WKOW Channel 27 has aired a segment with Jared Ruf about how to create unique and delicious pizza’s that are perfect to serve to friends and family at any Rose Bowl or football gathering. Jared created a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza live in studio and prepared the pizza with all fresh Toppers ingredients. You can view the segment here:
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Fan’s Creation Makes Toppers Pizza Menu; Jon “Scooby” Ransom’s Snack to be Unveiled January 24
Chosen by Fans on Facebook, Minneapolis-Native Jon “Scooby” Ransom Wins Free Toppers Pizza for a Year, $500 Gift Card from Toppers, and the Ultimate Grand Prize –Adding His Pizza to the Menu
Toppers Pizza has long been a brand intent on doing things its own way. The irreverent 28-unit pizza franchise has always taken its own path—successfully targeting a younger demographic and providing a wide variety of delicious menu items and toppings for its customers’ choosing. For the past few months, however, Toppers has let its Facebook fans take the wheel and create a new menu item during the recently concluded “Spank Your Pizza” social media contest.
After a month of fierce deliberation, Jon Ransom’s creatively named pizza, Jon “Scooby” Ransom’s Snack was declared the winner and next House Pizza to be added to Toppers’ menu. He also won free Toppers pizza for a year and a $500 Toppers gift card. Ransom, a Minneapolis native and sophomore at Lawrence University, had the unique advantage of experiencing Toppers both in his hometown and at college in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ransom embraced the social media aspect of the campaign by creating Facebook groups and events for his family, friends and classmates to rally around.
Soon, the Jon “Scooby” Ransom’s Snack, with ingredients including thick-cut spicy pepperoni, hand-pinched Italian sausage, ground beef , crispy bacon, black olives, and jalapenos topped with pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses on a the new Tall Boy pizza crust (the same garlicky, buttery crust of Topperstix), took on a life of its own.
“Even after convincing all my friends at home as well as my college classmates to vote for me,” said Ransom. “I was still shocked at just how many people I had never met decided to support my entry.”
The Jon “Scooby” Ransom Snack will be available at all 28 Toppers locations starting January 24.
By making Ransom’s creation the chain’s next original house pizza, Toppers has given fans an unprecedented amount of power. “We’ve never been afraid to do something different, unlike many of our larger competitors,” said Scott Iversen, Toppers’ Director of Marketing. “We want our fanatics of Toppers Pizza to be more than just customers. We want them to be involved in the very core of our business—deciding what to put in their mouths.”
As part of “Spank Your Pizza”, fans and customers alike created original pizza recipes using Toppers’ list of ingredients. After receiving over 100 submissions, 64 finalists were chosen to participate in the “Spank Your Pizza” tournament. These 64 individuals battled it out for likes and comments on Facebook for 3 weeks in a bracket-style competition, generating over 18,500 total fan votes for their respective pizzas.
In addition to giving fans a voice in the boardroom, “Spank Your Pizza” also resulted in some impressive social media statistics. During the four months of the contest, Toppers’ Facebook page increased its fan count by 62.6% and generated over 62,000 page views.
“We’ve always been proud of our cohesive identity and direction as a brand,” said Iversen, “but ‘Spank Your Pizza’ took our social media efforts to the next level.”
Toppers Pizza has long been a brand intent on doing things its own way. The irreverent 28-unit pizza franchise has always taken its own path—successfully targeting a younger demographic and providing a wide variety of delicious menu items and toppings for its customers’ choosing. For the past few months, however, Toppers has let its Facebook fans take the wheel and create a new menu item during the recently concluded “Spank Your Pizza” social media contest. After a month of fierce deliberation, Jon Ransom’s creatively named pizza, Jon “Scooby” Ransom’s Snack was declared the winner and next House Pizza to be added to Toppers’ menu. He also won free Toppers pizza for a year and a $500 Toppers gift card. Ransom, a Minneapolis native and sophomore at Lawrence University, had the unique advantage of experiencing Toppers both in his hometown and at college in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ransom embraced the social media aspect of the campaign by creating Facebook groups and events for his family, friends and classmates to rally around.
Soon, the Jon “Scooby” Ransom’s Snack, with ingredients including thick-cut spicy pepperoni, hand-pinched Italian sausage, ground beef , crispy bacon, black olives, and jalapenos topped with pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses on a the new Tall Boy pizza crust (the same garlicky, buttery crust of Topperstix), took on a life of its own.
“Even after convincing all my friends at home as well as my college classmates to vote for me,” said Ransom. “I was still shocked at just how many people I had never met decided to support my entry.”
The Jon “Scooby” Ransom Snack will be available at all 28 Toppers locations starting January 24.
By making Ransom’s creation the chain’s next original house pizza, Toppers has given fans an unprecedented amount of power. “We’ve never been afraid to do something different, unlike many of our larger competitors,” said Scott Iversen, Toppers’ Director of Marketing. “We want our fanatics of Toppers Pizza to be more than just customers. We want them to be involved in the very core of our business—deciding what to put in their mouths.”
As part of “Spank Your Pizza”, fans and customers alike created original pizza recipes using Toppers’ list of ingredients. After receiving over 100 submissions, 64 finalists were chosen to participate in the “Spank Your Pizza” tournament. These 64 individuals battled it out for likes and comments on Facebook for 3 weeks in a bracket-style competition, generating over 18,500 total fan votes for their respective pizzas.
In addition to giving fans a voice in the boardroom, “Spank Your Pizza” also resulted in some impressive social media statistics. During the four months of the contest, Toppers’ Facebook page increased its fan count by 62.6% and generated over 62,000 page views.
“We’ve always been proud of our cohesive identity and direction as a brand,” said Iversen, “but ‘Spank Your Pizza’ took our social media efforts to the next level.”
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Toppers Pizza featured in Nation's Restaurant News
An article called “Pizza chains gear up for Thanksgiving” published in Nation’s Restaurant News, which discusses Thanksgiving weekend as a big pizza sales weekend among Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Papa John’s. The reporter mentions the end of the Toppers Pizza’s “Spank Your Pizza” contest, and how the contest will wrap up right around the Thanksgiving holiday. This is a great placement for Toppers as they are mentioned among the nation’s biggest pizza chains and gives great validation to Toppers as a legitimate pizza contender. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full story here.
Pizza chains gear up for Thanksgiving Eve
While Wednesday is the start of a big sales weekend for many pizza chains, it also marks the end of the “Spank Your Pizza” contest at Whitewater, Wis.-based Toppers Pizza. The 28-unit chain for the past several weeks has hosted the contest on its Facebook page, inviting fans to create the next house pizza for toppers and have their inventions face off against the others in a tournament-style bracket. The final four contestants squared off in a semifinal Tuesday, and the winner will be decided during voting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The grand prize winner gets the pizza named in his or her honor, plus free Toppers for a year and a $500 gift card. (Read more)
Pizza chains gear up for Thanksgiving Eve
The grand prize winner gets the pizza named in his or her honor, plus free Toppers for a year and a $500 gift card. (Read more)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
We Come Fast, No Apologies: Eclectic Pizza Franchise Will Expand to South Milwaukee/Cudahy
Toppers Pizza Continues Successful Emergence; Focuses on Maintaining Consistent Fanatical Brand Support Location-to-Location
The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 28-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the first pizza concept with personality to the South Milwaukee/Cudahy area – slated to open in the Summer/Fall 2011 under the leadership of locally-based entrepreneur, Dave Gilewski.
Gilewski traded phone books for pizza boxes in 2008 when he opened his first Toppers Pizza location in Franklin. Prior to becoming one of Toppers’ most successful franchisees, he sold ad space with the Yellow Pages for six years. It was when Gilewski’s brother’s college roommate ate Toppers’ Tacostix every single night for dinner that he curiously looked into the brand that had every college student addicted.
From the get-go Gilewski was impressed by how Toppers Pizza takes a typical pizza concept and shakes it up through its irreverent personality that’s edgy and unfiltered characteristics, created and maintained through the leadership of CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich.
“We get a ridiculous number of phone calls from South Milwaukee wanting Toppers Pizza to deliver out to them,” said Gilewski. “That’s when the idea sparked and it all just went from there.”
While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers remained hooked on being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection.
Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus.
“Dave Gilewski fits the profile of typical Toppers franchisee in that he or she has the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said noting that Toppers is expecting to grow further throughout Wisconsin in the next few years.
Gilewski will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public next spring by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors.
“Toppers is already part of the South Milwaukee culture; we just aren’t physically there yet,” said Gilewski. “I’m excited to give them what they want when they want it without having to drive 30 minutes to get to my Franklin location.”
The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 28-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the first pizza concept with personality to the South Milwaukee/Cudahy area – slated to open in the Summer/Fall 2011 under the leadership of locally-based entrepreneur, Dave Gilewski.
Gilewski traded phone books for pizza boxes in 2008 when he opened his first Toppers Pizza location in Franklin. Prior to becoming one of Toppers’ most successful franchisees, he sold ad space with the Yellow Pages for six years. It was when Gilewski’s brother’s college roommate ate Toppers’ Tacostix every single night for dinner that he curiously looked into the brand that had every college student addicted.
From the get-go Gilewski was impressed by how Toppers Pizza takes a typical pizza concept and shakes it up through its irreverent personality that’s edgy and unfiltered characteristics, created and maintained through the leadership of CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich.
“We get a ridiculous number of phone calls from South Milwaukee wanting Toppers Pizza to deliver out to them,” said Gilewski. “That’s when the idea sparked and it all just went from there.”
While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers remained hooked on being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection.
Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus.
“Dave Gilewski fits the profile of typical Toppers franchisee in that he or she has the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said noting that Toppers is expecting to grow further throughout Wisconsin in the next few years.
Gilewski will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public next spring by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors.
“Toppers is already part of the South Milwaukee culture; we just aren’t physically there yet,” said Gilewski. “I’m excited to give them what they want when they want it without having to drive 30 minutes to get to my Franklin location.”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Toppers Pizza Stays on Campus for Another Three Years
Pizza Sales Skyrocketed on Campus; Toppers Signs Extension
A year after Toppers Pizza beat out other pizza brands and signed a one-year agreement to be Minnesota State University – Mankato’s official pizza provider for athletics, it has extended its presence by another three years to become a mainstay on the Minnesota State University -Mankato campus.
Paul and Sue Wilke, the husband and wife franchisee team of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, brought Minnesota State University the highest pizza sales they’ve had in its history, a big factor in why MSU – Mankato opted to sign a three year extension with the irreverent pizza franchise.
