Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Papa Murphy’s owners Scott and Tracy Walthard making a vegetarian pizza during their second day of business.
The opening of a new pizza shop in town last week spiced up the friendly battle for Sonoma’s pizza dollar with a healthy dash of competition that could mean lip-smacking savings for local pizza lovers.
Papa Murphy’s is a national chain that has recorded rapid growth and popularity for its “take-n-bake” pizzas. For the third year in a row, consumers have voted Papa Murphy’s “Best Pizza Chain in America” in the annual “Consumers’ Choice in Chains” survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine.
But it took four years of planning, struggle and a last-minute flourish of community support, especially from members of their church, for owners Scott and Tracy Walthard to bring the business to Sonoma.
“We couldn’t have done it without the help of the community; everyone seemed to be pulling for us,” said Tracy Walthard. “Our friends at St. Andrew Presbyterian pitched in, too. They were there when we needed them. That’s why we are determined to give back to the community.”
And she doesn’t mean just pizzas. Last week’s “Friends and Family Night at Papa Murphy’s” raised funds for the youth groups Young Life and La Luz. Li Booker, supporter of Young Life and founder of La Luz, praised the Walthards’ efforts. “After all they have been through to make their business happen, it is wonderful they are also donating to these two organizations that do so much to help our kids.”
Donations to La Luz and Young Life will continue to be accepted at Papa Murphy’s location on Napa Street. But when you stop in, don’t expect the usual pizza parlor with beer on tap and a blizzard of blaring video games. Papa Murphy’s is different.
The concept is revolutionary, one of those “why didn’t I think of that” ideas. Papa Murphy’s doesn’t deliver; and while all pizzas are made fresh to order with gourmet quality dough and a variety of toppings, the pizzas are not baked on site. You pick up, you take home, you cook to your liking.
“The Papa Murphy’s ‘take-n-bake’ concept assures the customer a hot pizza, right out of their own oven,” said Walthard. “By not cooking it here, we can offer pizzas at a fraction of the cost of other chains.”
Papa Murphy’s also offers take-n-bake cinnamon rolls and cookie dough as well as salads and soft drinks. Papa Murphy’s is open daily at 678 W. Napa St. Call 707.996.5000 for information and ordering.
