Papa Murphy’s
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($25,000)
The Concept
Papa Murphy’s is an American pizza franchise known for its take-and-bake concept. Customers choose freshly prepared pizzas made in-store, then bake them at home. Its menu also includes stuffed pizzas, salads, sides, desserts and other pizza-related products. The model focuses on carryout rather than traditional dine-in service, allowing stores to operate in relatively compact retail spaces.
Founded in 1981, Papa Murphy’s grew into a nationwide franchise system. At the end of 2025, it reported 965 franchised stores and 49 company-owned stores, for 1,014 U.S. outlets in total. The latest FDD shows the network has contracted in recent years, so prospective franchisees should assess local market conditions and existing store performance carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Papa Murphy’s franchise?
The estimated initial investment is $450,330–$693,450 for one store, according to the 2026 FDD. The initial franchise fee is $25,000 for a first store and $15,000 for subsequent stores under the multiple-store commitment structure. The franchisor’s website lists minimum financial qualifications of $125,000 in liquid capital and $350,000 in net worth.
What qualifications do franchisees need?
Papa Murphy’s looks for candidates with business acumen, team leadership skills, a customer-service mindset and a commitment to full-time operational management. Candidates should also be able to finance the initial investment and meet the franchisor’s financial criteria.
What ongoing fees do franchisees pay?
The standard royalty is 5% of net sales, plus a 2% brand marketing fund contribution. The 2026 FDD summary also lists local marketing and regional cooperative advertising requirements of at least the greater of 5% of net sales or $2,000 per month. These obligations can make the total marketing burden substantial, so prospective franchisees should verify how the requirements apply to their location.
How much revenue can a Papa Murphy’s location generate?
The 2026 FDD reports average annual net sales of $687,539 and median annual net sales of $617,941 for 947 franchised stores that operated throughout the reporting period ending September 24, 2025. Results varied considerably, with reported sales ranging from $165,875 to $2,458,479. These figures represent sales, not profit, and do not guarantee future performance.
Can franchisees own multiple stores?
Yes. Papa Murphy’s offers a multiple-store commitment structure, with a $25,000 initial franchise fee for the first store and $15,000 for each additional store. Multi-unit candidates should confirm the required development schedule, territory availability and any additional obligations directly with the franchisor.