“We delivered,” the Wilkes said, “Both literally and figuratively. If we said something was going to happen, it did. We never fell short of our promise to the University.”
Prior to scoring a spot on campus, Toppers had been a basketball supporter for two years as well as providing sponsorships and corporate partnerships in many aspects of MSU athletics. Through the new alliance, Toppers took their sponsorship to a whole new level; including buying the university four light boxes for the stadium for use by university sponsors, and becoming a high-level sponsor at events like Midnight Madness.
The new contract began on August 1, 2010 and runs through July 31, 2013. According to MSU’s assistant director for athletics, Mike Powicki, Toppers Pizza will be sold at all Minnesota State University athletic concessions and will have a heavy presence on football, basketball, soccer and volleyball game days, not only in the concessions, but on the field as well.
“Toppers will be involved in enhancing the game atmosphere. They will do in-game samplings and promotions geared to build up student attendance,” said Powicki.
Toppers will continue to give away 100 free slices of pizza to the student section at the men’s and women’s home games. It also gives the men’s and women’s basketball teams $500 to spend on Toppers Pizza on their discretion.
Pizza is the only concession that outside vendors can bid on since all other food is made by MSU, and competition is extremely fierce. Powicki said that the national pizza chains as well as the smaller, local pizza brands all compete to be on campus.
“Toppers’ initial athletic presence was the result of a healthy relationship that Paul and Sue Wilke have built with MSU that catapulted Toppers to the top of the list,” Powicki said. “Toppers proved to be a great choice for our pizza vendor with their accuracy, consistency and overall student-focused attitude. We are excited to have them around for at least another three years.”
Toppers of Mankato opened its doors three years ago and immediately began connecting with Minnesota State University to build tight relationships with the college community. Upon entering the market, Toppers held a huge grand opening event in which the first 50 people in line the day of their grand opening received free Toppers for a year. Ever since then, MSU students have been hooked and it shows as all 40 of Toppers employees are MSU students, including the Wilke’s two sons.
“We have established an emotional connection with the MSU students and now that we have solidified our presence on campus, it is only going to intensify,” said the Wilke’s.
A year after Toppers Pizza beat out other pizza brands and signed a one-year agreement to be Minnesota State University – Mankato’s official pizza provider for athletics, it has extended its presence by another three years to become a mainstay on the Minnesota State University -Mankato campus.
Paul and Sue Wilke, the husband and wife franchisee team of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, brought Minnesota State University the highest pizza sales they’ve had in its history, a big factor in why MSU – Mankato opted to sign a three year extension with the irreverent pizza franchise.
“We delivered,” the Wilkes said, “Both literally and figuratively. If we said something was going to happen, it did. We never fell short of our promise to the University.”
Prior to scoring a spot on campus, Toppers had been a basketball supporter for two years as well as providing sponsorships and corporate partnerships in many aspects of MSU athletics. Through the new alliance, Toppers took their sponsorship to a whole new level; including buying the university four light boxes for the stadium for use by university sponsors, and becoming a high-level sponsor at events like Midnight Madness.
The new contract began on August 1, 2010 and runs through July 31, 2013. According to MSU’s assistant director for athletics, Mike Powicki, Toppers Pizza will be sold at all Minnesota State University athletic concessions and will have a heavy presence on football, basketball, soccer and volleyball game days, not only in the concessions, but on the field as well.
“Toppers will be involved in enhancing the game atmosphere. They will do in-game samplings and promotions geared to build up student attendance,” said Powicki.
Toppers will continue to give away 100 free slices of pizza to the student section at the men’s and women’s home games. It also gives the men’s and women’s basketball teams $500 to spend on Toppers Pizza on their discretion.
Pizza is the only concession that outside vendors can bid on since all other food is made by MSU, and competition is extremely fierce. Powicki said that the national pizza chains as well as the smaller, local pizza brands all compete to be on campus.
“Toppers’ initial athletic presence was the result of a healthy relationship that Paul and Sue Wilke have built with MSU that catapulted Toppers to the top of the list,” Powicki said. “Toppers proved to be a great choice for our pizza vendor with their accuracy, consistency and overall student-focused attitude. We are excited to have them around for at least another three years.”
Toppers of Mankato opened its doors three years ago and immediately began connecting with Minnesota State University to build tight relationships with the college community. Upon entering the market, Toppers held a huge grand opening event in which the first 50 people in line the day of their grand opening received free Toppers for a year. Ever since then, MSU students have been hooked and it shows as all 40 of Toppers employees are MSU students, including the Wilke’s two sons.
“We have established an emotional connection with the MSU students and now that we have solidified our presence on campus, it is only going to intensify,” said the Wilke’s.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Toppers Pizza featured in Onalaska Holmen Courier-Life
Local Toppers Pizza owner/operator Denise Downing and local Fire Chief Don Dominick of Onalaska discuss their decision to team up to celebrate the fact that October is both National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month. On October 5th, from 4-8 p.m., local fire fighters will be delivering Toppers Pizza to residents via fire truck! Then, they will do smoke detector checks at every customer’s house, and provide free smoke detectors and batteries to any customers that need them. The article went on to discuss the importance of fire safety and upcoming plans for Toppers to team up with WAFER for fundraising efforts in the upcoming months. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full article here.
Ordering pizza might save a life
By Jo Anne Killeen
Onalaska pizza lovers ordering through Toppers on Oct. 5 will get a special treat when their pizza is delivered. A volunteer fire fighter might be behind the delivery person.
Toppers is teaming up with the Onalaska Fire Department to celebrate National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month, both celebrated in October.
According to Denise Downing, owner of Toppers, when pizzas are ordered between 4 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, Onalaska firefighters will also arrive with the delivery, sometimes via fire truck if one is available. While the customer is completing the pizza transaction, volunteer fire fighters will conduct smoke detector checks and provide free smoke detectors and batteries where needed.
“It will be kind of neat to see fire vehicles with a Toppers sign on top,” Downing said. (Read More)
Ordering pizza might save a life
By Jo Anne Killeen
Onalaska pizza lovers ordering through Toppers on Oct. 5 will get a special treat when their pizza is delivered. A volunteer fire fighter might be behind the delivery person.Toppers is teaming up with the Onalaska Fire Department to celebrate National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month, both celebrated in October.
According to Denise Downing, owner of Toppers, when pizzas are ordered between 4 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, Onalaska firefighters will also arrive with the delivery, sometimes via fire truck if one is available. While the customer is completing the pizza transaction, volunteer fire fighters will conduct smoke detector checks and provide free smoke detectors and batteries where needed.
“It will be kind of neat to see fire vehicles with a Toppers sign on top,” Downing said. (Read More)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Toppers Pizza franchisee gives back by supporting National Fire Safety Month
Local Toppers Pizza owner/operator Denise Downing and La Crosse Division Fire Chief Warren Thomass discuss their decision to team up to celebrate the fact that October is both National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month. On October 5th, from 4-8 p.m., local fire fighters will be delivering Toppers Pizza to residents via fire truck. Then, they will do smoke detector checks at every customer’s house, and provide free smoke detectors and batteries to any customers that need them. The point they're trying to get across, Thomass says, is that it takes the same amount of time to check your smoke detectors as it does to order a pizza! The article went on to discuss the importance of fire safety and upcoming plans for Toppers to team up with WAFER for fundraising efforts in the upcoming months. Read a portion of the article below or check out the full story here.
Order pizza, get smoke detector checked
La Crosse and Ona-laska firefighters are teaming up with Toppers Pizza to observe National Fire Safety Month and National Pizza Month in October.
Fire trucks will accompany pizza delivery drivers for orders placed from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Firefighters will check smoke detectors and hand out free detectors and batteries donated by Toppers when needed while customers are completing the pizza transaction, said local Toppers owner Denise Downing.
“The message is that it takes about the same time (to check smoke alarms) as it does to have a pizza delivered but can save your life. It is yet another tool for us to make a positive impact on homeowners’ safety,” Onalaska Fire Chief Don Dominick said. (Read More).
Order pizza, get smoke detector checked
La Crosse and Ona-laska firefighters are teaming up with Toppers Pizza to observe National Fire Safety Month and National Pizza Month in October.Fire trucks will accompany pizza delivery drivers for orders placed from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Firefighters will check smoke detectors and hand out free detectors and batteries donated by Toppers when needed while customers are completing the pizza transaction, said local Toppers owner Denise Downing.
“The message is that it takes about the same time (to check smoke alarms) as it does to have a pizza delivered but can save your life. It is yet another tool for us to make a positive impact on homeowners’ safety,” Onalaska Fire Chief Don Dominick said. (Read More).
Friday, November 5, 2010
Toppers featured in the DailyVista
Toppers was recently featured in an article called “Toppers Pizza ready to share business model with the nation,” which published in today’s edition of DailyVista, an online business publication. Through an in-depth interview with Brett Larrabee, the article focuses on Toppers’ new growth strategy of large market, multi-unit development. Brett focuses on Toppers’ buying experience and marketing machine which will be attractive to potential franchisees as well as its above average unit economics. Check out Daily Vista's article below:
Monday, November 1, 2010
Leading Tower of Pizza; Toppers Introduces The Tall Boy
Rapidly Growing Pizza Franchise Goes Vertical with the Unofficial Tallest Pizza in the WorldIn an ongoing battle to create an alternative to the uneducated big pizza chain’s bland menus, Toppers Pizza, the 28-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise, has finally created “the pizza all other pizzas look up to.” Its name? The Tall Boy.
“The Tall Boy is a continuation of our taste domination and represents the best of our product offerings,” said Scott Iversen, Director of Marketing for Toppers Pizza. “Customers are constantly craving our Topperstix—then one day it suddenly occurred to us: Topperstix as the base of our pizzas.”
Since its invention, pizza has only gone in one direction—down. Until now. The Tall Boy puts other thick crust pizzas to shame, standing above the competition and combining the cheesy, garlicky, thick crust of Topperstix with any of its 50+ toppings or House Pizza ingredients.
“When we added the toppings, we noticed that this was a seriously tall pizza,” said Iversen. “It doesn’t dip down in the middle like other thick crust or pan fried pizzas do. It stays thick the whole way through. Naming it The Tall Boy was a no-brainer.”
The Tall Boy is the latest product launched under Toppers new “Spank Your Buds” tagline, a positioning statement that has become Toppers’ official platform for the kinds of ongoing marketing messages that give their fanatical fans the unique experience they’ve come to expect: fun, irreverent, and engaging, with some seriously great-tasting food.
