Top Toppers narrows down to the Top Four Locations!

Toppers Facebook Contest, Top Toppers, narrows down to the Top Four Locations on December 10, 2012.  The location which garners the most votes will move up until the final round and will be announced January 2, 2012 and awarded with an Ultimate Toppers Party!  Vote here.

Top Toppers Opens First Round of Voting on November 19th!

Toppers is taking the Top Toppers Facebook Contest to the next level--we're narrowing down to the top 16 locations on November 19, 2012.  With over 800 votes and counting, fans can nominate their location up to once every 24-hours.  Stop by the page now and enter your location to win an Ultimate Toppers Party!

Just a Few Days Left to Nominate your Toppers Location!

The Top Toppers Facebook Contest is quickly approaching the next round of voting on November 19, 2012.  Stop by the Facebook Page to nominate your location and enter to win an Ultimate Toppers Party!

 

Toppers Comes to Chicago's South Loop!

Toppers Pizza will be opening a new location in Chicago's South Loop!  To celebrate the opening, Toppers will host a grand opening event on November 29 from 11am – 6pm, offering its fanatical customers some outrageous deals on some of their favorite Toppers menu items, including $1 single Topperstix (their World Famous version of cheesy breadsticks) and $1 one-topping MyZAs (a personal-sized pizza cut in four slices), and other prizes and giveaways to be awarded throughout the celebration. (Fanatics should watch facebook.com/toppersrockshttp://www.facebook.com/ToppersRocks?fref=ts for details)

Stop by 727 S State Street on November 29 from 11am -- 6pm to join in on the fun!

Toppers announces New Facebook Contest: Top Toppers

Toppers is giving away an Ultimate Toppers Party to the Top Toppers in the nation!  Help us find which Toppers reigns supreme, nominate your location to be represented in the top 16 and share with your friends. Vote for yours up to once a day until we announce the King of all Toppers on January 7th!

Toppers fetaured on 1011 Now!

Toppers was recently featured on 1011 Now in Lincoln in a segment celebrating National Pizza Month.  For the segment, Jon and Ross demonstrated how to make Toppers’ Mac and Cheese Pizza in honor of National Pizza Month. Jon discussed why pizza is a food that brings families together and his enjoyment making pizza with his family growing up. He also discussed some healthy toppings options that Toppers’ offers customers.  Click here for the video or see below.

Toppers Pizza Receives Hunger’s Hope Award from Feeding America

MILWAUKEE – The connection between hunger relief and Toppers Pizza will be celebrated when CEO Scott Gittrich will accept Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin’s Hunger’s Hope Award on behalf of the brand at the nonprofit’s Annual Dinner to be held on Oct. 23, 2012.

The award comes after a successful partnership between Toppers and Feeding America that started in 2011 when Toppers raised more than 370,000 meals for the charity in 2011 alone. Toppers has committed to raise a minimum of $70,000 by the end of 2012, which will help provide 560,000 meals to those in need. As the brand continues to expand in 2013, Toppers has pledged to raise $100,000 for Feeding America, which will help provide 800,000 meals.

“To receive the Hunger’s Hope Award from our friends at Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin is a huge honor,” said Gittrich. “We originally decided to partner with Feeding America because of their commitment to giving back directly to the communities they serve, just like our franchisees do.”

The Hunger’s Hope Award is given annually to donors and supporters who make an extraordinary effort toward alleviating hunger in their community. The award will be presented by Bonnie Bellehumer, president of Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin and Ann Maher, board chair.

“At Toppers, we are committed to helping those in need,” continued Gittrich. “We look forward to continuing to be a partner with Feeding America for a long time to come and help feed even more people in the future.”

Toppers featured in The Michigan Daily

Toppers was recently featured in The Daily Michigan in an article titled, "Pizza, sandwich shops to open in former White Market space.” The article focuses on two restaurants that will be opening up in downtown Ann Arbor, Toppers and Firehouse Subs. The article notes that while there are other local pizza concepts, Toppers is confident in the product it provides and is sure it will be a crowd pleaser in this new market. Click here for the entire article or begin below.

Pizza, sandwich shops to open in former White Market space
By: Alicia Adamczyk

Following the closure of White House Market in August, and College Shoe Repair in 2010, two new restaurants are slated to fill the vacancies on East William Street this summer and add to the city’s culinary scene.

Firehouse Subs, a family-owned operation with more than 525 restaurants in 32 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, is opening its second Michigan location in Ann Arbor. For students seeking a slice of pizza rather than a sandwich, they will be able to head right next door to Wisconsin-based Toppers Pizza. 

(Read More)


    

Toppers featured in Nation's Restaurant News

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in Nation's Restaurant News titled "Toppers Pizza debuts first-ever TV commercials." This article discusses the reasoning behind producing the company's first ads for television, and what it means moving for Toppers as a brand moving forward. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Toppers Pizza debuts first-ever TV commercials

Toppers Pizza has debuted its first TV commercials in the chain’s 21-year history, completing its “three-screen” advertising strategy after years of laying the groundwork in social media and mobile ordering.

