Pizza plus dessert: Papa Murphy’s, Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt to share space in Sunriver Business Park

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KTVZ) -- Papa Murphy recently announced that it has signed three franchise agreements to bring its new Papa Murphy's and Pinkberry co-brand concept to new markets, including Sunriver.

The company says the new additions are "marking another milestone in the company's franchise development strategy and introducing an innovative model designed to maximize efficiency and guest appeal."

According to the news release issued Oct. 7, the co-brand concept pairs Papa Murphy's, the nation's largest Take 'n' Bake pizza brand, with Pinkberry, the iconic premium frozen yogurt brand, creating a complementary food and dessert destination under one roof.

The company said, "The model is designed to provide franchisees with multiple revenue streams while leveraging shared real estate, labor and operational efficiencies."

The new franchise locations span multiple states. Joshua and Samantha Kimzey will open their first location in both systems in Sunriver, with an anticipated opening in early November.

Samantha Kimzey recently posted a 'Hiring Soon' note to Facebook:

"There are the obvious financial benefits, like shared overhead costs and the ability to cross-train employees, but just as valuable is being able to offer something for everyone, at any time of the day," said Joshua Kimzey, franchisee of Papa Murphy's and Pinkberry in Sunriver. It really becomes a destination. Whether it's kids asking their parents for soft serve, parents solving the 'what's for dinner' dilemma, families picking up food for company, or grabbing a few quarts of soft serve to go with cookie dough — there's something for everyone,"

The new Papa Murphy's/Pinkberry Sunriver location sparked a discussion Wednesday on Nextdoor as it prepares to open in a former Subway location, near a Shell service station in the business park on Venture Lane.

Elsewhere, longtime franchisee 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. Existing franchisee Casey Kauer, who operates five Papa Murphy's restaurants in Utah, is also expanding with a new co-branded location in West Haven, Utah, scheduled to open in summer 2027.

"The early responses to our co-brand concept reinforce the strength of these brands individually and the even greater potential they have together," said Ray Zandi, vice president of U.S. development at MTY Food Group.

"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.

"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. It's another example of how we're evolving our franchise portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences and support long-term franchisee success."

This co-brand model is designed to capitalize on consumer demand for convenience while creating synergies through a shared footprint. Guests can enjoy Papa Murphy's signature Take 'n' Bake pizzas alongside Pinkberry's premium frozen yogurt and toppings, offering franchise owners the opportunity to serve multiple occasions throughout the day from a single location.

The concept also reflects the brand's continued commitment to innovation and franchise growth by providing existing and prospective franchisees with flexible development opportunities that support long-term expansion.

"The seasonality of both brands is what made this opportunity stand out to us, since pairing them together creates a business that can gainfully employ eight to 10 team members and thrive all year long," said John Perea, franchisee of Papa Murphy's in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

"Signing this development agreement gave us real confidence in the future of these two brands, because the co-branding model creates a sustainable path to growth. We couldn't be more excited to bring great products and great service to our community, every season of the year."

For more information about franchise opportunities with Papa Murphy's and Pinkberry, visit https://www.papamurphysfranchise.com/.