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.
Showing posts with label Toppers Pizza franchise opportunity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toppers Pizza franchise opportunity. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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)
Restaurant NewsBy 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)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Toppers Pizza featured in Cincinnati Enquirer
Toppers Pizza was recently featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer in an article titled, "Toppers Pizza open in Highland Heights". The article talks of the new Toppers opening in Highland Heights and mentions the owners – Ricky and Dave Fullarton. It goes on to mention Toppers targets the college-aged market and briefly describes the Toppers concept. Click here to read the full article or begin reading below.
Toppers Pizza open in Highland Heights
by Shauna Steigerwald
The new Toppers Pizza in Highland Heights opened last weekend. It’s at at 2517 Wilson Ave., across the street from Northern Kentucky University.
Dave Fullarton, who owns the restaurant and another Toppers near the University of Cincinnati with his father, Bill, and brother, Ricky, said the chain targets college students and young adults with its irreverent sense of humor, its atmosphere — with flat screen TVs, couches and funny postings on the walls — and comfort-food offerings such as mac and cheese pizza and “Hangover Helper” pizza.
(Read More)
Toppers Pizza open in Highland Heights
by Shauna Steigerwald
The new Toppers Pizza in Highland Heights opened last weekend. It’s at at 2517 Wilson Ave., across the street from Northern Kentucky University.
Dave Fullarton, who owns the restaurant and another Toppers near the University of Cincinnati with his father, Bill, and brother, Ricky, said the chain targets college students and young adults with its irreverent sense of humor, its atmosphere — with flat screen TVs, couches and funny postings on the walls — and comfort-food offerings such as mac and cheese pizza and “Hangover Helper” pizza.
(Read More)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Toppers Launches Show Us Your Tall Boy™ Video Contest
Toppers has recently launched its next social media contest, Show Us Your Tall Boy™ Video Contest. The contest is open to all fans of their national Facebook fan page, which can be found here. Toppers' contest asks their fans to submit creative videos through a tab on their Facebook page. After the submission period is complete, the fans of the page will be able to vote for their favorites. The submission which receives the most votes will receive a $250 Toppers gift card and forever be enshrined in the Toppers Fans Hall of Fame.
To enter the learn more about the contest or submit your creative video today, become a fan of their fan page by clicking here.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Toppers featured in La Crosse Tribune & Courier-Life
Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in the La Crosse Tribune and Courier-Life. The article informs readers of Toppers’ Oct. 12 partnership with the Onalaska-La Crosse Fire Department, saying firefighters will deliver pizza to Toppers customers from 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. and replace smoke detector batteries and provide smoke detectors for those needing one. The brief also includes Toppers’ number for delivery. A portion of the article is included below and can be read in its entirety by clicking here.
Topper’s Pizza and the Onalaska Fire Department are joining forces to make sure home smoke detectors are in working order.
When a pizza is ordered 4:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, customers can request that firefighters bring their pizza and check their smoke detectors. Toppers will provide batteries and smoke detectors, if needed. Call 779-7979 to order a pizza.
(Read More)
Topper’s Pizza and the Onalaska Fire Department are joining forces to make sure home smoke detectors are in working order.
When a pizza is ordered 4:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, customers can request that firefighters bring their pizza and check their smoke detectors. Toppers will provide batteries and smoke detectors, if needed. Call 779-7979 to order a pizza.
(Read More)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Franchisee Profile: Vishal Bhatnagar, Franchisee of Menomonee Falls, WI
Recently, we sat down with one of our newest franchisees, Vishal Bhatnagar, opening a Toppers location in Menomonee Falls, WI on January 26, 2012. Read below to find out his background and the process he went through to become a franchisee of Toppers Pizza.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am originally from India although I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Kenya. My family moved to Africa when I was seven and I stayed until I was 18.
Q: What was your career before franchising?
