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.