“Our new tagline just reinforces what our fans have been telling us since our inception,” said Iversen. “Our food tastes better than the national guys, and now we’ve created a tagline that says that, Toppers-style.”
In 2009, the face of the pizza industry frowned, with industry-wide patterns of sluggish sales and stunted growth. Toppers Pizza, however, not only dodged the slowdown but actually increased their average unit volumes and system-wide sales with five new units and 18 new contracts. While the big chains go hungry, Toppers chows down on an ever-growing slice of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry pie.
But how?
“The reason for our success is simple: we are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of Toppers Pizza. “Our customers, on the other hand, are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess have given us character, thus we’ve been able grow by forming strong bonds with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.”
Friday, October 29, 2010
Toppers growth plans featured in The Business Journal
The article focuses on Toppers growth and development, with very specific numbers and statistics to back up its claims about Toppers rapid growth. It explains how Toppers’ irreverent marketing and unique personality have strengthened consumer loyalty, and discusses Toppers’ 20 year history, which started off slow but flourished once the brand became a franchise. It also goes into detail about Toppers’ future plans, from their focus on Midwestern states outside of Wisconsin to their eventual plans of “world domination” and an island called “Topperville!” This article provides a wonderful illustration of where Toppers has been and where they are headed, and should be a great way to peak consumer interest and generate potential leads. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here.
Toppers Pizza looking to grow
The Business Journal - by Stacy Vogel Davis
After rapid growth in the Milwaukee market, Whitewater-based Toppers Pizza has ambitious plans for expansion in the upper Midwest in the next three years.
The chain opened its eighth Milwaukee-area restaurant in Bay View this month, five years after opening its first Milwaukee location.
Toppers plans to open three more Milwaukee stores in the next two years, but its main targets are states such as Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana, said Brett Larrabee, who was recently hired as Toppers’ first director of franchise development. (Read More).
Toppers Pizza looking to grow
The Business Journal - by Stacy Vogel Davis
After rapid growth in the Milwaukee market, Whitewater-based Toppers Pizza has ambitious plans for expansion in the upper Midwest in the next three years.The chain opened its eighth Milwaukee-area restaurant in Bay View this month, five years after opening its first Milwaukee location.
Toppers plans to open three more Milwaukee stores in the next two years, but its main targets are states such as Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana, said Brett Larrabee, who was recently hired as Toppers’ first director of franchise development. (Read More).
Toppers' Spank Your Pizza Contest featured in Journal & Courier
Toppers was recently featured in an article in the “People & Products” section of the Journal & Courier of Lafeyette, IN. The article alerts readers of Toppers’ “Spank Your Pizza” Facebook tournament, and notes that Toppers has narrowed finalists down to 64, with the winning pizza to be chosen by Toppers’ 17,000 Facebook fans.People & Products
Toppers Pizza, which has a location in West Lafayette, has narrowed the field of its Spank Your Facebook Pizza Challenge to 64 finalists.
The finalists are asked to create their own pizza menu item with the winning entry becoming a permanent fixture, named after its creator, on Toppers menu nationwide. Toppers has more than 17,000 Facebook fans.
(Read More)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Toppers Pizza Featured in Flyer News
Toppers was recently featured in an article in the Flyer News. The article discusses what sets Toppers—the “more fun pizza company”—apart from its competition, by marketing to the college demographic, staying open late, offering unique menu items such as the “Hangover Helper,” “Mac N Cheese,” and “Topperstix,” and creating a fun, college-friendly environment for students. The article explains that Toppers just entered Cincinnati and hopes to enter Dayton within the next six months, showing that UD students are very excited about someday having a Toppers Pizza near their school! A portion of the article is included below and can be read in its entirety by clicking here.
Youth-centered pizza place sets eyes on UD
By Justin Guinn
Toppers Pizza has big plans for Dayton.
The "more fun pizza company," which markets itself to 18 to 34 year olds and is open until 3:45 a.m. most nights, has 26 Midwestern franchises. Their newest location is a store at 345 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, located less than an hour from the University of Dayton. According to Toppers, the same franchisers are looking to Dayton for their next move.
"Other pizza chains are mundane, tired and boring," said Brett Larrabee, Toppers' director of franchise development.
Toppers employees said their company wants to focus on fun.
(Read More)
Youth-centered pizza place sets eyes on UDBy Justin Guinn
Toppers Pizza has big plans for Dayton.
The "more fun pizza company," which markets itself to 18 to 34 year olds and is open until 3:45 a.m. most nights, has 26 Midwestern franchises. Their newest location is a store at 345 Calhoun St., Cincinnati, located less than an hour from the University of Dayton. According to Toppers, the same franchisers are looking to Dayton for their next move.
"Other pizza chains are mundane, tired and boring," said Brett Larrabee, Toppers' director of franchise development.
Toppers employees said their company wants to focus on fun.
(Read More)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Toppers Pizza goes on air with Fox Business
Toppers Pizza was recently featured on Fox Business. The segment featured CEO Scott Gittrich discussing how Toppers was built into a successful franchise. It's chock full of industry secrets and tips on growing your business. Check out the clip by clicking below!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Toppers Pizza featured in The Racquet
Toppers was recently featured in an article called, “Pigging out for a cause,” which published in The Racquet, UW-La Crosse’s student newspaper. This article showed how Toppers Pizza continues to engage the local campus, community and nonprofits and discusses Toppers philanthropic efforts during the next month. Read a portion of the article below or check out the full story here.
Pigging out for a cause
By Gretchen Zishka
Could you eat an entire order of cheese sticks in two minutes and forty-two seconds? The winner of Toppers Pizza's Topperstix eating challenge last Saturday did just that.
Though the challenge seemed more about competition and stuffing oneself than anything else, it served to raise money and awareness for WAFER, a local food pantry.
Heidi Blanke, WAFER director, said, "We're busier than ever, so any funds help us fill out our shelves…We're thrilled that [Toppers] wants to do this for us." (Read More)
Pigging out for a cause
By Gretchen Zishka
Could you eat an entire order of cheese sticks in two minutes and forty-two seconds? The winner of Toppers Pizza's Topperstix eating challenge last Saturday did just that. Though the challenge seemed more about competition and stuffing oneself than anything else, it served to raise money and awareness for WAFER, a local food pantry.
Heidi Blanke, WAFER director, said, "We're busier than ever, so any funds help us fill out our shelves…We're thrilled that [Toppers] wants to do this for us." (Read More)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Balloon Effect: Toppers Sets Sights on Midwest Expansion
Successful Capture of 18-34-Year Old Demographic Spikes ’09 Sales; Projects Strong Onward Growth
WHITEWATER, WI – In 2009, the face of the pizza industry frowned, as sales were sluggish and growth was stunted. Toppers Pizza, though, dodged a slowdown with increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales; five new units; and 18 under contract. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billion pizza industry. Why?
“The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based 26-unit franchise brand. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.”
Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus.
Gittrich has never swayed from his original mission: Create an eclectic pizza delivery experience while maintaining a better product and service than the competition. While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers has maintained its original strategy of being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection.
Additionally, to celebrate the grand opening of each new location, Toppers gives away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors. This, coupled with other out-of-the-box marketing methods, has lifted the brand into high ranks of success.
When Gittrich created Toppers in August 1991, he had the fortune of a long-stint in the Domino’s camp, in which he was inspired by its core culture, values, leadership of its founder Tom Monaghan, and even earned the privilege of securing one of the famed Rolex watches Monaghan awarded to his top performers. When given the opportunity to become a franchisee of two sinking Dayton, Ohio, Domino’s units for the price of just $1 each, Gittrich turned it down.
“I rebelled against the big box,” he said. “I knew that by pouring my heart and soul into my own concept I would be able to create a brand one-step better than the competition.”
Gittrich’s plan worked. The first Toppers location opened to rave reviews, a fanatical following, and an all-star first four months after opening in August of 1991. But just like any start-up business, there was bound to be a down moment. In December of its first year of operation, Toppers’ sales sunk to just $700 for the week, thanks to an underestimated college winter break. The downs are the reason Gittrich has remained a franchisee in his own system, as the owner of seven locations, he is able to test, treat and market new initiatives as well as contribute to the national advertising fund.
“I won’t give up being a pizza delivery franchisee,” he said, noting he still operates the locations, including the newest Whitewater location/training facility. “It is important for me to be in the trenches with my franchisee family. Plus, I love the grind way too much.”
Unlike other franchise brands, Toppers makes an earnings claim in its franchise disclosure documents, stating that the Wisconsin locations make an average of $945k/year (2008 AUV), which is a remarkable financial measure given the size (1,600 – 1,800 sq. feet) and that industry averages are nestled right around $600k/year. The high return on investment is built from the fanatical aspects of the brand, as well as dedicated, driven franchisees who are deeply connected to those in their community – especially the nearest university. Franchisees entering the Toppers system must have a minimum liquidity of $150k and a net worth of $300k. The average cost to open a Toppers is $400k.
“As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” Gittrich said.
WHITEWATER, WI – In 2009, the face of the pizza industry frowned, as sales were sluggish and growth was stunted. Toppers Pizza, though, dodged a slowdown with increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales; five new units; and 18 under contract. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billion pizza industry. Why?“The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based 26-unit franchise brand. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.”
Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus.
Gittrich has never swayed from his original mission: Create an eclectic pizza delivery experience while maintaining a better product and service than the competition. While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers has maintained its original strategy of being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection.
Additionally, to celebrate the grand opening of each new location, Toppers gives away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors. This, coupled with other out-of-the-box marketing methods, has lifted the brand into high ranks of success.
When Gittrich created Toppers in August 1991, he had the fortune of a long-stint in the Domino’s camp, in which he was inspired by its core culture, values, leadership of its founder Tom Monaghan, and even earned the privilege of securing one of the famed Rolex watches Monaghan awarded to his top performers. When given the opportunity to become a franchisee of two sinking Dayton, Ohio, Domino’s units for the price of just $1 each, Gittrich turned it down.
“I rebelled against the big box,” he said. “I knew that by pouring my heart and soul into my own concept I would be able to create a brand one-step better than the competition.”
Gittrich’s plan worked. The first Toppers location opened to rave reviews, a fanatical following, and an all-star first four months after opening in August of 1991. But just like any start-up business, there was bound to be a down moment. In December of its first year of operation, Toppers’ sales sunk to just $700 for the week, thanks to an underestimated college winter break. The downs are the reason Gittrich has remained a franchisee in his own system, as the owner of seven locations, he is able to test, treat and market new initiatives as well as contribute to the national advertising fund.