A: I came to the United States to go to college. I attended Purdue University and earned a degree in aviation technology. Unfortunately, the events of 9/11 made it very hard to get a job in my field, as many of those jobs were being eliminated so I went to New York and worked for an engineering company. After a year of working there, my visa expired and I was forced to go back to my home country of India. Even though it wasn’t the most ideal situation, it gave me a chance to know the country of my origin. I also went back to school for my MBA and upon completing that, I worked for the largest coffee exporter in India. While there, I met my wife, Shruti, and we got married. During this time, my parents had applied for my Greencard so I could get back to the United States. In 2009, I was granted it and left India to come back to the U.S.
My dad had got into franchising in the U.S. and bought a Quality Inn & Suites in Menomonee so when I came back to the states, I helped him run that business. I’ve been doing that for the last 2.5 years and now I’m desiring to change things up a bit.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: Toppers is very established in Whitewater, WI which is where my cousin went to school. My uncle also lives in Whitewater. I was initially exposed to the brand through them. It’s been a part of my life since 1998 or so.
Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?
A: My MBA has really added value to my understanding of running a business. With that background and the experience of helping my dad with the hotel for several years, I feel like I have the necessary skills to be a great business owner. I’ve also been very successful on the marketing front. Shruti, my wife, has a degree in restaurant and hospitality management and will be helping me part time with the new location. I believe that we have the necessary business skills and industry knowledge to be very successful!
Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?
A: I like the support of a franchise system. The hotel is also a franchise and I know from that experience about the tremendous amount of support corporate provides. I like that everything is standardized which helps with brand recognition and a consistent brand proposition. One very appealing thing about joining Toppers is that I’m getting involved in its prime growth stage. When the company really takes off into a national brand, I believe it will be very beneficial for me.
Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?
A: I believe my marketing experience will help me the most in this new business. I worked in an integrated marketing communication position at the coffee company in India. I was responsible for national marketing opportunities. I brought new ideas to market the product. I look at marketing as a holistic approach where there are several different pieces to the puzzle that make the engine run. I also have an appreciation for the customer experience and understanding consumer needs – all of which will be critical to build up my business. Fortunately, I am very familiar with Menomonee since the hotel is also in the area. It gives me a leg up on knowing how to cater to the consumers in the area.
Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?
A: Personally, I had to overcome the challenges of having to go back to India because my visa expired. Ideally I would have found a work visa to be able to stay in the U.S., but I look at that positively because I got my MBA, was able to get to know my home country, and met my wife.
Q: What are your expansion or development plans?
A: Yes. I would love to keep developing new Toppers locations. I’m in for as many as Toppers can give me in the future.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am originally from India although I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Kenya. My family moved to Africa when I was seven and I stayed until I was 18.Q: What was your career before franchising?
A: I came to the United States to go to college. I attended Purdue University and earned a degree in aviation technology. Unfortunately, the events of 9/11 made it very hard to get a job in my field, as many of those jobs were being eliminated so I went to New York and worked for an engineering company. After a year of working there, my visa expired and I was forced to go back to my home country of India. Even though it wasn’t the most ideal situation, it gave me a chance to know the country of my origin. I also went back to school for my MBA and upon completing that, I worked for the largest coffee exporter in India. While there, I met my wife, Shruti, and we got married. During this time, my parents had applied for my Greencard so I could get back to the United States. In 2009, I was granted it and left India to come back to the U.S.
My dad had got into franchising in the U.S. and bought a Quality Inn & Suites in Menomonee so when I came back to the states, I helped him run that business. I’ve been doing that for the last 2.5 years and now I’m desiring to change things up a bit.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: Toppers is very established in Whitewater, WI which is where my cousin went to school. My uncle also lives in Whitewater. I was initially exposed to the brand through them. It’s been a part of my life since 1998 or so.
Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?
A: My MBA has really added value to my understanding of running a business. With that background and the experience of helping my dad with the hotel for several years, I feel like I have the necessary skills to be a great business owner. I’ve also been very successful on the marketing front. Shruti, my wife, has a degree in restaurant and hospitality management and will be helping me part time with the new location. I believe that we have the necessary business skills and industry knowledge to be very successful!
Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?