The 42-unit brand’s first foray into television advertising represents a significant shift in its marketing spending, though its overall marketing budget remains unchanged, said vice president of marketing Scott Iversen. Over the past two years, the chain has transitioned away from print ads and direct mail to free up money to invest in producing TV commercials and buying time in their markets.

(Read More)

Toppers featured in Rochester Post-Bulletin

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in the Post-Bulletin in an article titled "Heard on the Street: Toppers ready to start cooking in Rochester." The article discusses the Toppers opening, location, and giveaway for the first 50 people in line. The article also touches on some of Toppers' unique and special menu items, and dine-in seating versus delivery and takeout plans. The article also mentions plans to open more Minnesota locations. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Heard on the Street: Toppers ready to start cooking in Rochester

The wait is almost over for Rochester's Toppers Pizza fans.

"Things are heating up. We'll be ready Saturday," says owner Myron Allen, who is opening the new franchise with his son, Keith Allen.

Rochester's newest name in pizza will be cooking at 187 16th Ave. S.W. That's in the Shoppes on Second development by the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the recently opened Cherry Berry frozen yogurt shop.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in article on TCU 360

Toppers Pizza was again featured in TCU’s student publication TCU 360, this time in an article titled “Toppers Pizza gives away free food to first 50 people." The article talked about the overall ambience of the “Grand Opening Celebration” for the Toppers Pizza of Fort-Worth. Mac Malchow was also featured in the article and talked about the brand’s plans for expansion in the Fort-Worth area. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Toppers Pizza gives away free food to first 50 people

Toppers Pizza is already marking its territory in Fort Worth as the first location in Texas.

The first 50 customers in line before 10:30 a.m would receive a coupon book for free food for one year. Fans of the chain as well as newcomers lined up outside the restaurant, wrapped around the side of the building.

Freshman nursing major Courtney Thompson said she and a few friends stood in line since 3:30 a.m. in order to be one of the 50 to receive a coupon book. She also said she would come to Toppers at least once a week.

(Read More)

Toppers featured on PizzaMarketPlace.com

Toppers Pizza was recently featured on PizzaMarketPlace.com in an article titled "Wisconsin's Toppers Pizza aims for 500 stores by 2020." The article features an interview between Toppers CEO Scott Gittrich and writer Alicia Kelso and focuses on the company's ambitious growth goals. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Wisconsin's Toppers Pizza aims for 500 stores by 2020

Whitewater, Wis.-based Toppers Pizza is rapidly expanding its system with a goal of achieving 100 units by the end of 2013, and 500 by 2020.

Currently, the chain includes about 45 units mostly in core Midwest markets such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois and Nebraska. Upcoming openings include locations in Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas.

The plan is undoubtedly ambitious – for Toppers' first nearly 20 years, its footprint existed in Wisconsin. Now, CEO Scott Gittrich is mapping out the chain's growth in pizza-heavy Chicago and beyond, buoyed by an "anti-big chain" messaging strategy. Gittrich talked to PizzaMarketplace.com about the company's goals and strategy on how to achieve them.

(Read More)

Toppers featured in segment on TCU 360

Toppers Pizza was recently featured on TCU 360 in an segment titled "Toppers Pizza open on Berry Street." The segment discussed Toppers Pizza and the brand’s recent expansion into the state of Texas. Heidi discussed how she found out about Toppers Pizza and why she thought that the TCU area was a perfect fit for the brand. Also, interviews with Mac Malchow, Field Marketing Manager, visiting Assistant Manager, Joe Sorenson and TCU students were included in the segment. The segment further discussed how Toppers Pizza has been received very well by TCU student body. Click here to view the segment, or begin reading the accompanying article below.

Toppers Pizza open on Berry Street
The national chain features late hours, wings and an energetic atmosphere geared toward college students

TCU has a new neighbor on Berry Street—Toppers Pizza.

The Wisconsin-based chain is over 1,000 miles away from its headquarters in Whitewater, Wis., but the location was carefully chosen by the CEO of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich, and franchise owners, Jim and Heidi McGregor.

Toppers Pizza will have its grand opening Saturday, Sept. 8. The first 50 customers will be given a coupon book in order to receive free food for a year.

(Read More)

Toppers featured on AllFacebook.com

Toppers Pizza was recently featured on AllFacebook.com in an article titled "Restaurants Compete With Major Chains Through Facebook," which was based off of the recent NRN Article. The article discusses the engagement-driven initiatives that have helped fans and customers have a say. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Restaurants Compete With Major Chains Through Facebook

Smaller chain restaurants may not be able to compete with major chains in terms of volume, but they do have a vital way of bringing in business and keeping customers happy: Facebook. A story in Nation’s Restaurant News illustrates how restaurants are reaching out to customers through social media.

