Mediterranean chicken Papa Murphy’s pizzas (Papa Murphy’s)
The property at 8550 Plano #101 will once again be home to Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza. Joe Borgerding, the Casa Linda resident who owns the franchise with his wife Renae, aims for a December opening.
Lake Highlanders were first introduced to the Papa Murphy’s concept in 2010, when the franchise opened in the same spot, but under a different owner. It closed a few years later, but Bogo Bistro took its place. At that time, many Lake Highlands residents expressed sadness.
“I miss Papa Murphy’s! Their pizza had fresh veggies and they actually tasted fresh and crisp even after cooking. I would go there a few times a month. I did try Bogo Bistro this weekend thinking it would be on the same line of Papa Murphy’s, but that was a huge mistake,” wrote Advocate commenter Sally B.
“My wife and I were saddened to hear of Papa Murphy’s leaving our area,” added Peter M. “We loved the concept of ‘take and bake.’ They were the only pizza we ate on a regular basis. They were so good and fresh.”
Google maps
Then Bogo closed, and the space — which is across the street from the popular Go 4 It Sports Grill — sat empty. Thanks to a reader’s tip, we called the applicant on a city permit (that was Borgerding) who says he’s in the restaurant as we speak, working on the plumbing and wiring and fixing the place up for a holiday season opening. Merry Christmas, Sally B. and Peter M.
The Borgerdings for four years now have been operating a successful Papa Murphy’s in Mesquite. They plan to start hiring for the Lake Highlands location soon, mostly neighborhood students. “We don’t have kids of our own. It’s work training teens, but we like it,” Borgerding says.
We had to ask what he’d be doing to avoid the fate of the last two tenants. He says he doesn’t want to discount any of the previous restaurateurs’ work, but that he considers himself a true salesman. “I also have a lot of friends in this neighborhood,” he says. “My old rugby buddies from the Dallas Rugby Club.”
We all know rugby players need to eat a ton, so this just might be the ticket to success and longevity of the next Papa Murphy’s iteration.
He adds that his wife Renae is intent on involving the business in the community, working with and sponsoring school organizations such as the band (which is close to her heart).