A: I like the support of a franchise system. The hotel is also a franchise and I know from that experience about the tremendous amount of support corporate provides. I like that everything is standardized which helps with brand recognition and a consistent brand proposition. One very appealing thing about joining Toppers is that I’m getting involved in its prime growth stage. When the company really takes off into a national brand, I believe it will be very beneficial for me.
Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?
A: I believe my marketing experience will help me the most in this new business. I worked in an integrated marketing communication position at the coffee company in India. I was responsible for national marketing opportunities. I brought new ideas to market the product. I look at marketing as a holistic approach where there are several different pieces to the puzzle that make the engine run. I also have an appreciation for the customer experience and understanding consumer needs – all of which will be critical to build up my business. Fortunately, I am very familiar with Menomonee since the hotel is also in the area. It gives me a leg up on knowing how to cater to the consumers in the area.
Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?
A: Personally, I had to overcome the challenges of having to go back to India because my visa expired. Ideally I would have found a work visa to be able to stay in the U.S., but I look at that positively because I got my MBA, was able to get to know my home country, and met my wife.
Q: What are your expansion or development plans?
A: Yes. I would love to keep developing new Toppers locations. I’m in for as many as Toppers can give me in the future.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Toppers Featured in Franchising World Magazine
Scott Iversen, Director of Marketing for Toppers Pizza, was featured in this month’s edition of Franchising World in an article he wrote called “Using Foursquare to Drive Sales for Franchisees. In the article, Iversen discusses best practices for businesses to become involved in using Foursquare. View the full article below:
Friday, July 22, 2011
Toppers Social Media Update: Spank Tank, Photo Contest & More!
For those loyal Toppers fanatics that have been on the Toppers Facebook fan page for awhile, they have certainly noticed a change in both look and feel. In the recent weeks, with the unveiling of the Toppers Spank Tank, Toppers has re-designed their page by changing their fan page photo (which includes a dandy QR code) as well as added a tab that gives fanatics the opportunity to request the Spank Tank in their area. These technological advances in the fan page will continue to roll out as Toppers has plans to announce some pretty big things in the near future!
Toppers also wrapped up their 20th Anniversary Photo Contest last week. After receiving a ton of entries, finalists were narrowed down to the top 10. These finalists were then featured at the Toppers Annual Convention in Orlando, FL in front of all franchisees in the system. After the convention, franchisees and fans alike went online and voted for their favorite 1991 photo. The winner received a $250 Toppers Gift Card and eternal fame in the Toppers fanatical social community.
Toppers also wrapped up their 20th Anniversary Photo Contest last week. After receiving a ton of entries, finalists were narrowed down to the top 10. These finalists were then featured at the Toppers Annual Convention in Orlando, FL in front of all franchisees in the system. After the convention, franchisees and fans alike went online and voted for their favorite 1991 photo. The winner received a $250 Toppers Gift Card and eternal fame in the Toppers fanatical social community.
Toppers continues to push the envelop in both their marketing and social presence and have plans to launch another significant social imitative in the very near future. To find out more, become a fan and get your buds spanked on Toppers national Facebook fan page by clicking here.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Toppers Pizza featured in Franchise Chatter
Franchise Chatter recently featured a bud spankin' interview with Brett Larrabee, Director of Franchise Development. The article is a Q&A format in which Brett describes why Toppers is a great franchise opportunity. A portion of the interview is below but the article can be read in its entirety by clicking here.
Interested in Owning a Pizza Franchise? You Really Need to Read My Interview with Brett Larrabee, Director of Franchise Development for Toppers Pizza
by Ambrosio
Brett Larrabee started out as a Subway franchisee back in 1986 and built 6 Subway stores. He went on to work with several franchise companies in Florida – Circle K and Burger King, to name a few. Brett became the Franchise Director at Panchero’s for several years and then the Director of Operations with Five Guys in New York City, before coming to Toppers Pizza as Director of Franchise Development.
