VANCOUVER, Wash. — In an era where consumer feedback often dictates the trajectory of fast-casual dining, Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza has announced a significant strategic pivot that bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort and modern convenience. The company, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, confirmed this week that it is answering a long-standing "guest demand" by reinstating its iconic Chunky Italian Sausage as a permanent menu fixture.

To celebrate this restoration, the brand is simultaneously launching a limited-time product: the Grandma’s Pizza. Arriving on August 17, this new offering represents the largest pizza in the company’s history, signaling a move to capture a larger share of the family dining and event-catering market during the high-stakes fall season.

Main Facts: A Dual-Pronged Strategy for Growth

The announcement from Papa Murphy’s focuses on two primary developments: the permanent reintroduction of a legacy topping and the launch of a specific, time-sensitive crust and recipe configuration.

The Permanent Return of Chunky Italian Sausage

For years, the "Chunky Italian Sausage" has occupied a unique space in the Papa Murphy’s ecosystem. Unlike standard ground sausage, this specific topping is characterized by its larger, rustic morsels and a specific spice profile that customers have campaigned to see return. Effective immediately, the topping is no longer a seasonal or "test" item; it has been integrated back into the permanent ingredient list, meaning it can be added to any of the brand’s signature crusts—from Original and Thin to Stuffed and Keto-Friendly.

The "Grandma’s Pizza" Innovation

The Grandma’s Pizza is a departure from the traditional round pies typically associated with the Take ‘n’ Bake model. It is a rectangular, pan-baked pizza designed to mimic the "Grandma-style" pies that originated in Italian-American kitchens, particularly in Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City.

Key specifications of the Grandma’s Pizza include:

• Dimensions: It is billed as Papa Murphy’s largest pizza offering to date.
• Crust Profile: A rustic, rectangular dough that develops crispy, golden edges when baked in the consumer’s home oven.
• Sauce Architecture: A sophisticated layering of two distinct sauces—a creamy red sauce base topped with a classic marinara.
• Cheese and Seasoning: A generous coating of 100% whole-milk mozzarella, complemented by Papa Murphy’s proprietary signature herb and cheese blend.
• Toppings: While the "Grandma’s Pizza" is the flagship vehicle for the Chunky Italian Sausage, guests are also permitted to create their own two-topping version of the rectangular pie.

Chronology: From Consumer Feedback to Kitchen Rollout

The timeline for this launch is strategically aligned with the "busy season" of the American calendar—the transition from summer leisure to the structured chaos of the academic year and the peak of the sports season.

• Pre-Launch Phase (Guest Feedback): Over the past several years, Papa Murphy’s marketing and product development teams monitored a steady stream of requests via social media, customer surveys, and in-store feedback regarding the Chunky Italian Sausage. The company noted that the absence of this specific ingredient was a "pain point" for a vocal segment of its loyal base.
• August 17 (Official Launch): The Grandma’s Pizza officially debuts across the United States. Simultaneously, the Chunky Italian Sausage is codified as a permanent menu item.
• August 17 – October 18 (LTO Window): The Grandma’s Pizza is scheduled to remain on the menu for approximately two months. This window covers several key consumption holidays, including Labor Day and the kickoff of both collegiate and professional football seasons.
• Post-October 18: While the Grandma’s Pizza crust and specific recipe will be retired (pending potential future returns), the Chunky Italian Sausage will remain available for all other pizza types indefinitely.

Supporting Data: Pricing, Market Context, and the "Take ‘n’ Bake" Model

Papa Murphy’s operates within a unique niche of the $46 billion U.S. pizza industry. By providing a product that is assembled in-store but baked at home, the company bypasses the "soggy crust" issues often associated with traditional delivery while offering a higher quality tier than frozen supermarket pizzas.

Regional Pricing Tiers

In an effort to remain competitive while accounting for varying labor and supply chain costs, Papa Murphy’s has implemented a tiered pricing structure for the Grandma’s Pizza:

• Standard Markets: $14.99
• California Markets: $15.99
• Alaska Markets: $16.99

This pricing strategy places the Grandma’s Pizza—despite its larger size—in a value-oriented position, particularly when compared to "specialty" or "artisan" rectangular pizzas from delivery competitors, which often exceed the $20 mark.

