Taylor Qualey, left, and Amber Hardy prepare Papa Murphy's Pizza with fresh ingredients either made or cut in-house every day, down to the crust, which is still uncooked when they serve it to customers.Florists and jewelers aren't the only businesses staying busy today as procrastinators look for last-minute Valentine's Day gifts.
According to Papa Murphy's, the nation's largest take-and-bake pizza chain, Valentine's Day is also one of the busiest pizza days of the year. With the holiday falling on a school night, businesses that cater to families are especially feeling the love this year.
In a recent national survey commissioned by Papa Murphy's, 90 percent of women with children said they're happy to spend V-Day at home with the kids, 62 percent said high prices and big crowds deter them from going out on Valentine's Day, and 42 percent said their ideal Valentine's Day includes the family.
Papa Murphy's capitalizes on this trend by offering a HeartBaker, a pizza in the shape of a heart, to take and bake at home.
"With Valentine's Day falling on a school night this year, we encourage families to share the experience together around the table over a home baked pizza we created especially for the occasion," says Ken Calwell, CEO of Papa Murphy's, ranked No. 1 Pizza Chain by Zagat voters.
"The HeartBaker is a delicious and affordable pizza that really brings the love to the table. You take it home fresh, bake it in your own oven at 425 degrees and serve it piping hot. It's a special Valentine's Day dinner that doesn't break the bank.
"We call it 'Love at 425 Degrees.'"
More options
Other heart-shaped options include biscuits at participating Chick-fil-A locations, doughnuts at Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme stores, and cookie cakes at Great American Cookies.