1. What made you decide to join Toppers Pizza as Director of Franchise Development?
There are a lot of companies that franchise their concept but I’ve learned through the years that there are very few franchises that have a business model that creates wealth for their franchisees. Many of the food franchise business models expect franchisees to provide a large part of the labor in order for them to get a paycheck. Essentially, it’s just like buying a job, and I’ve always felt that a lot of those folks could have just gotten a job and invested their money in the stock market and done better.
But there are a handful of franchise companies that have the right business model to create wealth. Five Guys Burgers has taught me that that there’s a sweet spot in the food franchise business — one that requires about $400,000 in investment, a store buildout under 2,000 square feet, and average unit volume around $950K to $1 million. Five Guys did that and their franchisees have created a fair amount of wealth for themselves in operating that franchise format.
When I left Five Guys, I looked at the field of opportunities and Toppers was the most similar to Five Guys. Instead of a better burger category, it’s a better pizza category.
(Read More)
Interested in Owning a Pizza Franchise? You Really Need to Read My Interview with Brett Larrabee, Director of Franchise Development for Toppers Pizzaby Ambrosio
Brett Larrabee started out as a Subway franchisee back in 1986 and built 6 Subway stores. He went on to work with several franchise companies in Florida – Circle K and Burger King, to name a few. Brett became the Franchise Director at Panchero’s for several years and then the Director of Operations with Five Guys in New York City, before coming to Toppers Pizza as Director of Franchise Development.
1. What made you decide to join Toppers Pizza as Director of Franchise Development?
There are a lot of companies that franchise their concept but I’ve learned through the years that there are very few franchises that have a business model that creates wealth for their franchisees. Many of the food franchise business models expect franchisees to provide a large part of the labor in order for them to get a paycheck. Essentially, it’s just like buying a job, and I’ve always felt that a lot of those folks could have just gotten a job and invested their money in the stock market and done better.
But there are a handful of franchise companies that have the right business model to create wealth. Five Guys Burgers has taught me that that there’s a sweet spot in the food franchise business — one that requires about $400,000 in investment, a store buildout under 2,000 square feet, and average unit volume around $950K to $1 million. Five Guys did that and their franchisees have created a fair amount of wealth for themselves in operating that franchise format.
When I left Five Guys, I looked at the field of opportunities and Toppers was the most similar to Five Guys. Instead of a better burger category, it’s a better pizza category.
(Read More)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Toppers featured in Food and Drink Digital
Toppers Pizza was recently featured in an article in Food and Drink Digital called “Toppers Pizza Delivers The Goods”. The article features Scott Iverson, Director of Marketing for Toppers Pizza, discussing Toppers history and how their unique marketing has made them appealing to a relatively untapped market. Iverson discusses the history behind Toppers, how their fresh ingredients make for a superior product and how Toppers maintains their market audience of 18-24 year olds. Iverson also presents the great franchise model and opportunity that Toppers presents for aspiring business owners. Check out the article below:
Toppers featured in Food and Drink Digital
Toppers featured in Food and Drink Digital
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Toppers Pizza featured in QSR Magazine
Reporter Sam Oches of QSR, a restaurant industry trade publication, spoke with Scott Iversen about Toppers Pizza’s new focus on franchise development. The new direction focuses on attracting multi-unit operators who have a diverse portfolio of restaurant experience. Toppers has also hired two new key employees to round up its team: Brett Larrabee, formerly on the 5 Guys Burgers & Fries franchise development team and Curtis White, formerly with Quizno’s on the operations end. The strategic short term goal is for 100 units by the end of 2013 and the long term plan is to have 500 locations by 2020. Check out the article to learn more about Toppers growth.
Toppers Lays Out Plans for Accelerated Growth
By Sam Oches
Toppers Pizza announced that, as a means to accelerate growth, the company will start focusing on employing multiunit franchisees with diverse portfolios instead of single-unit operators.
The 28-unit, Whitewater, Wisconsin–based brand is aiming to have 100 units open and operating by 2013, says director of marketing Scott Iversen.