“I won’t give up being a pizza delivery franchisee,” he said, noting he still operates the locations, including the newest Whitewater location/training facility. “It is important for me to be in the trenches with my franchisee family. Plus, I love the grind way too much.”
Unlike other franchise brands, Toppers makes an earnings claim in its franchise disclosure documents, stating that the Wisconsin locations make an average of $945k/year (2008 AUV), which is a remarkable financial measure given the size (1,600 – 1,800 sq. feet) and that industry averages are nestled right around $600k/year. The high return on investment is built from the fanatical aspects of the brand, as well as dedicated, driven franchisees who are deeply connected to those in their community – especially the nearest university. Franchisees entering the Toppers system must have a minimum liquidity of $150k and a net worth of $300k. The average cost to open a Toppers is $400k.
“As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” Gittrich said.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Toppers Fanatics line up for free pizza at the Bay View Opening
Friday, October 15, 2010
Toppers' Bay View opening discussed in Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Toppers Pizza was recently featured in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s food blog, “Taste Buds.” The article discusses Toppers’ newest and perhaps final opening in Milwaukee, happening this Saturday, Oct. 16 and officially saturates the Milwaukee market. It also spreads the word about how Toppers will give the first 50 customers in line free food for a year, and mentions Toppers plans to expand throughout the Midwest. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.
Toppers Pizza opening Saturday in Bay View
By Carol Deptolla of the Journal Sentinel
The newest Milwaukee-area Toppers Pizza is opening at Saturday in Bay View, and the company says it's likely the last for the area for a while.
The store, at 2262 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., opens at 10:30 a.m., and the Whitewater-based chain's openings tend to draw a crowd -- the first 50 customers in line receive free food for a year.
According to the company, the Bay View store -- the eighth Toppers in and around Milwaukee -- represents the saturation point for the market, at least for the time being, so no further franchises are planned here. (Read More)
Toppers Pizza opening Saturday in Bay View
By Carol Deptolla of the Journal Sentinel
The newest Milwaukee-area Toppers Pizza is opening at Saturday in Bay View, and the company says it's likely the last for the area for a while.The store, at 2262 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., opens at 10:30 a.m., and the Whitewater-based chain's openings tend to draw a crowd -- the first 50 customers in line receive free food for a year.
According to the company, the Bay View store -- the eighth Toppers in and around Milwaukee -- represents the saturation point for the market, at least for the time being, so no further franchises are planned here. (Read More)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Toppers social media contest featured by In Business Madison
Scott Iverson discusses Toppers’ new “Spank Your Pizza” social media crowdsourcing campaign, where the winner’s pizza creation will become a permanent fixture on Toppers’ menu nation-wide. Scott explains this new marketing concept in detail and discusses what it means for both the future of Toppers and the relationship between business and social media in general. As an expert on the relationship between business and social media, Scott also offers advice to other business owners looking to connect with consumers via social media. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here.
Social media play: Can you top this?
It's safe to say that Toppers Pizza in Madison caters to the social media generation, but the people behind its new customer engagement campaign say that any business can actually relate to customers if it is willing to relinquish some control.
The technical term for what the Wisconsin-based Toppers is doing is "social media crowd-sourcing," but it's actually a new spin on an old motto — the customer is always right — for a comfort food product.
One trip to the Toppers website and you get the idea the company already takes an off-the-wall approach to brand loyalty, but it's new, tournament-style "Spank Your Pizza" Facebook challenge is giving consumers a chance to actually shape the menu. (Read More)
Social media play: Can you top this?
It's safe to say that Toppers Pizza in Madison caters to the social media generation, but the people behind its new customer engagement campaign say that any business can actually relate to customers if it is willing to relinquish some control.The technical term for what the Wisconsin-based Toppers is doing is "social media crowd-sourcing," but it's actually a new spin on an old motto — the customer is always right — for a comfort food product.
One trip to the Toppers website and you get the idea the company already takes an off-the-wall approach to brand loyalty, but it's new, tournament-style "Spank Your Pizza" Facebook challenge is giving consumers a chance to actually shape the menu. (Read More)
Monday, October 4, 2010
Toppers multi-unit franchisee Denise Downing highlighted in Onalaska Holmen Courier-Life
In a recent article in the Onalaska Holmen Courier-Life, local Toppers Pizza owner/operator Denise Downing and local Fire Chief Don Dominick of Onalaska discuss their decision to team up to celebrate the fact that October is both National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month. On October 5th, from 4-8 p.m., local fire fighters will be delivering Toppers Pizza to residents via fire truck! Then, they will do smoke detector checks at every customer’s house, and provide free smoke detectors and batteries to any customers that need them. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.
Ordering pizza might save a life
Onalaska pizza lovers ordering through Toppers on Oct. 5 will get a special treat when their pizza is delivered. A volunteer fire fighter might be behind the delivery person.
Toppers is teaming up with the Onalaska Fire Department to celebrate National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month, both celebrated in October.
According to Denise Downing, owner of Toppers, when pizzas are ordered between 4 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, Onalaska firefighters will also arrive with the delivery, sometimes via fire truck if one is available. While the customer is completing the pizza transaction, volunteer fire fighters will conduct smoke detector checks and provide free smoke detectors and batteries where needed.
“It will be kind of neat to see fire vehicles with a Toppers sign on top,” Downing said. (Read More)
Ordering pizza might save a life
Onalaska pizza lovers ordering through Toppers on Oct. 5 will get a special treat when their pizza is delivered. A volunteer fire fighter might be behind the delivery person.Toppers is teaming up with the Onalaska Fire Department to celebrate National Pizza Month and National Fire Safety Month, both celebrated in October.
According to Denise Downing, owner of Toppers, when pizzas are ordered between 4 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, Onalaska firefighters will also arrive with the delivery, sometimes via fire truck if one is available. While the customer is completing the pizza transaction, volunteer fire fighters will conduct smoke detector checks and provide free smoke detectors and batteries where needed.
“It will be kind of neat to see fire vehicles with a Toppers sign on top,” Downing said. (Read More)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Toppers Cincinnati opening featured in The NewsRecord
Toppers was recently featured in an article discussing their upcoming opening in Cincinnati. The article details all the cool reasons why Toppers is so beloved by the college demographic, from late night hours to unique menu items to "ping" pong ball dispensers! It also gives students information about the opening on Oct 2 and everything it will offer, including free food for a year for the first 50 customers in line, and the opportunity to be photographed in the Toppers mascot costume and "become a part of Toppers history! Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.
Toppers to award first 50 customers
By Meredith Tipton | Staff Reporter
Late night pizza, games, TV and an inviting atmosphere make for the ideal lobby of a college dorm. Thanks to Toppers Pizza, this description also applies to the lobby of a pizza restaurant coming to Clifton.
Wisconsin-based and college-oriented Toppers will open its first Ohio unit on Saturday,
Oct. 2 at 345 Calhoun St. Toppers sets itself apart from other "old, stale, boring" pizza places with its menu, as well as the events planned for its grand opening, said Brett Larrabee, director of franchise development.
Toppers' tradition at each grand opening grants the first 50 customers one year of free food from the restaurant. This has led to people lining up outside the building, sometimes camping out 48 hours in advance, Larrabee said. (Read More)
Toppers to award first 50 customersBy Meredith Tipton | Staff Reporter
Late night pizza, games, TV and an inviting atmosphere make for the ideal lobby of a college dorm. Thanks to Toppers Pizza, this description also applies to the lobby of a pizza restaurant coming to Clifton.
Wisconsin-based and college-oriented Toppers will open its first Ohio unit on Saturday,
Oct. 2 at 345 Calhoun St. Toppers sets itself apart from other "old, stale, boring" pizza places with its menu, as well as the events planned for its grand opening, said Brett Larrabee, director of franchise development.
Toppers' tradition at each grand opening grants the first 50 customers one year of free food from the restaurant. This has led to people lining up outside the building, sometimes camping out 48 hours in advance, Larrabee said. (Read More)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Toppers goes on-air with Fox 19, new discusses Cincinnati location
Toppers was featured in an article called “Free Food for a year at Toppers grand opening” on Fox 19’s website. The article discusses Toppers’ plan to blow up its grand opening celebration with free pizza for a year to the first 50 in line. You can check out the article here:
Free food for a year at Toppers grand opening
Wisconsin based Toppers Pizza is opening their first Ohio location with a huge celebration. The first 50 customers receive free food for a year.
In other cities, fans have reportedly waited up to 48 hours in advance for doors to open. The first 50 customers will get a coupon book with one free item per week for a year. (Read More)
Free food for a year at Toppers grand opening
Wisconsin based Toppers Pizza is opening their first Ohio location with a huge celebration. The first 50 customers receive free food for a year.In other cities, fans have reportedly waited up to 48 hours in advance for doors to open. The first 50 customers will get a coupon book with one free item per week for a year. (Read More)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Toppers Pizza looks to expand into Oxford, Ohio
Toppers was recently featured in the Miami University of Ohio’s student newspaper, Miami Student called “Dine-in pizza shop hopes to open in Oxford.” They talked about the ways in which Toppers caters to college students, from late-night hours to unique menu items to ping pong ball dispensers, and discussed why Oxford is such a perfect place for Toppers to be. They said they plan to enter Oxford sometime within the next 12 to 18 months. Annie also interviewed Alan Kyger, Oxford economic development director, who spoke about Oxford’s lack of dine-in restaurants, a void that Toppers Pizza would certainly fill. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.
Dine-in pizza shop hopes to open in Oxford
By Annie Butler
Toppers Pizza, a pizza chain based in Whitewater, Wis. hopes to expand its franchise to Oxford.
The avant-garde establishment caters to a college-aged market and plans to open a restaurant in Oxford within the next 12 to 18 months. Rick Fullarton, a 2005 Miami University graduate, will spearhead the expansion as Toppers Pizza's newest co-owner and operator.
The Oxford restaurant will be one of 15 franchises in Toppers' Ohio expansion plan. Toppers Pizza targets the 18 to 34 age group and intends to break ground near colleges and universities, according to Fullarton. Fullarton is opening the first Ohio franchise near the University of Cincinnati Oct. 2.
According to Brett Larrabee, Toppers Pizza director of franchise development, Toppers will compete with Oxford's nine well-established pizza restaurants by relying on its irreverent marketing plan.