The story details how regional chains Lenny’s Sub Shop and Toppers Pizza have used Facebook and other forms of social media to grow their businesses. They have one advantage over larger companies such as Subway and Pizza Hut: fans per unit. Nation’s Restaurant News cites statistics from No Limit Media Consulting, showing that Lenny’s Facebook page had more than 84,000 likes for its chain of 147 locations — roughly 578 fans per unit. Subway, by comparison, may have 15 million likes, but they’re also more spread out, with 469 fans per location. Toppers recorded 1,228 fans per location.

(Read More)

Toppers featured in Nation's Restaurant News

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in Nation's Restaurant News titled "Maximizing the value of the social media fan." The article talks about the success Lenny’s has had with its social media and how the brand has been clever with its social media initiatives. The article also includes information about some of the new product launches and promotions. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Maximizing the value of the social media fan
Smaller restaurant chains share Facebook strategies that have helped them grow sales and units

Upstart restaurant brands like Toppers Pizza and Lenny's Sub Shop have to compete against industry giants like Pizza Hut and Subway for sales, and while they acknowledge that they can’t match their rivals’ size, they can punch above their weight in terms of marketing through social media.

Executives at both brands said they concentrate less on the total number of “likes” they earn on Facebook compared with much larger chains than they do at their likes per store. Though the number of restaurants in their systems do not approach the same league as the competition, often their stable of Facebook fans per unit far exceed that of their peers.

(Read More)

Heating Up: Toppers Pizza Adds First Texas Location

Husband and Wife Duo Team Up to Bring Toppers to Fort Worth

The big pizza chains serve their purpose: mediocre food; mediocre promises; mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, a 44-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t follow those characteristics. To prove its tasty promise to consumers, Toppers will celebrate this reprieve with a huge grand opening celebration unmatched by the big guns at its new location in Fort Worth – marking the brand’s first opening in Texas.

On August 22, Toppers will open its first location in the state of Texas in Fort Worth (2911 West Berry Street). To celebrate the brand’s arrival into Texas, Toppers will host a grand opening event on September 8, and will give the first 50 guests in line free food for a year and reward fans that day with prizes and giveaways (fanatics should watch facebook.com/toppersrocks for details).

“When we open a location, it truly is a celebration. No fake grand openings with boring ribbon cuttings. We go for the grand slam with the way we open, the way we connect with our customers, and the tastes we offer on our menu,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO of the emerging chain and former Domino’s Pizza delivery driver. “Trust me; I quickly learned what not to do with our customer bonds. This is their party, not ours.”

When Gittrich decided to rebel against big box pizza chains, he did so with a methodical vision to test and test again every aspect of his pizza-concept. Starting off with the simple goal of recapturing the magic of a made-from-scratch pizza in a sea of cookie cutter chains, Gittrich laid the foundation for his vision. Nearly 20 years later, his Whitewater-based pizza brand is showcasing its growth potential, as it now comes armed with 44 locations and an incredible average unit volume ($932,761) plus average per unit net profit ($131,341).

Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous TopperstixTM. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese, Potato Topper, Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch), and Hangover Helper House Pizzas, Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Differentiating itself from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitors’ menus.

The Fort Worth location will be the first Toppers Pizza location owned and operated by Heidi and Jim McGregor. Heidi works in pre-hospital sales for one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and Jim currently owns an ambulance dealership called Professional Ambulance. After recognizing a lack of late-night food delivery options, the couple saw the value in bringing Toppers to the area, marking this as their first venture into the restaurant industry.

The new Fort Worth location is part of a larger growth strategy for Toppers Pizzas’ expansion beyond its core Midwest markets. Toppers seeks to open an additional five to six locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the next 2 years, and has plans to open 50 throughout the state of Texas. “The Dallas Fort Worth market is the ideal location to spearhead growth of Toppers in the state because of its dense population and vibrant culture,” said Mark Cairns, Director of Franchise Development for Toppers.

Beyond Fort Worth, Toppers’ 2012 footsteps are focused on its exponential growth plan to reach 150 restaurants by the end of 2015 and 500 by 2020. The company already has 30 new locations under contract to be built by the end of 2013. Currently, Toppers has 44 locations in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana and Nebraska. Upcoming openings include locations in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Missouri.

“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,” said Scott Iversen, Toppers Pizza Director of Marketing , noting that the new Fort Worth Toppers features the brand’s newest blueprint with an updated, vibrant, “chill”-friendly atmosphere.

When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry. In 2011, Toppers increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales, opening four stores with 30 more under contract. Why the upswing?

“The reason for our success is simple, meaning that we are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” Gittrich said. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, so we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic: the 18-34-year olds.”

