About Us
Papa Murphy’s Takes a Journey to Baton Rouge
It was a journey-actually a number of journeys-that brought Arkel Food Services, LLC and Papa Murphy’s International together to sign an agreement to open Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza locations in the Baton Rouge area. Today, there are 10 Papa Murphy’s locations in the Baton Rouge Area, and Arkel is looking to grow more. Here’s how it happened.
Although Arkel International, a major investor in Arkel Food Services, had been considering a foray into the food service industry, the wheels didn’t begin turning until Homer Knost, the owner, made a chance visit to a Papa Murphy’s store in Sheridan, Wy. He loved the pizza so much, that by the time he returned to Baton Rouge, he had gathered the franchise agreement paperwork together to share with Arkel’s president and chief operations officer. After carefully examining the principles of operation and the background of the business, his COO decided that the best option would be to actually try the pizza that he had praised so highly. So, a flight to Dallas, Texas, was arranged. A taste of the pizza-transported back to Baton Rouge in a cold pack-sealed the deal.
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza threw open its doors in the spring of 2007 at 9655 Perkins Road and 17002 Jefferson Highway. The pizza shop offers custom-made pizzas and other take-and-bake items like cheesy bread and chocolate chip cookie dough, as well fresh-made salads. Whether it’s a simple cheese or pepperoni or something more out of the ordinary like a Gourmet Chicken Garlic or Cowboy-there’s something for everyone.
It’s All About Take N’ Bake
As families move at break neck pace through the week, they are looking for quick and easy meal solutions. Papa Murphy’s offers made-to-order meals that the whole family loves and it’s always fresh, hot and ready when they are. In addition, Papa Murphy’s has a passion for fresh ingredients. Nearly all of the ingredients are made or cut up each day. For example, dough is handmade every day, while fresh vegetables and cheese are slide, diced and shredded.
Papa Murphy’s offers two crusts for guests to choose from including regular and Thin Crust deLITE, which has about half the calories and carbs of a regular crust.
A Bit of Papa Murphy’s Background
Papa Murphy’s is based in Vancouver, Wash. The pioneer of the Take ‘N’ Bake concept and fifth-largest pizza chain in the country, the company has nearly 1,200 locations in 30 states, 98 percent of which are franchises.
The company has been honored with a number of accolades in the last few years. It was named ”Best Pizza Chain in America” for the seventh year in a row by Restaurants and Institutions magazine in 2009, and was named Pizza Chain of the Year in 2001 and 2006 by Pizza Today magazine.
IN THE NEWS
Advocate: “Papa Murphy’s pizza chain set to branch out” - April 16, 2009
Click here to read article“Papa Murphy’s is now open in Baton Rouge: ” - April 14, 2008
Click here to read article“That’s Amore” - January 31, 2008
Click here to read articleAdvocate: “The next pizza wave: ” March 11, 2007
(link to PDF)