"(Toppers is) a brand all about you," Larrabee said. "Our marketing is very unique, some may say it's borderline shocking, but the kids like it and appreciate it and think it's cool." (Read More)
Dine-in pizza shop hopes to open in Oxford
By Annie Butler
Toppers Pizza, a pizza chain based in Whitewater, Wis. hopes to expand its franchise to Oxford.The avant-garde establishment caters to a college-aged market and plans to open a restaurant in Oxford within the next 12 to 18 months. Rick Fullarton, a 2005 Miami University graduate, will spearhead the expansion as Toppers Pizza's newest co-owner and operator.
The Oxford restaurant will be one of 15 franchises in Toppers' Ohio expansion plan. Toppers Pizza targets the 18 to 34 age group and intends to break ground near colleges and universities, according to Fullarton. Fullarton is opening the first Ohio franchise near the University of Cincinnati Oct. 2.
According to Brett Larrabee, Toppers Pizza director of franchise development, Toppers will compete with Oxford's nine well-established pizza restaurants by relying on its irreverent marketing plan.
"(Toppers is) a brand all about you," Larrabee said. "Our marketing is very unique, some may say it's borderline shocking, but the kids like it and appreciate it and think it's cool." (Read More)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Toppers goes on air with Cincinnati's WLWT
Toppers Pizza was featured on Cincinnati's WLWT News 5 Today’s weekend morning show. The segment aired on Sunday (9/26) and Cincinnati franchisees Dave and Rick Fullarton were the guests. The Fullartons brought in some delicious pizzas for the TV crew to sample, including the famous Hangover Helper, CBR, Buffalo Chicken, and of course, Topperstix! They talked about what makes Toppers different from the masses, how they cater to college students, and what they’ll be doing for their grand opening blow-out on October 2nd. This will be a great way to spread the word to Cincinnati residents about Toppers’ upcoming grand opening, and get people excited about everything they have to offer. Check out the segment by clicking on the image below.
Cincinnati Business Courier focuses on Toppers Expansion into Ohio
Toppers Pizza is laying out the red carpet for its new opening in Cincinnati on Oct. 2. The Cincinnati Business Courier recently reported on Toppers opening where the first 50 people in line will receive free pizza for a year with other giveaways and prizes to occur that day as well. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here:
New pizza franchise coming to Cincinnati
Some Cincinnati entrepreneurs are bringing a new pizza chain to Cincinnati, one that promises an "eclectic" personality.
Called Toppers, the chain is based Wisconsin and counts 26 locations in four states. Locally, Bob Fullarton and his sons Dave and Rick are opening Greater Cincinnati's first Toppers on Oct. 2 at 345 Calhoun St. in University Heights. Major pizza lovers might want to participate in their planned campout, since the first 50 in line will get free food for a year. (Read More)
New pizza franchise coming to Cincinnati
By Lisa Benson
Some Cincinnati entrepreneurs are bringing a new pizza chain to Cincinnati, one that promises an "eclectic" personality.Called Toppers, the chain is based Wisconsin and counts 26 locations in four states. Locally, Bob Fullarton and his sons Dave and Rick are opening Greater Cincinnati's first Toppers on Oct. 2 at 345 Calhoun St. in University Heights. Major pizza lovers might want to participate in their planned campout, since the first 50 in line will get free food for a year. (Read More)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Cincinnati Enquirer previews Toppers' new Cincinnati location
The Cincinnati Enquirer has just posted an article about Toppers Pizza’s new opening in two weeks! Food Reporter, Polly Campbell spoke with Toppers owner, Dave Fullarton, about why he chose to bring this new pizza franchise to Cincinnati for the first time. The story comments on Toppers’ legendary grand opening celebrations and describes its unique menu. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here:
Topper’s Pizza to open here.
Fifty people will get free food for a year when Toppers Pizza opens at 345 Calhoun St. in University Heights on October 2. This Wisconsin-based chain, just now moving into Ohio, gives away a coupon book for one free food item a week to the first 50 people to come in. This usually leads to lines and people camping out overnight.
Then they settle into selling pizza, subs, quesadillas and more, mostly to college students. That’s their market, rather than the families that most national pizza chains are going for. They do a lot of delivery, on college student hours, from 10:30 a.m. until 3 a.m. every day. There are also seats and carry-out, but it’s not meant to be mostly dine-in. They don’t sell beer. The company’s big on social networking and maintains an irreverent image to appeal to their 18-34 year old customers. They include some important college icons in their decor: a telephone pole for stapling up notices and a ping-pong ball dispenser for playing. . . . ping pong. (Read More)
Topper’s Pizza to open here.
Fifty people will get free food for a year when Toppers Pizza opens at 345 Calhoun St. in University Heights on October 2. This Wisconsin-based chain, just now moving into Ohio, gives away a coupon book for one free food item a week to the first 50 people to come in. This usually leads to lines and people camping out overnight.Then they settle into selling pizza, subs, quesadillas and more, mostly to college students. That’s their market, rather than the families that most national pizza chains are going for. They do a lot of delivery, on college student hours, from 10:30 a.m. until 3 a.m. every day. There are also seats and carry-out, but it’s not meant to be mostly dine-in. They don’t sell beer. The company’s big on social networking and maintains an irreverent image to appeal to their 18-34 year old customers. They include some important college icons in their decor: a telephone pole for stapling up notices and a ping-pong ball dispenser for playing. . . . ping pong. (Read More)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Toppers Pizza hires in down economy, gets featured on CNNMoney.com
Toppers Pizza was recently featured on CNNMoney.com as a small business that is hiring in today’s economy! Dave Gilewski, owner of Toppers Pizza in Franklin, WI, was interviewed for the story. The story mentions Toppers unique pizzas that makes Toppers one-of-a-kind. Dave attributes his huge success as a small business owner to building great relationships with his customers. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here:
Small businesses that are actually hiring!
Toppers Pizza
Location: Franklin, Wisc.
Employees hired in last year: 12
Total Employees: about 30
How about taco sauce, taco meat, mozzarella, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, green onions and tortilla strips -- on one pizza?! From the day Dave Gilewski opened his Toppers Pizza franchise in Franklin, Wisc., -- just outside of Milwaukee -- the franchise store was over run with customers. "We keep growing and growing," Gilewski said. "It is a great problem to have." (Read More)
Small businesses that are actually hiring!
Toppers PizzaLocation: Franklin, Wisc.
Employees hired in last year: 12
Total Employees: about 30
How about taco sauce, taco meat, mozzarella, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, green onions and tortilla strips -- on one pizza?! From the day Dave Gilewski opened his Toppers Pizza franchise in Franklin, Wisc., -- just outside of Milwaukee -- the franchise store was over run with customers. "We keep growing and growing," Gilewski said. "It is a great problem to have." (Read More)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Toppers Promotes 'Spank Your Pizza' on FOX 6 Wake Up
The Toppers team just did a fun segment with FOX 6 Wake Up News on its new social media contest called “Spank Your Pizza” where Toppers fanatics are tasked with finding the next pizza for Toppers menu. Director of Marketing Scott Iversen and General Manager Adam Oldenburg appeared on the segment.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Toppers taps Five Guys vet for franchising role
Nation’s Restaurant News recently published an article about Toppers Pizza’s new growth strategy moving into the next decade. Toppers plans on taking the 26-unit eclectic pizza chain to 500 units by 2020. How will they get there? With the help of experienced franchise guru, Brett Larrabee, a former member of the franchise development team at Five Guys Burger and Fries and Panchero’s Mexican Grill. Read a portion of the article below or check out the full story here.
Toppers taps Five Guys vet for franchising role
Regional pizza chain has goal of having 500 stores in 10 years
Toppers Pizza has hired a franchising expert, most recently from Five Guys, to spearhead its own expansion plans, which include growing the 20-year-old chain from its current 26 units to 500 by 2020.
Brett Larrabee, the fast-casual pizza chain’s new director of franchise development, most recently was director of New York City operations for Five Guys Burgers & Fries, which has undergone rapid expansion over the past few years. Before Five Guys, Larrabee was director of franchising at Pancheros Mexican Grill in Coralville, Iowa, and before that he was a Subway franchisee.
Larrabee said he moved to Whitewater, Wis., to join Toppers because he liked the economics of the restaurants, which in 2009 had average unit sales of $966,000 and $186,250 in profit — a margin of more than 19 percent.
“There are few opportunities that have strong economics that are consistent and viable,” Larrabee said, pointing to the chain’s 20-year track record as an asset. (Read more)
Toppers taps Five Guys vet for franchising role
Regional pizza chain has goal of having 500 stores in 10 years
Toppers Pizza has hired a franchising expert, most recently from Five Guys, to spearhead its own expansion plans, which include growing the 20-year-old chain from its current 26 units to 500 by 2020.Brett Larrabee, the fast-casual pizza chain’s new director of franchise development, most recently was director of New York City operations for Five Guys Burgers & Fries, which has undergone rapid expansion over the past few years. Before Five Guys, Larrabee was director of franchising at Pancheros Mexican Grill in Coralville, Iowa, and before that he was a Subway franchisee.
Larrabee said he moved to Whitewater, Wis., to join Toppers because he liked the economics of the restaurants, which in 2009 had average unit sales of $966,000 and $186,250 in profit — a margin of more than 19 percent.
“There are few opportunities that have strong economics that are consistent and viable,” Larrabee said, pointing to the chain’s 20-year track record as an asset. (Read more)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Toppers Pizza Celebrates 20 Years; Ramps Up National Growth Strategy
Hires Franchising Veteran to Run Development Campaign for First Time and Position Franchise for Aggressive Growth
WHITEWATER, WI – CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich’s vision has come to fruition over the past 20 years. That vision was to create an eclectic pizza delivery experience while maintaining a better product and service than the competition.
“The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based 26-unit franchise brand. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.”
While many brands hurry to sell franchises and get as many locations open as quickly as possible, that can prove to be a failure. Toppers has stuck to the mantra of slow and steady growth ensuring that its open locations survive despite even the harshest of economic conditions. Over the past 20 years, Toppers has created a sound system, and is ready to unleash its opportunity to the masses.
Supported by almost one million dollar AUVs, a fanatical fan base with an almost cult-like following and franchisees who eat, breathe and sleep the brand, Toppers has all the pieces in place to become a huge national player. The way it will get there: hiring a 20-plus year franchising veteran who has experience with brands like Five Guys and Pancheros and who has also been a multi-unit Subway franchisee himself, as well as unleashing its first-ever national advertising strategy for franchise development.
Brett Larrabee, the new Director of Franchise Development for Toppers Pizza, said himself that at first he thought that Toppers was just another pizza place, but upon learning more about Toppers, he realized that Toppers was different.