Toppers featured in QSR Magazine

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled "The Art of the LTO" in QSR Magazine. The article features Toppers' focus on social media as a driving force in promoting limited-time offers. Scott Iversen shares the secrets of timing and volume that help with their success in these types of promotions. Click here to read the full article, or read the Toppers excerpt below.

The Art of the LTO
Limited-time offers are a fundamental part of the quick-serve industry. Here’s how to do them right.

Toppers Pizza, with 41 locations in the Midwest and South, is another operation that focuses heavily on social media, primarily Facebook, to promote its LTOs. With more than 50,000 fans following it, the company will regularly put out aggressively priced, short-term deals, such as a large one-topping pizza for $5, good for three days only.

“You’ve got to be ‘in the know’ to get these kinds of deals,” says Scott Iversen, vice president of marketing for Toppers. “It’s a matter of building up exclusivity. But it’s crazy when it happens; we do them generally at the end of a quarter, and our Facebook page goes wild, the stores are filled, people are telling their friends to get down here.”

With all those people buying $5 pizzas, it would be understandable to think the company wouldn’t make a profit on that particular LTO. But Iversen says it all works out in the end if the offer is good enough. “We end up doing double the amount of transaction counts during an LTO compared to a normal week, and the volume we do makes up for the lower margin,” he says. “And of course you’ve got ancillary sales in drinks and sides.”

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in Sun This Week

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled "Late nights, colorful marketing," which ran in the Sun This Week. The article details the history of Toppers and the popularity of the brand among the 18 to 34-year-old demographic. The article discusses Victoria’s experience with Toppers and the brand’s continued expansion plans for the Minnesota. The article notes Victoria’s attraction to the brand after visiting a grand opening event in Green Bay and highlights some of the menu items. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Late nights, colorful marketing
Toppers enters south suburban pizza market

It’s nearly 3 a.m. Do you know where your pizza is coming from?

Choices are the all-night store or Toppers, a delivery chain that built its name serving pizza-jonesing college kids in Wisconsin and now has a franchise location in Burnsville.

The Burnsville franchisees hope the lateness of the hour (Toppers is open until 3 a.m. daily) and the company’s signature menu items, enthusiastic service and crazy-kitsch marketing will make a splash in the crowded suburban market.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in 1851 Magazine

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in 1851 Magazine titled "'Young At Heart': Toppers Pizza and the advantages of having a brand that rocks." The article discussed Toppers Pizza and embracing a fanatical culture that rocks. Scott Gittrich spoke about the advantages that Toppers Pizza has over competition by being able to embrace a culture that might normally be considered risqué. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

“Young At Heart”: Toppers Pizza and the advantages of having a brand that rocks

“Everyone at Toppers Pizza is young at heart” sums up the environment of the Whitewater, WI based pizza brand. While many brands might shy away from risqué branding and marketing, Toppers Pizza embraces living on the edge.

If you need an example of this unique culture, simply look at the franchising video that Toppers Pizza CEO and founder Scott Gittrich created with his staff. The video starts with Scott speaking directly to the camera dressed in a business suite. 20 seconds into the video, Gittrich stands up and reveals that he is wearing Zubaz, the popular zebra sweatpants that everyone might remember from the 90s.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in Star Tribune

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled “Biz beat: Artisan bakery, restaurant to reopen in Mendota Heights,” which ran on the Star Tribune’s website. The article details two new business openings in the south metro area of the twin cities. The article includes information about the grand opening event on July 28th and also details the brands expansion plans for Minnesota. The article notes the brand's annual sales of about 40 million and that most of the stores are franchised. Click here for the full article or begin reading the Toppers excerpt below.

Biz beat: Artisan bakery, restaurant to reopen in Mendota Heights
Toppers Pizza comes to Burnsville

Toppers Pizza is opening its seventh Minnesota location in Burnsville on July 28, and to celebrate, it will give its first 50 customers free food for a year. The new store is in Wood Park Plaza on County Road 42 E. and 10th Avenue.

Based in Whitewater, Wis., Toppers has 42 outlets nationwide, including three stores in Minneapolis and one each in Bloomington, St. Paul and Mankato.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in Burnsville Patch

Toppers was recently featured in an article in the Burnsville Patch titled “Power to the Pizza: Toppers Takes on Burnsville”. The article was based off an interview between Victoria West, owner of Toppers in Burnsville and Clare Kennedy, reporter at the Burnsville Patch. The article details Victoria’s background as well as her attraction to the brand after visiting a grand opening event in Green Bay. Victoria is looking forward to providing her employees with opportunities for advancement. Click here for the full story, or begin reading below.

Power to the Pizza: Toppers Takes on Burnsville
A local family is bringing a hot new pizzeria chain to Burnsville-Apple Valley, starting July 28, with four more Twin Cities stores to follow in the next few years.