The "Grandma Style" Trend

The decision to launch a Grandma-style pizza is supported by broader industry trends. Rectangular, pan-style pizzas (including Detroit-style and Grandma-style) have seen a massive resurgence in the last five years. These styles are particularly popular among Millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize texture—specifically the "frico" or crispy cheese edge—and a "handmade" aesthetic. By adopting this format, Papa Murphy’s is modernizing its brand identity without abandoning its core "fresh-made" values.

Official Responses: Leadership Insights

The executive team at Papa Murphy’s has been transparent about the fact that this rollout is a direct result of active listening. Dallas Massey, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Papa Murphy’s, emphasized that the brand’s relationship with its "guests" (the company’s preferred term for customers) is the driving force behind the menu update.

"When our guests start asking for something over and over, we pay attention," Massey stated. "Chunky Italian Sausage has built an incredibly loyal following, and we heard loud and clear that people wanted it back for good. Grandma’s Pizza gave us the perfect canvas for this launch, but make no mistake: the Chunky Italian Sausage our guests love is officially back as a permanent addition to our menu."

Massey also highlighted the functional benefits of the new pizza for families. "As school schedules return, football kicks off and Labor Day celebrations bring friends and family together, Grandma’s Pizza offers a simple way to serve a hot, fresh meal without sacrificing quality," he added.

Implications: Strategic Positioning and Industry Impact

The reintroduction of a beloved ingredient and the launch of a new "mega-pizza" carry several implications for Papa Murphy’s and the wider fast-food landscape.

1. Strengthening Brand Loyalty via "Menu Democracy"

By explicitly stating that the sausage return was a result of guest demand, Papa Murphy’s is employing a "menu democracy" tactic. This fosters a deeper emotional connection with the consumer base, making them feel like stakeholders in the brand’s evolution. In a competitive market, this level of engagement is a powerful tool for retention.

2. Capitalizing on the "At-Home" Occasion

The Take ‘n’ Bake model is uniquely suited for the current economic climate. As inflation impacts dining-out budgets, families are looking for "premium at-home" experiences. The Grandma’s Pizza, which requires a home oven, provides the "aroma and experience" of home cooking with the convenience of professional preparation. This "hybrid" dining experience is likely to see continued growth as consumers seek ways to save on delivery fees and tips while still enjoying high-quality food.

3. Operational Efficiency

From an operational standpoint, the permanent return of Chunky Italian Sausage simplifies the supply chain by removing the "in-and-out" nature of seasonal toppings. For franchisees, having a consistent, high-demand ingredient allows for better inventory management and staff training.

4. Competitive Pressure on Delivery Giants

With a starting price of $14.99 for a "BIG" pizza, Papa Murphy’s is putting pressure on traditional delivery chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut. While those chains offer convenience in terms of "ready-to-eat" delivery, Papa Murphy’s is betting that the superior texture of a home-baked pan pizza—combined with a significant size advantage—will win over the "game-day" and "family-night" demographics.

About Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s International LLC is a franchisor and operator of the largest Take ‘n’ Bake pizza brand in the United States. With a network of nearly 1,000 franchised and corporate-owned locations across the U.S., Canada, and the UAE, the company has maintained a unique position in the market since its inception.

The brand’s "unconventional" story is rooted in the belief that a fresh-made pizza, baked in a customer’s own oven, provides a superior culinary experience. Beyond its core pizza offerings, the company provides a comprehensive menu including salads, sides, and desserts, all designed to be picked up fresh and prepared at the consumer’s convenience.

For those interested in experiencing the new Grandma’s Pizza or the return of the Chunky Italian Sausage, orders can be placed online at PapaMurphys.com or via the brand’s official mobile app.

Contact Information

For media inquiries or further information regarding the launch, contact:
Julie Maw
Mainland
209-617-6518
[email protected]

Summary: As the pizza industry continues to evolve, Papa Murphy’s is leaning into its strengths: fresh ingredients, customer-led innovation, and the unique "baked-at-home" quality that has defined the brand for decades. The return of the Chunky Italian Sausage is more than just a menu update; it is a validation of the brand’s commitment to its most loyal advocates.