“What I found was a company that was offering a buying experience. They were talking to the pizza consumer’s heaviest user demographic (college students) in a way that they wanted to be spoken to. They have created a Marketing Machine,” Larrabee said. “As a result, Toppers is able to maintain strong margins in what is usually a commodity/price-driven business.”
Larrabee will enact a slightly different franchising strategy to help Toppers grow throughout the country, putting a focus on connecting with multi-unit developers who want to build up store density in larger markets. Toppers’ next focal points for saturation are Chicago, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati, but the franchise is also looking at development opportunities with multi-unit franchisees in large markets nationwide.
“We’re looking for franchisees who are excited by excellent unit economics and an entire map to play with,” Larrabee said. “The larger multi-unit franchisees haven’t even been exposed to Toppers franchise model yet and once they see what’s possible, this brand is going to explode.”
Aiding Larabee to get the word out about the tremendous opportunity Toppers presents to potential franchisees will be a new focus on franchise development marketing.
“Before now, the budget wasn’t there to focus on growth outside of corporate and organic growth,” he said. “Now, we are going to market our brand right to the big players who will be unable to look away once they see what’s possible.”
WHITEWATER, WI – CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich’s vision has come to fruition over the past 20 years. That vision was to create an eclectic pizza delivery experience while maintaining a better product and service than the competition.“The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based 26-unit franchise brand. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.”
While many brands hurry to sell franchises and get as many locations open as quickly as possible, that can prove to be a failure. Toppers has stuck to the mantra of slow and steady growth ensuring that its open locations survive despite even the harshest of economic conditions. Over the past 20 years, Toppers has created a sound system, and is ready to unleash its opportunity to the masses.
Supported by almost one million dollar AUVs, a fanatical fan base with an almost cult-like following and franchisees who eat, breathe and sleep the brand, Toppers has all the pieces in place to become a huge national player. The way it will get there: hiring a 20-plus year franchising veteran who has experience with brands like Five Guys and Pancheros and who has also been a multi-unit Subway franchisee himself, as well as unleashing its first-ever national advertising strategy for franchise development.
Brett Larrabee, the new Director of Franchise Development for Toppers Pizza, said himself that at first he thought that Toppers was just another pizza place, but upon learning more about Toppers, he realized that Toppers was different.
“What I found was a company that was offering a buying experience. They were talking to the pizza consumer’s heaviest user demographic (college students) in a way that they wanted to be spoken to. They have created a Marketing Machine,” Larrabee said. “As a result, Toppers is able to maintain strong margins in what is usually a commodity/price-driven business.”
Larrabee will enact a slightly different franchising strategy to help Toppers grow throughout the country, putting a focus on connecting with multi-unit developers who want to build up store density in larger markets. Toppers’ next focal points for saturation are Chicago, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati, but the franchise is also looking at development opportunities with multi-unit franchisees in large markets nationwide.
“We’re looking for franchisees who are excited by excellent unit economics and an entire map to play with,” Larrabee said. “The larger multi-unit franchisees haven’t even been exposed to Toppers franchise model yet and once they see what’s possible, this brand is going to explode.”
Aiding Larabee to get the word out about the tremendous opportunity Toppers presents to potential franchisees will be a new focus on franchise development marketing.
“Before now, the budget wasn’t there to focus on growth outside of corporate and organic growth,” he said. “Now, we are going to market our brand right to the big players who will be unable to look away once they see what’s possible.”
Friday, September 10, 2010
Franchisee Profile: Dan Ogiba and Brad Vinton (St. Paul, MN)
Franchise Locations: Two slated for St. Paul area
How Dan Ogiba and Brad Vinton Got Started With Toppers Pizza…
Dan and Brad have been best friends since becoming college roommates their freshman year at Hamline University. Both played football for Hamline and became fast friends. Over the next five years, Dan and Brad roomed together and shared the same passion for starting their own business one day.
During game day one day last year, Dan had a bunch of his friends over watching the game. Of course, the group of friends wanted pizza for their viewing party. Dan had taken out a coupon book he kept of all the pizza chains that sent coupons. He laid them on the table and one of his friends said, “We’ve got to order Toppers,” pointing to the Toppers mailer on the table. Dan had never tasted Toppers before, but since that day, he’s been hooked.
Less than a year later, Dan ran into Scott Iversen, Toppers Director of Marketing, at the IFA convention in San Antonio, while he was there representing Haagen-Dazs as Director of Franchise Development for the ice cream franchise. He was eager to speak with Scott because he loved Toppers Pizza. He found out then that Toppers was looking to grow.
Since then, Dan has corralled his best friend, Brad, to become co-owners of new locations in St. Paul. The duo has signed on to open two locations in St. Paul, with one of those being in the same neighborhood as their alma mater at Hamline. Brad will be the general manager while Dan will continue to work with Haagen-Dazs.
What Intrigued Dan Ogiba and Brad Vinton about Toppers Pizza …
That initial reaction from Dan’s friend about his excitement that Toppers’ had a Minneapolis location is what drew Dan in from the start. With Dan and Brad’s research of Toppers, the two have learned that Toppers has customers that are more connected, more engaged and more fanatical than most other brands. If that type of fanaticism is possible in Wisconsin, the tag team is up for the challenge to bring it to St. Paul as well. In addition, Dan, working with a franchise system that has been in existence for many years, was impressed that the Toppers’ corporate team is so well put together, comparing it to some of the best franchises in the country.
Dan and Brad are excited to bring Toppers to their college town – where they have their fondest memories – and create the Toppers experience. In Dan and Brad’s opinion, St. Paul doesn’t have a pizza place with personality or one that gives its customers an emotional connection to the brand. An ample part of building their business will be to ensure that everyone who visits Toppers has a great experience and making those customers, customers for life.
Something Interesting About Dan Ogiba and Brad Vinton Story…
Dan and Brad’s goal is to open their first Toppers location in time for Super Bowl weekend 2011. Their first location will be in the proximity of four St. Paul universities. Their second will be around Hamline University and the University of MN, St. Paul.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Back to School Boosts Business
School is back in session and Toppers is putting its focus on greeting students with the very best pizza in town. Recently, WKBT in La Crosse, did a story on how students coming back to school makes a huge impact on local business. Check out the story here:
Back to School Boosts Business
Reported by Kristen Elicerio
Each fall thousands of college students return to the Coulee Region. With all three of La Crosse's colleges back in session, the local economy should see some benefits.
Knowing the impact that college students have on La Crosse businesses, last December Toppers Pizza moved it's location from The Village Plaza to the campus area.
"The students are walking by. It's a high-traffic area. There's more visibility, easier access to campus. And since we've moved it's been great," said owner Denise Downing.
Students say when they return to town they're eager to reconnect with friends.
"Definitely a lot of our friends are back in town and we love to get together and hang out," said UW-La Crosse senior Katie Rhodes. (Read More)
Back to School Boosts Business
Reported by Kristen Elicerio
Each fall thousands of college students return to the Coulee Region. With all three of La Crosse's colleges back in session, the local economy should see some benefits.Knowing the impact that college students have on La Crosse businesses, last December Toppers Pizza moved it's location from The Village Plaza to the campus area.
"The students are walking by. It's a high-traffic area. There's more visibility, easier access to campus. And since we've moved it's been great," said owner Denise Downing.
Students say when they return to town they're eager to reconnect with friends.
"Definitely a lot of our friends are back in town and we love to get together and hang out," said UW-La Crosse senior Katie Rhodes. (Read More)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Toppers Pizza pioneers with Spank Your Pizza contest
Toppers Pizza is pioneering a whole new wave of social marketing using a theory called crowdsourcing. Through this avenue, Toppers is giving their fans complete creative control and letting them creative Toppers’ next menu item! The winner’s creation will appear on the menu permanently and will be named after the creator. Pizzamarketplace.com just published an article about Toppers’ newest Social Media campaign. Read a portion below or see the full article here.
Toppers Pizza creates new pizza through ‘crowdsourcing’
By Jennifer Litz
The pizza industry has been banking on some colorful tags lately, including Domino’s successful "Oh Yes We Did" mantra. Now expanding Midwestern chain Toppers Pizza is pushing the more cheeky "Spank your 'buds," meant to convey the brand's forte of "really good tasting food," according to marketing director Scott Iversen.
But just as Domino's used its now famous tagline to spearhead a recipe overhaul that admitted previously subpar food, Toppers is launching the promo that goes with the saucy saying: The “Spank Your Pizza” program will allow fans and customers alike to create their own original pizza recipe using the ingredients found at each Toppers. Top entrees will battle each other in a tournament-style bracket, where each recipe advances based on the voting of Toppers’ own Facebook fans. The ultimate winner will have their menu item featured as a part of the Toppers’ menu, also receiving free Toppers for a year as well as a $500 gift card. Second prize will be rewarded free Toppers for a year and a $100 gift card, while every finalist gets a free Triple Order. (Read More)
Toppers Pizza creates new pizza through ‘crowdsourcing’
By Jennifer Litz
The pizza industry has been banking on some colorful tags lately, including Domino’s successful "Oh Yes We Did" mantra. Now expanding Midwestern chain Toppers Pizza is pushing the more cheeky "Spank your 'buds," meant to convey the brand's forte of "really good tasting food," according to marketing director Scott Iversen.But just as Domino's used its now famous tagline to spearhead a recipe overhaul that admitted previously subpar food, Toppers is launching the promo that goes with the saucy saying: The “Spank Your Pizza” program will allow fans and customers alike to create their own original pizza recipe using the ingredients found at each Toppers. Top entrees will battle each other in a tournament-style bracket, where each recipe advances based on the voting of Toppers’ own Facebook fans. The ultimate winner will have their menu item featured as a part of the Toppers’ menu, also receiving free Toppers for a year as well as a $500 gift card. Second prize will be rewarded free Toppers for a year and a $100 gift card, while every finalist gets a free Triple Order. (Read More)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Toppers' expansion plans discussed in Green Bay Gazette
Toppers recently handed out their Franchisee of the Year Award to Green Bay and Appleton owners, Joe Kirschling and Aaron Johnson. Joe and Aaron were recently interviewed by the Green Bay Press Gazette about their accomplishment. The partners opened their Appleton location in 2008 and re-opened the Green Bay location in February. The team is credited for revitalizing the Green Bay location while maintaining the success of their Appleton location. The interview also discusses the teams’s expansion plans as they plan to open their third location together by the summer of 2011. A portion of the article is below and the entire article can be read here.
Toppers looks to expand in Green Bay
By Nathan Phelps
The owners of Toppers pizza in Green Bay are eying an expansion of operations to the west side of the city late this year or by the summer of 2011.