Newly-minted dough wrangler Victoria West is issuing the following challenge to existing pizza places in Burnsville: Can you top this?

In just over a week, West will open a Toppers Pizza joint—the first south metro outpost for the punchy Wisconsin-based franchise, which has a stated goal of nothing less than worldwide domination. The company is in the midst of an agressive expansion plan with the aim of achieving complete pizza primacy.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in Los Angeles Times

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times after the Fort Worth Star-Telegram article was picked up and posted on Saturday, July 7, 2012 on LATimes.com. The article focuses on franchising as a whole and the recent increase in franchises throughout the Fort Worth area. Click here to view the full article, or begin reading below.

Franchising moves ahead after slump during recession
By Scott Nishimura

Heidi McGregor sells medical equipment, and her husband, Jim, owns an ambulance dealership in Fort Worth. On the road extensively, they were looking for another business to develop.

They settled on a pizza franchise, buying the rights to the first two Toppers Pizza franchise restaurants in Texas.

This summer, the McGregors, who live near Texas Christian University, plan to open their first restaurant nearby just in time for the return of students. And they are scouting another burgeoning area for the second.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in 1851 Magazine

Toppers was recently featured in an article in 1851 Magazine called "The Top 10 Franchises for Franchisees under 30." The article discusses why the concept is good for young prospective franchisees. Click here for the full article, or read the Toppers excerpt below.

The Top 10 Franchises for Franchisees under 30

1) Toppers Pizza
Total Locations: 41
Why We Like It: Watch the video, and you will see exactly why we love it. Add in an attractive Item 19, and you can see why the young and the young at heart love this brand. In fact, the Wisconsin-based pizza game changer has seen quite the spike in development in 2012 – including breaking ground outside of their Wisconsin universe and into cities like Chicago, Cincinnati, Lincoln and Dallas.

Toppers Pizza featured in Lexington Herald-Leader

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in the Lexington Herald-Leader titled "Franchising moves ahead after slump during recession." The article focuses on franchising as a whole and the recent increase in franchises throughout the Fort Worth area. Toppers Pizza franchisees Heidi and Jim McGregor were highlighted in the article as great examples of entrepreneurs bringing new concepts to the Fort Worth area and Scott Gittrich, CEO was featured. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Franchising moves ahead after slump during recession

Heidi McGregor sells medical equipment, and her husband, Jim, owns an ambulance dealership in Fort Worth. On the road extensively, they were looking for another business to develop.

They settled on a pizza franchise, buying the rights to the first two Toppers Pizza franchise restaurants in Texas.

This summer, the McGregors, who live near Texas Christian University, plan to open their first restaurant nearby just in time for the return of students. And they're scouting another burgeoning area for the second.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in QSR

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in QSR titled, “Clustered Growth Strategy Boosts Toppers' Social Media." The story details Toppers' multiunit growth strategy and how that proximity helps local-store marketing and drives the brand’s social media presence. In the article, Mark discusses how clustered growth has allowed Toppers to efficiently use its resources, and Nick Powills from No Limit Media Consulting, addresses how Social Media enhances this strategy. The article also discusses the pros and cons of a clustered growth strategy. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Clustered Growth Strategy Boosts Toppers' Social Media
By Sonya Chudgar

By clustering store openings, Toppers Pizza has found a strategic growth strategy that simultaneously protects brand awareness and boosts social media fans.

The multiunit growth strategy brings in a seasoned business partner who is dedicated to building at least five to six stores.

“It gets somebody on board who is interested and capable of opening and operating the stores,” says Mark Cairns, the director of franchise development at Toppers. “When we can put them together and cluster, we’re able to be closer to the community and closer to our customers.”

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article called “Franchising moving ahead again, after slump during recession" in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The article focuses on franchising as a whole and the recent increase in franchises throughout the Fort Worth area. Toppers Pizza franchisees Heidi and Jim McGregor were highlighted in the article as great examples of entrepreneurs bringing new concepts to the Fort Worth area and Scott Gittrich, CEO, was also featured along with a fantastic picture of Heidi and Jim. The article will be a good way to promote the new opening of Toppers Pizza in Fort Worth as well as build awareness of the brand throughout the area. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Franchising moving ahead again, after slump during recession
by Scott Nishimura

Heidi McGregor sells medical equipment, and her husband, Jim, owns an ambulance dealership in Fort Worth. On the road extensively, they were looking for another business to develop.

They settled on a pizza franchise, buying the rights to the first two Toppers Pizza franchise restaurants in Texas.

This summer, the McGregors, who live near Texas Christian University, plan to open their first restaurant nearby at the former site of the Moon Bar on West Berry Street, just in time for the return of students. And they're scouting the burgeoning West Seventh Street-Camp Bowie Boulevard area for the second.

