Papa Murphy's to Redefine Pizza in Middle East

VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Murphy's International today announced it has signed a Master Franchise Agreement with MAM Foodco LLC to open 100 Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza locations throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The first location is slated to open in Dubai, UAE before the end of 2012. As the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., this is Papa Murphy's first location outside of North America, where it currently operates 1,287 in the United States and 15 in Canada.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120910/SF71752LOGO)

"It's is a thrilling chapter for us," said Jim Perkins, vice president of international development at Papa Murphy's. "We've found a great partner in MAM Foodco. The relationship has been building now for well over a year, we've established a solid trust with the team, and I'm confident this brand has the potential to do very well in the Middle East." ­

"We have no doubt that Papa Murphy's North American success will carry across the globe. It is certain to become a favorite of the Middle Eastern foodies, who will appreciate the great quality pizza, fresh ingredients and the uniqueness of the take 'n' bake experience that has made Papa Murphy's the number one choice for U.S consumers," said Mohamed Aaly Maghrabi, founder of MAM Foodco. "We are looking forward to continued success with the brand across the GCC".

Papa Murphy's is widely acknowledged by its U.S. consumers for excellence in value, quality, variety, service and convenience. The company is currently ranked "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" for a second consecutive year by consumers on Zagat's Annual Fast Food Survey.

A key driver of Papa Murphy's success is the connection the consumer has with the product. 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 neighborhood stores using high protein wheat flour. Each pizza features fresh meats and cheeses, including 100 percent all-natural, whole-milk mozzarella, cheddar and feta cheeses. Other vegetable toppings, including fresh Roma tomatoes, whole mushrooms, green peppers and onions, are sliced and diced daily.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and a revolutionary of the take 'n' bake pizza segment. Papa Murphy's operates over 1,300 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 37 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.  By baking Papa Murphy's pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers other take 'n' bake items such as Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy's was voted "#1 Rated Pizza Chain" by participants in Zagat Survey's 2010 and 2011 Fast Food Surveys and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today's Chain of the Year award. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/papamurphyspizza.

About MAM Foodco
MAM Foodco is a privately owned food company based in Dubai, UAE.  MAM Foodco was established to offer GCC consumers a holistic approach to their evolving needs. MAM Foodco's three divisions – Franchising, Manufacturing, and Distribution – innovatively cater to identified opportunities in the GCC, and will also support the growth of Papa Murphy's in the region.  For more information please visit www.mamfoodco.com.

Contacts:
Lindsi Taylor
[email protected]
360-449-4017

SOURCE Papa Murphy's