Award-winning US pizza chain Papa Murphy launched its first branch in Dubai and plans to open hundred more outlets across the GCC over the next ten years.

Of this, the UAE will boast of 50 branches, said a statement from Dubai-based MAM Foodco, which had signed a master franchise agreement with the US food chain last year.

With over 1,300 locations in the USA alone, Papa Murphy's is the 5th largest pizza chain in the country and is popular among the customers for the option of customizing their own pizzas and having it made in front of their eyes in store.

The Dubai store is located in Al Barsha inside Lulu Hypermarket complex, while a second branch has been opened at JLT, said MAM Foodco in its statement.

This will be followed with the launch of five more Papa Murphy’s Pizza restaurants within a few months strategically located across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emirates too.

Aside from the ever so popular Take ‘N’ Bake experience, Papa Murphy’s Pizza will also offer the UAE consumers the luxury of choosing the ready to eat option, bake ‘n’ take, of their signature pizzas, said the company statement.  

Hassan Maghrabi, one of the founders of MAM Foodco, is excited to launch the first Papa Murphy’s Pizza restaurant in the Middle East.

“It is with no doubt that Papa Murphy’s North American success will spread to the Middle East. It is certain to become a favorite of the region’s foodies who will appreciate the great quality pizza, fresh ingredients and the luxury of the Take ‘n’ Bake experience that has made Papa Murphy’s the number one choice for U.S consumers.”

“MAM Foodco is committed to providing high quality, better food and beverage experience to the consumers and Papa Murphy’s is a rendition of this commitment,” he added.

Papa Murphy’s global CEO, Ken Calwell, was in Dubai for the occasion of the grand launch in the Middle East. "As the #1 consumer rated pizza chain in the US, according to ZAGAT, Technomic, and Nation’s Restaurant News’ Consumer Picks survey, we have built a very loyal consumer following, based on our focus on consistently providing high quality food created fresh  with fresh, premium quality ingredients."

"A key driver of its success is the connection the consumer has with the product. Not only do they decide which fresh, halal, high-quality ingredients top their pizza, but customers get to enjoy the luxury of baking it right in their own ovens for a piping hot, delicious meal whenever they want. They can also opt to buy a ready to eat pizza from the store," explained Calwell.

"Our high quality products combined with the uniqueness of the Take ‘n’ Bake pizza concept creates a delicious, fresh and almost homemade experience that families in the Middle East appreciate and value," he added.

Papa Murphy's offers a variety of signature and light pizzas as well as salads, cheesy bread, chocolate chip cookie dough, cinnamon wheels, S’Mores dessert pizza, kids pizza and soft drinks, in various sizes.

“Dubai is going to love the convenience, quality and value that Papa Murphy’s uniquely offers to family pizza nights,” said Mansoor Saeed, UAE operations manager.-TradeArabia News Service