(Read more)

Toppers Pizza featured in Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in a brief in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal titled “Toppers Pizza opening another Twin Cities Location.” The brief talks about how the Toppers Pizza opening happening on Saturday, June 9th, in South Minneapolis. Further, the article gives the address for the location and talks about how this Toppers Pizza is going to be the 6th location in Minnesota. Read the brief below:

Toppers Pizza opening another Twin Cities location
by Ed Stych

Toppers Pizza is opening its sixth Minnesota location on Saturday, this one in South Minneapolis.

Toppers said the new location — its fifth in the Twin Cities — is at 5447 Nicollet Ave. S.

The Whitewater, Wis.-based chain opened a restaurant near the University of Minnesota last August.

Toppers Pizza featured in Pizza Marketing Quarterly

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled “Toppers Pizza Taking on Chicago” in Pizza Marketing Quarterly. The brief was based off of the article we in Crain’s Chicago Business. The article discusses how Toppers may be the next big thing in Chicago pizza. The article also shares some of unique the Toppers menu items, and a link to the full Crain’s article. Click here for the article, or read it below.

Toppers Pizza Taking on Chicago

"An unassuming pizza company based in a strip mall in Whitewater, Wis., just might be the next big thing in Chicago pies," according to Crain's Chicago Business.

"Toppers Pizza, a self-described "eclectic chain," caters to 18- to 34-year-olds with pizzas like the "Hangover Helper" (Canadian bacon, regular bacon, green peppers, onions and potatoes) and the "Mac 'n' Cheese" (exactly what it sounds like). The menu also includes quesadillas, bread sticks, sub sandwiches and wings."

(Read More)

Toppers featured in Crain's Chicago Business

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled “Toppers aims to win over Chicago pizza snobs” in Crain’s Chicago Business. In the article, Scott Gittrich discusses Toppers' plans for expansion in 2012, including plans to have 52 to 55 locations open by the end of this year. The article also discusses Toppers development plans for 2013 in the Chicagoland area, with the goal of opening 10 more locations by the end of 2013 in areas such as Lincoln Park and Bucktown. Toppers also plans for nationwide development, which includes plans to have 150 stores by 2015, and 500 by 2020. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Toppers aims to win over Chicago pizza snobs
by Brigid Sweeney

An unassuming pizza company based in a strip mall in Whitewater, Wis., just might be the next big thing in Chicago pies.

Toppers Pizza, a self-described "eclectic chain," caters to 18- to 34-year-olds with pizzas like the "Hangover Helper" (Canadian bacon, regular bacon, green peppers, onions and potatoes) and the "Mac 'n' Cheese" (exactly what it sounds like). The menu also includes quesadillas, bread sticks, sub sandwiches and wings.

"We're bridging the gap between sit-down and takeout," founder and CEO Scott Gittrich said. "We're not the $5 pizza, but we're not the $30 pizza, either."

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in Stoutonia

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in Stoutonia in an article titled "Toppers Open in Menomonie". The article focused on the opening of the Toppers Pizza located in  Menomonie , WI on April 28th. Vishal Bhatnagar, owner of the Toppers Pizza located in Menomonie, discussed the Toppers Pizza brand and the franchising opportunity that the brand offered. Also, the article discussed the prize giveaways that Toppers Pizza does on grand openings. Click here to read the full article, or begin reading below.

Toppers Open in Menomonie
by Claire Mathiowetz

Last Saturday, Menomonie welcomed a new restaurant to its vast list of places to eat. Toppers Pizza settled in on Main Street and plans to stay.

Toppers Pizza first opened in 1991 and now has dozens of locations all over the United States. It is headquartered in Whitewater, Wis., and was ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 Franchises in 2011. It is a 40-store eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand that contains many options not found on a typical pizza restaurant menu.

“Toppers is a franchise. It’s just a very fun environment,” said owner Vishal Bhatnagar. “We have very different house pizzas—such as a Mac ‘N Cheese pizza and we always have something outside of the box.”

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza reaches 50,000 Facebook fan milestone

People like Toppers Pizza. At least 50,000 of them do on Facebook, anyway. On April 30th, 2012, Toppers Pizza hit the milestone after a last-minute push to get people to share photos and status updates.

Once the page hit 50,000 fans, Toppers launched a simple Facebook application where the first 50 fans to enter their information in a form were rewarded with a Free Single Order of Topperstix. After just under 2 minutes, all of the free Topperstix were spoken for. Truly, the Toppers Pizza Facebook fan base is an active and engaged group.

Are you a fan of Toppers on Facebook? Why not join the next 50,000?

