this new position, Jerry will oversee all operations groups, including the Western and Midwestern Regions, Business Services, Non-Traditional Operations and the Company Store Division.

Company President, Mark Laramie, stated that Jerry has faithfully and competently served the Papa Murphy's System and its franchisees dating back to its beginning when he was the President of Papa Aldos. Throughout his tenure, Jerry has displayed the ability to manage a dynamic and diverse range of objectives and has continuously proven his value to our company. We are very proud of Jerry's accomplishments and we are happy to recognize him for his efforts with this well deserved promotion. As we grow into a fully national chain our operational needs will be well served by Jerry's dedication and experience.

Please join us in offering your congratulations and support to Jerry in his new role.

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Papa Murphy's Appoints Stephanie Mehta to Vice President of Business Services

Papa Murphy's International is pleased to announce the promotion of Stephanie Mehta to Vice President of Business Services. In her new position Stephanie will expand her responsibilities to include the oversight and direction of Training, Non-Traditional Systems, Operations Services, Corporate Communications, Customer Services and Government Relations.

Company President, Mark Laramie states that Stephanie has displayed the ability, foresight and commitment to manage the very diverse operational systems' needs of our company. Stephanie's competence and experience in program and systems design and management have been strong factors in our progress toward becoming a national chain.

Please join us in congratulating Stephanie on a well deserved promotion.

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PAPA MURPHY'S RECAPITALIZED BY CHARLESBANK CAPITAL PARTNERS
Take 'N' Bake pizza chain poised for exceptional growth

Vancouver, Wash. - Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza, the world's largest and fastest growing take-and-bake pizza chain, announces its recapitalization by Charlesbank Capital Partners. The partnership with the Boston-based private equity investment firm with more than $1 billion of capital under management will boost Papa Murphy's already vigorous expansion plans.

"The take-and-bake concept has tremendous potential, and we are the leader in the field," says Papa Murphy's Chairman and CEO Terry Collins. "We are very excited about our new relationship with Charlesbank. The recapitalization, combined with the strength of our existing franchise network and management team, will really help to step-up our growth plans."

With 75 new stores set to open this year, and 200 more locations under development, Papa Murphy's will reach the 1,000 store mark. This growth can be directly attributed to an increase in multi-unit and individual owner operators, new territories, increased units in existing markets and comparable store sales trending up double digits throughout second quarter, 2004.

"A significant element of Papa Murphy's future growth strategy will be non-traditional locations such as grocery stores, retail outlets and military bases," says Peter Fowler, vice president of business development. "Although we are in the early stages of development, moving into these areas has proven to be a perfect match for our concept, our non-traditional partners and most importantly our customers. Expanding Papa Murphy's points of distribution in this way will compliment our successful growth with traditional retail locations," he adds.

Terry Collins formed Papa Murphy's in 1995 when he merged Petaluma, Calif.-based Murphy's Pizza (54 stores) with Hillsboro, Ore.-based Aldo's Pizza (86 stores). Priding itself on always using the freshest ingredients and delivering outstanding value to consumers, Papa Murphy's has experienced significant growth in recent years as more consumers have taken to the idea of ordering a customized pizza that they can cook at home.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the sixth largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer of Take 'N' Bake pizza. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made specialty pizzas with the freshest toppings. There are more than 825 Papa Murphy's locations in 24 states and the company plans to open additional new restaurants in 2005, bringing the concept to more than 1,000 domestic locations. Papa Murphy's pizzas are available for pick-up and baked fresh at home in your own oven. In addition to its pizza products the company offers a wide spectrum of Take 'N' Bake food, including lasagna, calzones, cheesy bread, chocolate chip cookie dough and dessert pizzas. Papa Murphy's was selected Best Pizza Chain in America in 2003 by Restaurants and Institutions magazine and Pizza Chain of the Year in 2001 by Pizza Today magazine. Papa Murphy's doesn't have freezers in its restaurants, just quality fresh ingredients!

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