An 18-Year-Old Rookie of the Year Owner

Summary

Listen to Lily Wilford, Rookie of the Year at Papa Murphy’s on The Hot Slice Podcast

This week on The Hot Slice Podcast, we chat with a visionary young operator who bought her first Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza franchise as while she was still in high school.

Lily Wilford worked at a local Papa Murphy’s before jumping at the opportunity to become a franchisee. Though savings and a loan from a family friend, Lily and her family made the purchase. Lily is the majority owner and runs the day-to-day operations.

During her first year, she has remodeled her store, embraced her leadership role with a fresh approach and integrated herself and the restaurant into the community. Her store has achieved double-digit year-over-year growth, including a February week where sales more than doubled compared to the year prior. The brand has recognized that they have a shining star in their ranks. Lily was recently named “Rookie of the Year” by the brand during its Minneapolis conference.

We chat all about how she was able to get into the business so young, as well as managing a team. Don’t miss how martial arts helped her take the lead at her shop in Sioux City. Find out what she’s focused on now and what comes next.

Show Notes:

Nominations are open for the 3rd annual Pizza Industry Excellence (PIE Awards). We are looking to give awards in seven categories, plus Pizza Company of the Year by Region. Apply today at: https://pizzatoday.com/pie-awards/ 

National Pizza Month in October is approaching fast. Go to the National Pizza Month Pizzeria Tool Kit: https://pizzatoday.com/nationalpizzamonth/

There is no better way to celebrate National Pizza Month than by attending Pizza Expo Columbus! Register now! https://registration.pizzaexpocolumbus.com/event/2025

Thank you to our sponsors

Summary

Listen to Lily Wilford, Rookie of the Year at Papa Murphy’s on The Hot Slice Podcast

This week on The Hot Slice Podcast, we chat with a visionary young operator who bought her first Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza franchise as while she was still in high school.

Lily Wilford worked at a local Papa Murphy’s before jumping at the opportunity to become a franchisee. Though savings and a loan from a family friend, Lily and her family made the purchase. Lily is the majority owner and runs the day-to-day operations.

During her first year, she has remodeled her store, embraced her leadership role with a fresh approach and integrated herself and the restaurant into the community. Her store has achieved double-digit year-over-year growth, including a February week where sales more than doubled compared to the year prior. The brand has recognized that they have a shining star in their ranks. Lily was recently named “Rookie of the Year” by the brand during its Minneapolis conference.

We chat all about how she was able to get into the business so young, as well as managing a team. Don’t miss how martial arts helped her take the lead at her shop in Sioux City. Find out what she’s focused on now and what comes next.

Show Notes:

Nominations are open for the 3rd annual Pizza Industry Excellence (PIE Awards). We are looking to give awards in seven categories, plus Pizza Company of the Year by Region. Apply today at: https://pizzatoday.com/pie-awards/ 

National Pizza Month in October is approaching fast. Go to the National Pizza Month Pizzeria Tool Kit: https://pizzatoday.com/nationalpizzamonth/

There is no better way to celebrate National Pizza Month than by attending Pizza Expo Columbus! Register now! https://registration.pizzaexpocolumbus.com/event/2025

Thank you to our sponsors