Co-owners Aaron Johnson and Joe Kirschling are looking at the expansion on the heels of taking on the Green Bay Toppers franchise earlier this year.
The pair have operated Toppers in Appleton since early 2008 and re-opened Green Bay operations in February. They were also recently bestowed Toppers Franchise of the Year for 2009 and 2010. (Read More)
Toppers looks to expand in Green Bay
By Nathan Phelps
The owners of Toppers pizza in Green Bay are eying an expansion of operations to the west side of the city late this year or by the summer of 2011.Co-owners Aaron Johnson and Joe Kirschling are looking at the expansion on the heels of taking on the Green Bay Toppers franchise earlier this year.
The pair have operated Toppers in Appleton since early 2008 and re-opened Green Bay operations in February. They were also recently bestowed Toppers Franchise of the Year for 2009 and 2010. (Read More)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
We Come Fast, No Apologies: Eclectic Pizza Franchise Launches Major Minneapolis Expansion
Toppers Pizza Continues Successful Emergence Outside of Wisconsin; Focuses on Maintaining Consistent Fanatical Brand Support Location-to-Location
The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the only pizza concept with personality to Minneapolis in full force– set to open the first of three locations in 2010 under the leadership of an experienced, yet young entrepreneur.
Leading Toppers expansion throughout Minneapolis is a seasoned Toppers Pizza entrepreneur who at 28 years old has already opened four Toppers locations in Wisconsin. The first Minneapolis location opened in 2006 to test the market, and now, John Kubisiak is helping Toppers penetrate Minnesota’s twin cities even further. Kubisiak and his partner, Greg Morrison, signed a development deal with Toppers Pizza to bring three Toppers Pizza locations to Minneapolis by 2012, with the goal of opening first in mid-2010.
Kubisiak’s development plans are just one piece of Topper’s ultimate Minnesota growth strategy. The extremely hot franchise already operates three Minnesota locations in Mankato, St. Cloud and Minneapolis with plans to open at least 35 more in the metro Minneapolis/St. Paul area, delivering a similar clustered growth strategy to that of its successful Wisconsin growth.
“John has quickly proven his ability to operate as a multi-unit franchisee,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO and founder of Toppers Pizza, who Kubisiak said inspired him to achieve large goals within the system. “Multi-unit ownership takes extreme dedication and drive. John has both!”
From Kubisiak’s college days of eating at Toppers Pizza every single day, he knew this pizza concept was different from any of the competition out there. It was his love of Toppers Pizza that drove him to work at Toppers in college as a delivery driver and then at Toppers corporate headquarters in Whitewater, WI as a finance intern while working toward his bachelor’s in finance.
“I literally ate, slept and breathed Toppers Pizza. I used to order Topperstix every night at 2-3 a.m.,” Kubisiak said. “It was the pizza hotspot that all college students fell in love with.”
Seeing how fanatical people were about Toppers Pizza and then working in the corporate office and understanding how the proven franchise model worked, Kubisiak did not think twice about wanting to open one of his own. Right after graduation, at 22 years young, he opened his first location. Now with three very successful locations under his belt and a fourth set to open in November, Kubisiak is excited to lead the brand’s entrance into Minneapolis.
Kubisiak plans to open Toppers in the Minneapolis location of Dinkytown, a central area to the University of Minnesota.
“When I think about college, my experiences with Toppers Pizza are among some of my best memories,” Kubisiak said. “I can’t wait to introduce University of Minnesota students to a pizza place that will blow their idea of pizza out of the water.”
Kubisiak will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public next year by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors.
“Once Minneapolis area residents taste our pizza and experience our brand, they won’t go back to the competition,” said Kubisiak, noting the freshness, uniqueness and quality of Toppers ingredients. “I’m confident Toppers Pizza will become a household name in Minneapolis.”
Unlike other franchise brands, Toppers makes an earnings claim in its franchise disclosure documents, stating that the Wisconsin locations make an average of $945k/year (2008 AUV), which is a remarkable financial measure given the size (1,600 – 1,800 sq. feet) and that industry averages are nestled right around $600k/year. The high return on investment is built from the fanatical aspects of the brand, as well as dedicated, driven franchisees who are deeply connected to those in their community – especially the nearest university. Franchisees entering the Toppers system must have a minimum liquidity of $150k and a net worth of $300k. The average cost to open a Toppers is $400k.
“As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” Gittrich said.
The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the only pizza concept with personality to Minneapolis in full force– set to open the first of three locations in 2010 under the leadership of an experienced, yet young entrepreneur.Leading Toppers expansion throughout Minneapolis is a seasoned Toppers Pizza entrepreneur who at 28 years old has already opened four Toppers locations in Wisconsin. The first Minneapolis location opened in 2006 to test the market, and now, John Kubisiak is helping Toppers penetrate Minnesota’s twin cities even further. Kubisiak and his partner, Greg Morrison, signed a development deal with Toppers Pizza to bring three Toppers Pizza locations to Minneapolis by 2012, with the goal of opening first in mid-2010.
Kubisiak’s development plans are just one piece of Topper’s ultimate Minnesota growth strategy. The extremely hot franchise already operates three Minnesota locations in Mankato, St. Cloud and Minneapolis with plans to open at least 35 more in the metro Minneapolis/St. Paul area, delivering a similar clustered growth strategy to that of its successful Wisconsin growth.
“John has quickly proven his ability to operate as a multi-unit franchisee,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO and founder of Toppers Pizza, who Kubisiak said inspired him to achieve large goals within the system. “Multi-unit ownership takes extreme dedication and drive. John has both!”
From Kubisiak’s college days of eating at Toppers Pizza every single day, he knew this pizza concept was different from any of the competition out there. It was his love of Toppers Pizza that drove him to work at Toppers in college as a delivery driver and then at Toppers corporate headquarters in Whitewater, WI as a finance intern while working toward his bachelor’s in finance.
“I literally ate, slept and breathed Toppers Pizza. I used to order Topperstix every night at 2-3 a.m.,” Kubisiak said. “It was the pizza hotspot that all college students fell in love with.”
Seeing how fanatical people were about Toppers Pizza and then working in the corporate office and understanding how the proven franchise model worked, Kubisiak did not think twice about wanting to open one of his own. Right after graduation, at 22 years young, he opened his first location. Now with three very successful locations under his belt and a fourth set to open in November, Kubisiak is excited to lead the brand’s entrance into Minneapolis.
Kubisiak plans to open Toppers in the Minneapolis location of Dinkytown, a central area to the University of Minnesota.
“When I think about college, my experiences with Toppers Pizza are among some of my best memories,” Kubisiak said. “I can’t wait to introduce University of Minnesota students to a pizza place that will blow their idea of pizza out of the water.”
Kubisiak will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public next year by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors.
“Once Minneapolis area residents taste our pizza and experience our brand, they won’t go back to the competition,” said Kubisiak, noting the freshness, uniqueness and quality of Toppers ingredients. “I’m confident Toppers Pizza will become a household name in Minneapolis.”
Unlike other franchise brands, Toppers makes an earnings claim in its franchise disclosure documents, stating that the Wisconsin locations make an average of $945k/year (2008 AUV), which is a remarkable financial measure given the size (1,600 – 1,800 sq. feet) and that industry averages are nestled right around $600k/year. The high return on investment is built from the fanatical aspects of the brand, as well as dedicated, driven franchisees who are deeply connected to those in their community – especially the nearest university. Franchisees entering the Toppers system must have a minimum liquidity of $150k and a net worth of $300k. The average cost to open a Toppers is $400k.
“As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” Gittrich said.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
We Come Fast, No Apologies: Eclectic Pizza Franchise Expands to Tri-State Area with First Set for Cincinnati-Area
Toppers Pizza Continues Successful Emergence Outside of Wisconsin; Focuses on Maintaining Consistent Fanatical Brand Support Location-to-Location
The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the first pizza concept with personality to the Tri-State area – set to open in the Cincinnati-area in 2010 under the leadership of experienced restaurant group.
Leading Toppers expansion into the Tri-State area is a family of locally-based entrepreneurs: father Bob Fullarton and two sons, Dave (29 years old) and Rick (26).
From the get-go the Fullartons were impressed by how Toppers Pizza takes a typical pizza concept and shakes it up through their irreverent personality that’s edgy and unfiltered, characteristics created and maintained through the leadership of CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich.
While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers remained hooked on being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection.
“We were blown away at the quality of the food, the unique menu and the originality that sets Toppers apart from the national pizza brands,” Dave Fullarton said. “It didn’t take much convincing to get us on board and we’re excited to bring Toppers to our community in the Tri-State area.”
Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus.
“The Fullartons fit the profile of typical Toppers franchisees in that they have the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said noting that Toppers is expecting to grow multiple units within Ohio in the next few years.
The Fullartons will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public later this year by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors.
“Once Tri-State area residents taste our pizza and experience our brand, they won’t go back to the competition,” said Dave Fullarton, noting the freshness, uniqueness and quality of Toppers ingredients. “I’m confident Toppers Pizza will become a household name in the Tri-State area.”
The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the first pizza concept with personality to the Tri-State area – set to open in the Cincinnati-area in 2010 under the leadership of experienced restaurant group.Leading Toppers expansion into the Tri-State area is a family of locally-based entrepreneurs: father Bob Fullarton and two sons, Dave (29 years old) and Rick (26).
From the get-go the Fullartons were impressed by how Toppers Pizza takes a typical pizza concept and shakes it up through their irreverent personality that’s edgy and unfiltered, characteristics created and maintained through the leadership of CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich.
While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers remained hooked on being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection.
“We were blown away at the quality of the food, the unique menu and the originality that sets Toppers apart from the national pizza brands,” Dave Fullarton said. “It didn’t take much convincing to get us on board and we’re excited to bring Toppers to our community in the Tri-State area.”
Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus.
“The Fullartons fit the profile of typical Toppers franchisees in that they have the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said noting that Toppers is expecting to grow multiple units within Ohio in the next few years.
The Fullartons will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public later this year by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors.
“Once Tri-State area residents taste our pizza and experience our brand, they won’t go back to the competition,” said Dave Fullarton, noting the freshness, uniqueness and quality of Toppers ingredients. “I’m confident Toppers Pizza will become a household name in the Tri-State area.”
