This article was inspired by content originally published on Yahoo Lifestyle
Introduction
America’s undeniable takeaway: the most expensive pizza chain in the country isn’t down-the-line gourmet it’s Papa Murphy’s, with a 14-inch cheese pizza ringing in at around $17.99 While that may surprise casual diners, it reflects a deeper shift in the industry. Let’s chew on what’s really behind that sticker shock and how pizza lovers, ingredient suppliers, and shop owners can benefit (and pivot) as prices rise.
🍕 For Enthusiasts: Value Isn’t Just Price
A $1 slice doesn’t always beat a $4, if quality is key. Papa Murphy’s self-bake model delivers fresher dough, custom toppings, and the joy of the “just baked” aroma. But with a $17.99 baseline, the real question is:
- Is it worth it? For families, that price scales rapidly. The smart enthusiasts can re-create the experience at home: use a stone baking sheet or baking steel, quality mozzarella, and a blown-up 14″ dough then lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil post-bake for that pizzeria finish.
- Meal prep hack: Pair Papa Murphy’s with a refreshing salad or a side from a lower-price competitor for a balanced entrée and better value.
Affiliate Plug: Tools like MetroPizza Dough Scraper or Ooni Gen 2 pizza oven bring that self-bake restaurant convenience to your drivewaywithout the premium chain price tag.
Pro Tip: Freeze half before baking, and enjoy fresh pizza again midweek for about $2 per slice.
📦 For Suppliers: Premium Prices Mean Premium Expectations
Papa Murphy’s pricing signals that consumers are willing to pay more—for better dough, ingredient transparency, and convenient customization. Suppliers and ingredient providers take notice:
- Higher-worth toppings: Shareholder-grade meats, artisanal cheeses, and organic produce align with higher chain prices.
- Bakery-grade dough bases: Pre-portioned, vacuum-sealed, and performance-tested in home ovens.
- Convenience packaging: Pizza chain deliveries to consumers’ driveways—support that with eco-friendly boxes and branded ingredients.
Offer bulk gourmet toppings, baking kits, and co-branded dough tools that resonate with both Papa Murphy’s patrons and home pizza makers and benefit from higher-margin chain demand.
🏪 For Shop Owners: This Isn’t Just a Price Tag it’s a Strategy
Papa Murphy’s pricing model centers on value under convenience—the $17.99 retails perception meets self-cook freshness. Brick-and-mortar pizzerias need to ask:
- Where does your value lie? – Are you a quick, cheap eat or an upscale experience?
- How can you leverage perceived worth? – Stack higher-priced pies with chef-crafted add-ons (like truffle-arugula), or build meal kits with side-salad and dessert.
- Can you niche? – Offer a similar scratch-and-bake experience, but with your own crust, seasonings, or ingredient bundle.
Marketing Angle: A DIY gourmet pizza night $18 for dough, sauce, and toppings to be baked at home. Pair with a targeted AD campaign and dinner kits via your own website or delivery partners (like Toast or Square) and match Papa Murphy’s on convenience but with your unique twist.
🔍 Expert Insight
Pizza industry analyst Robyn Carter notes:
“Premium-priced chains like Papa Murphy’s succeed because they offer studio-level customization and flavor—without the fluff or markup of dine-in restaurants.”
🚀 Big Picture: Is This Price Plateau Permanent?
With inflation on staples, pizza isn’t immune. A $17.99 baseline indicates that value when well-defined can still meet consumer willingness. It also highlights:
- Expiry of cheap-per-slice politics: Customers are choosing quality and experience over cost alone.
- Opportunity for innovation: Bundled meal kits, premium toppings, skill-level branded tools, and community pizza events (e.g. “Bake Your Own Pizza Night”) can reinvigorate small-business revenue streams.
✅ Final Slice – Your Game Plan
| Role | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Enthusiasts | Invest in home-pizza gear—steels, ovens, cookbook bundles—for self-bake quality |
| Suppliers | Introduce premium ingredient kits, dough bases, and bakeware aimed at mid-prem price markets |
| Shop Owners | Launch meal kits or limited-edition scratch-and-bake pies to match chain value |
Papa Murphy’s position as America’s costliest pizza chain is more than trivia it’s a challenge. Anyone in the pizza world must ask: What does value look like in my kitchen?
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Pizza Magazine may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. We only recommend tools and ingredients that enhance your pizza journey in value and flavor.