Papa Murphy’s, Pinkberry Opening 3 Dual-Brand Stores

Papa Murphy’s has signed three deals that will see the opening of its new Papa Murphy’s and Pinkberry co-brand concept in Oregon, New Mexico and Utah. The company says the model maximizes efficiency and guest appeal.

The co-brand concept pairs Papa Murphy’s, a take-and-bake pizza brand, with Pinkberry, a frozen yogurt brand, creating a complementary food and dessert destination under one roof. It’s meant to provide franchisees with multiple revenue streams while leveraging shared real estate, labor and operational efficiencies.

Location details include the following:

• Joshua and Samantha Kimzey will open their first location in both systems in Sunriver, Ore., in early November.
• John Perea will add a Pinkberry to his existing Papa Murphy’s restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, expanding a location he has owned since 2010.
• Casey Kauer, who operates five Papa Murphy’s restaurants in Utah, also is expanding with a new co-branded location in West Haven, Utah, scheduled to open in summer 2027.

“By combining Papa Murphy’s and Pinkberry, or sweetFrog or some of the other less labor-intensive concepts, we’re creating a differentiated concept that gives owners greater flexibility while delivering a convenient, high-quality experience for guests,” says Ray Zandi, vice president of U.S. development at MTY Food Group, in the release. “These brands in particular pair well together and also offset each other seasonally, which will greatly assist in growth and a faster ROI in the future for candidates that wish to explore co-brands as ways to develop new stores with either brand.”

Papa Murphy’s has nearly 1,000 franchised and corporate-owned locations across the U.S., plus locations in Canada and the UAE. Along with take-and-bake pizzas, it offers salads, sides, desserts, and kid’s options.

Dine Brands Global’s Applebee’s/IHOP restaurants serve as another example of dual-branding. As of September 15, the company was approaching 50 dual-branded locations nationwide.