Papa Murphy's Expands Co-branded Pizza and Yogurt Stores
The pizza chain is launching three new co-branded locations featuring Pinkberry frozen yogurt across the United States.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Papa Murphy's has signed three new franchise agreements to open locations that serve both pizza and Pinkberry frozen yogurt. The initiative aims to provide franchisees with diversified revenue streams by combining hot meal and dessert options.
Why it matters
The co-branded model allows franchisees to share real estate and labor costs while balancing seasonal demand fluctuations between pizza and frozen treats. This dual-brand approach provides customers with a consolidated destination for different times of the day.
The expansion includes three new agreements, with the upcoming Sunriver, Oregon site expected to employ eight to 10 staff members. These additions build upon the footprint of existing operators, such as Casey Kauer who currently manages five Papa Murphy's restaurants.
The players
Papa Murphy's
This American take-and-bake pizza company specializes in providing customers with unbaked pizzas that are cooked at home.
Pinkberry
This international franchise chain is known for its frozen yogurt and various dessert toppings.
John Perea
He is an existing Papa Murphy's franchisee who has operated a location in Santa Fe since 2010.
Casey Kauer
He is a multi-unit franchisee who currently oversees five Papa Murphy's restaurant locations.
Joshua and Samantha Kimzey
They are the franchise owners set to open the new co-branded location in Sunriver, Oregon.
The details
The Sunriver location will occupy a former Subway site on Venture Lane, while existing franchisee John Perea plans to add Pinkberry services to his Santa Fe location. The partnership leverages the operational efficiencies of shared storefronts to offer products throughout the day.
Timeline
2010: John Perea began operating his Papa Murphy's location in Santa Fe.
October 7, 2026: The company officially announced the franchise expansion news.
Early November 2026: The Sunriver location is expected to open.
Summer 2027: The West Haven, Utah, co-branded store is scheduled to open.
Market Landscape
This expansion follows the QSR multi-brand development trend, demonstrating how chains optimize physical footprints to maximize sales per square foot. By consolidating operations, the brands position themselves to better compete against single-category quick-service rivals.
Customers in these markets can expect a wider variety of menu options available at a single location, ranging from dinner entrees to dessert. The shift primarily affects local dining habits by offering convenient, combined shopping experiences in one trip.
The takeaway
The co-branded retail model highlights the industry effort to minimize overhead by utilizing the same space for multiple consumer needs. This strategy is increasingly common as businesses look to capture revenue during different parts of the day.
Further reading
For more information on retail developments, visit the United States Openings & Closings section.
More information
Prospective owners can view details on Papa Murphy's and Pinkberry franchise opportunities via their official portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTVZ.
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