(Read More)
Toppers Lays Out Plans for Accelerated Growth
By Sam Oches
Toppers Pizza announced that, as a means to accelerate growth, the company will start focusing on employing multiunit franchisees with diverse portfolios instead of single-unit operators.
The 28-unit, Whitewater, Wisconsin–based brand is aiming to have 100 units open and operating by 2013, says director of marketing Scott Iversen.
(Read More)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Toppers Q&A featured in Entrepreneur Magazine
Reporter Jason Daley of Entrepreneur Magazine sat down with successful Toppers Pizza franchisee Dave Gilewski to learn about how he has managed to generate $600,000 sales in the first six months of opening his location in Franklin, WI. What resulted was a Q&A called “Special Delivery: A Wisconsin franchisee discovers the secret behind a pizza chain’s unparalleled popularity and makes a bundle in the bargain,” that published in the May edition of Entrepreneur Magazine. Gilewski talks candidly about Toppers Pizza’s culture, his entrepreneur story and the food that started it all at Toppers Pizza. View the full article below!
Toppers Q&A featured in Entrepreneur Magazine
Toppers Q&A featured in Entrepreneur Magazine
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Toppers Pizza featured in Appleton Post Crescent
The winner of Toppers Pizza's "Spank Your Pizza" tournament was featured in an article in the Appleton Post Crescent. The article, entitled “Lawrence University student Jon Ransom wins Toppers Pizza's 'Spank Your Pizza' tournament," was built from interviews with Jon Ransom, the winner, and Bridget Keeler. The article discusses Jon winning the grand prize from the “Spank Your Pizza” competition held on Facebook.
"
Lawrence University student Jon Ransom wins Toppers Pizza's 'Spank Your Pizza' tournament"
by CHERYL ANDERSON
Take one buttery garlic pizza crust and fill it with thick-cut spicy pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef and crispy bacon. Add black olives and jalapenos and finish it off with a big sprinkle of pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses.
That was Lawrence University sophomore Jon Ransom's winning entry in Toppers Pizza's "Spank Your Pizza" tournament, a three-week bracket-style competition from Aug. 1 to Nov. 24 on Toppers' Facebook page. The contest generated 62,000 views for the Wisconsin-based pizza chain.
(Read More)
"
Lawrence University student Jon Ransom wins Toppers Pizza's 'Spank Your Pizza' tournament"by CHERYL ANDERSON
Take one buttery garlic pizza crust and fill it with thick-cut spicy pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef and crispy bacon. Add black olives and jalapenos and finish it off with a big sprinkle of pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses.
That was Lawrence University sophomore Jon Ransom's winning entry in Toppers Pizza's "Spank Your Pizza" tournament, a three-week bracket-style competition from Aug. 1 to Nov. 24 on Toppers' Facebook page. The contest generated 62,000 views for the Wisconsin-based pizza chain.
(Read More)
Friday, October 29, 2010
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)
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.
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.”
Monday, April 19, 2010
Say CHEESE Midwest – Toppers is Bubbling Out of Wisconsin
How we be able to sustain that fanatical following as we progress outside of Wisconsin, is the million dollar question. We need to do a great job of educating people on the awesome tasty goodness of our core products – Topperstix & House Pizzas. We intend on strategically growing one market at a time much like we did in Wisconsin. Our primary targets are major college campus markets in the Upper Midwest. By developing the brand in these influential markets first this will allow us develop a loyal following that will help carry us as we enter other major metro areas such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. To accomplish our growth goals we need to continue to align ourselves with great single unit and area developer franchisees.
We are getting franchising interest from people all across the country. However, the majority of our leads are from people who already know the Toppers brand. Most of them are customers or friends of employees or franchisees. We get the most leads from the places where we already have open Toppers stores.
In 2010, we are going to be making an aggressive push to attracting new franchise prospects. As of today we are right on our pace of hitting 100 stores by the end of 2013. We currently have 26 stores open with another 18 under contract to open in the next 24 months. In the coming year we are planning on taking more advantage of our social media outlets as a lead generating tool.
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