Papa Murphy's to expand into SoCalPapa Murphy's to expand into SoCal

Lisa Jennings

VANCOUVER Wash. Continuing its steady pace of franchise growth, Papa Murphy’s International here has signed an area development deal to bring the take-and-bake pizza brand to Southern California for the first time, officials said Tuesday.

Under the agreement signed earlier this month, area developer StrikerLewis LLC has pledged to open eight stores in Orange County over the next three years. A first-time franchisee, StrikerLewis plans to open the first two stores, in the cities of Dana Point and San Clemente, officials said.

Ann Striker, owner of StrikerLewis with partner Marty Lewis, is a former Burger King Corp. executive who also worked for several years with Yum! Brands Inc.’s Taco Bell and KFC divisions. Lewis’ background is in marketing for the entertainment industry.

The Papa Murphy’s chain includes more than 1,100 units in 31 states and Canada. In January, the 98-percent franchised chain announced five new area development agreements expected to result in 35 store openings over the next three years.

In 2008, 102 new Papa Murphy’s locations opened and the chain saw same-store sales increase 8.5 percent for the year, a positive note that has defied downward sales trends in the industry.

Papa Murphy’s officials contend that the brand has found a “sweet spot” by offering a take-home option at a time when cash-strapped consumers are cutting down on dining out.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].