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Expanding Presence: Toppers Pizza Signs Contract with Verizon Wireless Center
Toppers Pizza of Mankato Named Official Pizza Provider of Verizon Wireless Center
In the short two years that Toppers Pizza has been a pizza favorite for Mankato residents, it has done much more than just make great pizza, it has built deep connections with the Mankato community. Now, Toppers is being rewarded, as the Toppers Pizza of Mankato has become the official pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Center, knocking out Domino’s who had been working with the Verizon Wireless Center since it’s opening over a decade ago.
Paul and Sue Wilke, the husband and wife franchisee team of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, are honored that Toppers was selected to be the sole pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Center.
“This agreement will increase brand presence for the Toppers Pizza brand not only in our local area of Mankato, but also to visitors throughout southern Minnesota and the northern Iowa trade area,” said Paul Wilke, noting that the Verizon Wireless Center draws from a large geographical area that spans over 22 counties and over 8,500 square miles. “We hope to develop a larger fan base through daily event visitors to the Verizon Wireless Center.”
Toppers Pizza has signed a five year contract with the Verizon Wireless Center. According to Executive Director of the Verizon Wireless Center, Burt Lyman, Toppers Pizza will be sold at all event concessions including concerts, sporting events, and shows. Through the agreement, Toppers will have signage throughout the Verizon Wireless Center, use of two electronic reader boards on Riverfront Drive and Madison Avenue in Mankato, plus closed caption video commercials throughout the Verizon Wireless Center.
“We’re very excited to work with Toppers and build a strong working relationship,” said Lyman. “The Wilke’s are community-focused and have a strong sense of what resonates with our customers. We know that they will be very successful at the Verizon Wireless Center. It’s a win-win.”
This partnership comes only six months after signing a contract with the Minnesota State University athletics department to become the exclusive pizza provider for them. “Our new partnership with the Verizon Wireless Center really compliments our agreement on campus at Minnesota State University,” said Wilke. “It signifies our commitment to becoming a staple in the Mankato community.”
Toppers of Mankato opened its doors two years ago and immediately began connecting with the Mankato community through various sponsorships, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community outreach initiatives. Upon entering the market, Toppers held a huge grand opening event in which the first 50 people in line the day of their grand opening received free Toppers for a year. Ever since then, Mankato residents have been hooked on Toppers.
“We have established an emotional connection with Mankato residents and we continue to work on initiatives that further intensify those bonds,” said Wilke.
In the short two years that Toppers Pizza has been a pizza favorite for Mankato residents, it has done much more than just make great pizza, it has built deep connections with the Mankato community. Now, Toppers is being rewarded, as the Toppers Pizza of Mankato has become the official pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Center, knocking out Domino’s who had been working with the Verizon Wireless Center since it’s opening over a decade ago.Paul and Sue Wilke, the husband and wife franchisee team of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, are honored that Toppers was selected to be the sole pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Center.
“This agreement will increase brand presence for the Toppers Pizza brand not only in our local area of Mankato, but also to visitors throughout southern Minnesota and the northern Iowa trade area,” said Paul Wilke, noting that the Verizon Wireless Center draws from a large geographical area that spans over 22 counties and over 8,500 square miles. “We hope to develop a larger fan base through daily event visitors to the Verizon Wireless Center.”
Toppers Pizza has signed a five year contract with the Verizon Wireless Center. According to Executive Director of the Verizon Wireless Center, Burt Lyman, Toppers Pizza will be sold at all event concessions including concerts, sporting events, and shows. Through the agreement, Toppers will have signage throughout the Verizon Wireless Center, use of two electronic reader boards on Riverfront Drive and Madison Avenue in Mankato, plus closed caption video commercials throughout the Verizon Wireless Center.
“We’re very excited to work with Toppers and build a strong working relationship,” said Lyman. “The Wilke’s are community-focused and have a strong sense of what resonates with our customers. We know that they will be very successful at the Verizon Wireless Center. It’s a win-win.”
This partnership comes only six months after signing a contract with the Minnesota State University athletics department to become the exclusive pizza provider for them. “Our new partnership with the Verizon Wireless Center really compliments our agreement on campus at Minnesota State University,” said Wilke. “It signifies our commitment to becoming a staple in the Mankato community.”
Toppers of Mankato opened its doors two years ago and immediately began connecting with the Mankato community through various sponsorships, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community outreach initiatives. Upon entering the market, Toppers held a huge grand opening event in which the first 50 people in line the day of their grand opening received free Toppers for a year. Ever since then, Mankato residents have been hooked on Toppers.
“We have established an emotional connection with Mankato residents and we continue to work on initiatives that further intensify those bonds,” said Wilke.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Toppers was on TV!
This morning Toppers Pizza debuted on Wake Up Wisconsin in Madison! Scott Gittrich, Founder and CEO of Toppers raced Matt Ziemann, this year's Toppers Skin Sprints winner. Guess who won!
Toppers on TV!
Toppers on TV!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Toppers was recently featured in the Iowa City Press-Citizen!
Toppers pizza franchise eyes Iowa City area
LEE HERMISTON • IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN • JUNE 17, 2010
An up-and-coming pizza chain is looking to make its presence known in Iowa City.
"We think the time is right for expanding into Iowa, and Iowa City would be at the top of our list for new franchisee development," said Scott Iversen, director of franchise development for Toppers Pizza.
Based in Whitewater, Wis., and created in 1991, Toppers Pizza has 20 locations in Wisconsin, two in Minnesota, one in Illinois and Indiana, and two in Charlotte, NC.
Iversen said several things set Toppers apart from the big-name national pizza franchises.
"First and foremost, we just have a better-tasting product," Iversen said. (Read More)
LEE HERMISTON • IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN • JUNE 17, 2010
An up-and-coming pizza chain is looking to make its presence known in Iowa City.
"We think the time is right for expanding into Iowa, and Iowa City would be at the top of our list for new franchisee development," said Scott Iversen, director of franchise development for Toppers Pizza.
Based in Whitewater, Wis., and created in 1991, Toppers Pizza has 20 locations in Wisconsin, two in Minnesota, one in Illinois and Indiana, and two in Charlotte, NC.
Iversen said several things set Toppers apart from the big-name national pizza franchises.
"First and foremost, we just have a better-tasting product," Iversen said. (Read More)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Toppers Pizza was recently featured in the Kalamazoo Gazette!
Want to own a restaurant? Wisconsin pizza company looking for Kalamazoo franchise owners By Alex Nixon, Kalamazoo Gazette
KALAMAZOO — A Wisconsin-based pizza franchising company, Toppers Pizza, says it plans to expand throughout Michigan in the coming years.And it’s looking for a franchisee in Kalamazoo.
“Kalamazoo is one of those places that we feel could be a home run for a Toppers franchisee,” said Scott Iversen, Toppers’ director of franchise development.
The company targets areas with large populations of college-age people, aged 18 to 25. (Read More)
Monday, May 24, 2010
Toppers Pizza was recently featured in the South Bend Tribune!
Toppers considers S.B.
By HEIDI PRESCOTT
Tribune Columnist
Last Sunday, you read about the South Bend-Mishawaka market opening up to possible Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchisees.
Today, we have similar news from Toppers Pizza. The 26-unit chain recently opened the South Bend market to franchisees. About half of its restaurants are located in college towns.
"The greater South Bend area has the potential for two to three locations," says Scott Iversen, director of marketing and franchise development for the Whitewater, Wis.-base company.
The company recently expanded into Chicagoland with its 1,650-square-foot strip center prototype store that offers mainly carry out and delivery. Toppers hopes to have 100 restaurants in operation by 2013.
By HEIDI PRESCOTT
Tribune Columnist
Last Sunday, you read about the South Bend-Mishawaka market opening up to possible Potbelly Sandwich Shop franchisees.
Today, we have similar news from Toppers Pizza. The 26-unit chain recently opened the South Bend market to franchisees. About half of its restaurants are located in college towns.
"The greater South Bend area has the potential for two to three locations," says Scott Iversen, director of marketing and franchise development for the Whitewater, Wis.-base company.
The company recently expanded into Chicagoland with its 1,650-square-foot strip center prototype store that offers mainly carry out and delivery. Toppers hopes to have 100 restaurants in operation by 2013.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Toppers Featured in Nation's Restaurant News
Toppers was recently featured in a Nation's Restaurant News article titled “More than friends”. The article was built from an in-depth interview with Scott Iversen and Nick Powills, and focuses on Toppers interaction with customers through social media. The article talks about Toppers social media efforts, including the “MyZa and Me” contest and “Toppers Tuesday’s,” discussing how Toppers is able to interact and grow their brand based on interaction on social media, which in return leads to incremental sales across all 26 locations! Below is a thumbnail of the article. Clicking on the thumbnail will bring the article up in its entirety.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Toppers was recently featured in QSR!
The Renovation Rush
By Daniel P. Smith- QSR May Issue
Operators plan on committing more of their resources to redesigns and renovations in 2010 as they try to stay relevant for consumers.
Four years ago, the winds of change moved Scott Gittrich, an experience that the Toppers Pizza CEO is appreciative for these days as his Wisconsin-based pizza chain pushes into a new decade with promise and purpose.
While working with an advertising agency, Gittrich and his Toppers leadership team noted their success with teens and twentysomethings, a revelation that sparked a multiyear plan to renovate existing restaurants and build new outlets with a more casual, youthful edge.
“Our existing stores were built like fast food places, but that wasn’t how our customers perceived us,” Gittrich says. “If we were going to realize our potential, then we needed to embrace our late-night, burn-the-candle-at-both-ends image, and that meant we needed to change our prototype store.”
A year later, Gittrich and his design firm settled on a snazzy, modern, and cost-effective store design that converted Toppers’ stores from quick service to fast casual. Today’s Toppers feature loft-like ceilings, exposed brick, earth tone–colored walls, and lounge seating, a far cry from the checkered tile floor and laminate tables of yesteryear.
“We think the physical space reflects the way customers perceive the quality of our food,” Gittrich says. “And we didn’t want to look like fast food pizza.”
The company spent the last two years converting half of its 25 stores, with remaining locations on target for redesign by the end of 2013, a timeline acknowledging the reality of lease negotiations rather than any hesitance or lack of excitement on Gittrich’s part.
“We feel we’ve got a store design now that represents our brand and showcases our food in an exciting way,” Gittrich says. “We couldn’t be happier we made the decision to renovate. Sales are increasing at our converted stores and customers are responding favorably to the changes.”
Though costly in both time and money, renovations like Toppers’ are likely to blanket the 2010 restaurant industry landscape. Looking to capitalize on brighter economic prospects and resurrect slumping recession sales, operators are expected to turn to renovation as an avenue to spark consumer interest, refresh the brand and its individual locations, and position the company for long-term success. (Read More)
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