Toppers Pizza featured in Post-Bulletin

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled “Heard on the Street: New name in pizza to top off Shoppes on Second” that ran recently in Rochester, MN’s Post Bulletin. The article was based off of an interview with reporter Jeff Kiger and new Toppers owner of Rochester, Myron Allen, as well as Scott Gittrich, Toppers CEO. The article focused on the announcement of the Toppers Pizza opening in Rochester, MN later this summer. Myron Allen talked about his process for getting his location including what got him interested in investing in Toppers Pizza. Further the article talks about the possible jobs that Toppers Pizza will provide for the neighborhood. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Heard on the Street: New name in pizza to top off Shoppes on Second
by Jeff Kiger

Look for a new name in pizza to top off a collection of stores and eateries on Rochester's Second Street Southwest.

A local father and son are bringing the fast-growing, national pizza chain Toppers Pizza to the Shoppes on Second project at 187 16th Ave. S.W.

That puts the eatery by the Miracle Mile Shopping Center and the not-yet-open Holiday Inn Express hotel.

(Read More)

Topperstix Day!

Today, Toppers Pizza is celebrating its first annual Worldwide Topperstix Day. All day long, participating locations will offer 50% off all Original Topperstix orders. Additionally, upgrading to another type of Topperstix will cost only $1. To further celebrate the occasion on social media, Toppers will be giving away free Topperstix Single Orders to random people who tweet and post Instagram photos with the hashtag #TopperstixDay. To see all the buzz for yourself, check out the Twitter stream for  #TopperstixDay!

Toppers Pizza featured in Sheboygan Press

Toppers Pizza was featured in the Sheboygan Press in an article titled "Toppers to open downtown pizza place," which was the number 1 “Most Popular” article on the paper’s website. The article was built on interviews with reporter Bob Petrie, local Toppers owner Scott Julius, and assistant manager Liz Rabe, and discussed Sheboygan grand opening on Saturday, March 17th. The article discussed exciting menu items, the store location and the store hours. Julius discussed his hired staff as well as their commitment to their customers. Click here to read the full article, or begin reading below.

Toppers to open downtown pizza place
by Bob Petrie

Liz Rabe has lived in Sheboygan all her life, and remembers a lot of the "oldie but goodie" pizza places that have come and gone in town over the years, such as Happy Joe's.

But Rabe, 31, the assistant manager of the new Toppers Pizza, which opens at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at 1102 N. Eighth St., said she's excited about the kinds of pizzas, toasted grinders, breadsticks and other offerings on the menu.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza Gets In On The Madness With MyZa Promotion

In celebration of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Toppers Pizza is getting in on the action by holding their MyZa Madness tournament to determine the best House MyZa. The start of this contest also coincided with the brand's transition to the new Timeline design for Facebook fan pages.

Each round, Toppers is giving away 18 free MyZa coupons to fans that enter and vote, and at the end of the NCAA tournament, 64 more of the Championship MyZas will be given away. This is a fun way to decide on which variety of House MyZa is the crowd favorite, and reward loyal Facebook fans for their participation.

For more details, and to enter yourself, visit the official link: http://bit.ly/MyZaMadness

Toppers Pizza featured in Omaha World Herald

Toppers Pizza was featured in an article titled “Free Food for First 50 People” in The Omaha World Herald. Reporter Sarah Baker Hansen interviewed Toppers of Lincoln owner Jon P. Crowe and mentioned that the Lincoln Toppers will be giving the first 50 customers free food for a year. She also noted that Toppers hopes to open an Omaha location soon. Click here to view the article or begin reading below.

Omaha bar and restaurant make 'best-of' lists
By Sarah Baker Hansen

Free food for first 50 customers

A new pizza restaurant in downtown Lincoln plans to give away free food for a year to the first 50 customers through the door.

Toppers Pizza will open Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at 1226 P St.

Manager Jon P. Crowe said those 50 customers will get one free item per week for 52 weeks. After the initial giveaway, he said, the store will continue to give out free food and swag throughout the day.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in the Lincoln Journal Star

Toppers Pizza was featured in an article titled “Toppers wants piece of downtown dining scene” that was printed in The Lincoln Journal Star. Reporter Matt Olberding spoke with Toppers of Lincoln owner Jon P. Crowe about their decision to open a Toppers in the Lincoln area, and their plans to expand to Omaha and the rest of Nebraska. Click here to view the full article, or begin reading below.

Toppers wants piece of downtown dining scene
by Matt Olberding

Jon P. Crowe says his dad, Jon S. Crowe, spent three years searching for a really good brand of pizza to bring to Lincoln.

The Crowes think they've found it in Toppers, a pizza chain based out of Wisconsin.

"We just knew it was going to be a really good thing for Lincoln," said the younger Crowe, who is the restaurant's general manager.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in The Daily Nebraskan

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in two articles in The Daily Nebraskan, titled "Toppers Pizza to give away free food for a year" and "People brave temperatures, camp out all night for free Toppers Pizza," which ran on February 10, 2012 and February 12, respectively. The articles were based on interviews between reporter Tammy Bain, Toppers of Lincoln owner Jon P. Crowe, and CEO Scott Gittrich. The first article discussed the decision discussed Toppers' early beginnings, as well as plans for development throughout Nebraska.

