Papa Murphy's partners with Pinkberry for three co-branded locations

Papa Murphy's announced on October 7, 2026, that it will open three co-branded locations with Pinkberry over the next year across three states. The move follows three new franchise agreements and aims to create new revenue opportunities for franchisees.

How the model works

The partnership leverages shared real estate, labor, and operational efficiencies. By combining Papa Murphy's Take 'n' Bake pizza with Pinkberry's premium frozen yogurt, the model is designed to create multiple revenue streams. The concept specifically aims to offset seasonal demand between the two brands, creating a more viable year-round business.

Franchisee-led expansions underway

Franchisees in three states are now driving the expansion. Joshua and Samantha Kimzey will open a co-branded location in Sunriver, Oregon, with an anticipated opening in early November. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, long-time Papa Murphy's franchisee John Perea will add Pinkberry to his existing restaurant. Casey Kauer, who operates five Papa Murphy's restaurants in Utah, is planning a new co-branded location in West Haven, Utah, scheduled to open in summer 2027. This builds on the brand's first co-branding effort, a location with Famous Dave's that opened in Highland Park, Minnesota, in January.

Broader context within MTY Group

The strategy unfolds as parent company MTY Food Group seeks to revitalize the Papa Murphy's brand. MTY Group said in July that it could close up to 50 underperforming corporate-owned Papa Murphy's restaurants throughout the rest of 2026. The brand's store count has already declined from 1,168 units in 2023 to 1,014 in 2024. MTY, which also includes Kahala Brands, has been working to improve marketing and digital sales. Kahala Brands has a history of successful co-branding, having opened combined Wetzel's Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery units, as well as pairing Cold Stone with Planet Smoothie and Sweet Frog.

Papa Murphy's is the nation's largest Take 'n' Bake pizza brand with nearly 1,000 franchised and corporate-owned locations across the U.S., Canada, and the UAE. Its menu includes salads, sides, desserts, and kid's options alongside its signature pizzas. Pinkberry is described as an iconic premium frozen yogurt brand. A co-branded location of this type can employ eight to 10 team members year-round.

Leadership perspective

Ray Zandi, vice president of U.S. development at MTY Food Group, highlighted the early reaction to the partnership. "The early responses to our co-brand concept reinforce the strength of these brands individually and the even greater potential they have together," Zandi said. The three new locations are expected to provide franchisees with additional revenue streams and capture more dayparts. The co-branded location in Sunriver, Oregon, is anticipated to open in early November.