In the second article, Reporter Tammy Bain spoke with several fans who waited in line overnight to be one of the first 50 people in line to win free food for a year. Bain also followed Jon S. Crowe the morning of the opening, and documented all the happenings the morning of the opening, including the awarding of the “King of the Line” to the first person in line.

The full articles are available here and here, and you can begin reading them below.

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Toppers Pizza to give away free food for a year
By Tammy Bain

Growing up, Jon P. Crowe watched as his father try to create the perfect pizza dough. P. Crowe and his father, Jon S. Crowe, always wanted to own their own pizzeria.

"We always had pizza in our blood," P. Crowe said. "We had pizza three to four times a week."
(Read More)

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People brave temperatures, camp out all night for free Toppers Pizza
By Tammy Bain

At least 50 people camped out overnight in freezing temperatures Friday for a year's worth of free pizza.

As temperatures dropped to 4 degrees with a minus-10-degree windchill, pop-up tents, blankets, chairs and even a grill lined the streets leading to 1226 P St., the new Toppers Pizza location.
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Toppers Pizza featured by Downtown Lincoln Association

Toppers Pizza was featured in an article on the Downtown Lincoln Association site titled “Father-Son Duo Set to Open Toppers Pizza Downtown.” The article was based on the interview we coordinated with reporter Matt Hames and Toppers of Lincoln owner, Jon P. Crowe about the new opening on February 11, 2012. The article discussed different Toppers menu items, the store location and store hours. Crowe also discussed the decision to go into business with his dad, and their plans to open additional stores in Nebraska. The article also included photos of menu items, staff, and interior/exterior shots of the store. Click here to view the full article, or begin reading below.

Father-Son Duo Set to Open Toppers Pizza Downtown

There’s just one day left before downtown Lincoln’s newest restaurant, Toppers Pizza, opens up, and General Manager Jon P. Crowe couldn’t be more excited.

“That whole day is going to be like a big party atmosphere; this place should be rocking all day. Hopefully we’ll have a big line out front.”

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured in QSR Magazine

Toppers Pizza was featured in QSR Magazine in a story titled “Is Franchising Right for You?” published on Monday, February 6, 2012 and in the February 2012 edition. In a story about when to franchise your business, president and founder Scott Gittrich did an amazing job explaining why he wanted to open a few successful stores of his own before opening up the franchise opportunity due to wanting to perfect the model and opportunity. In the article, Scott also provides some great advice to others looking to franchise their business and what they can expect to endure. Click here to view the full article, or begin reading below.

Is Franchising Right for You?
By Julie Knudson

As the economy slowly strengthens, founders of successful eateries may be considering franchising as a growth model, but experts say CEOs must approach it with caution and do their due diligence to make sure it’s appropriate for their brand.

The first step, experts say, is to explore the viability of their brand on a bigger scale.

(Read More)

Toppers Pizza featured on CBS Minnesota

Toppers Pizza was featured in a segment on CBS Minnesota, which covered the January 14 opening in Bloomington, Minnesota. The segment talks of Toppers’ Saturday grand opening in which the first 50 customers in line received free food for a year and shows campers in line waiting to receive the prize. View the segment embedded below.

Toppers Pizza featured in 2nd segment on NBC 15 Madison

Toppers Pizza was featured on a second segment on Saturday January 14th, 2012 during NBC 15 Madison's morning news. The second segment also discusses the new opening of the Madison East Toppers location and the fans who waited in line overnight to win free pizza for a year. It includes interview with 2 fans in line and shows footage of first 50 people entering the new location. View the segment on the NBC 15 Madison site here or embedded below.

Toppers Pizza featured in NBC 15 Madison

Toppers Pizza was featured in a segment Friday January 13, 2012 on NBC 15 Madison discussing the new opening of the Madison East location and the fans in line to win free pizza for a year. It also mentions the other Toppers location in Madison and shows footage of the new location. View the segment on the NBC 15 Madison site here or embedded below.

Toppers Pizza featured in Wisconsin State Journal

Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article titled "Restaurant News" in Wisconsin State Journal. The article, written by Samara Kalk Derby, talks about Toppers’ new Madison east location and the grand opening this past weekend. It also talks about the chain’s expansion plans and the new location’s updated look. Click here to view the full article or begin reading the feature on Toppers below.

Restaurant News
By Samara Kalk Derby


Toppers Pizza was scheduled to open its second location in Madison on Saturday near East Towne Mall, with plans to open another in Fitchburg this spring.

The original Madison location, 1368 Regent St., has been open for more than 10 years.

The chain, based in Whitewater, has locations throughout the Midwest and is popular with the college crowd. It's known for non-traditional pizza toppings such as mac 'n cheese and potatoes.

(Read More)