Toppers News

Franchisee and Manager, Sue Wilke, Earns Franchise’s Top Honor

2010-07-29T05:00:00Z

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; and five new units. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry and it is managers like Sue Wilke which have led the brand to unrivaled success. Manager and franchisee of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, Sue Wilke, won Toppers Pizza’s most prestigious award this year. She was elected manager of the year for her commitment to excellent operations, staff development, sales growth, and franchise company growth, which resulted in increasing same-store sales 11.58% from the previous year, maintaining the highest attainable level store in Toppers Operational Excellence program as well as streamlining other operational areas. Wilke was awarded 2009-2010 Manager of the Year at Topper’s Annual Convention held this June. “Our managers are the most important component to our success,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza. “Toppers has a great product, great branding and most of all loyal fans behind it to support growth. But, ultimately it’s up to the managers to make sure that our locations operate successfully and Sue Wilke is the perfect example of managers we want in our system.” Sue and her husband, Paul Wilke opened Toppers in September 2007 and have made Toppers Pizza a household name in Mankato. With contracts with both the Minnesota State University athletics department and the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, Toppers Pizza of Mankato stretches far beyond the four walls of the physical location. In the previous two years, the Wilke’s were named “Sales Builders of the Year” for their ability to gain market share and create a positive brand experience for their customers. “Over the past year, I concentrated on reducing my labor and food costs,” Sue Wilke said. “But more than anything, I put emphasis on training my team to be great and together we ran a tight ship that was fun, full of passion and profitable for everyone.” ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com.

Toppers in Madison Experiences Facelift

2010-07-29T05:00:00Z

Throughout the last 18 years, Toppers Pizza has transformed not only its concept but the face of the pizza industry by innovating new menu items unheard of and soon thereafter copied by the big chains. The 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand has also refused to grow too quickly. Now, as buzz about the brand strengthens, the chain has successfully tested, improved and unleashed its new prototype design. The Regent Street location in Madison will be one of the first to undergo a radical remodeling and will reopen with a brand new face July 26. “Our menu – including our infamous Topperstix – has helped us build a powerful fanatical following. Just as our menu has continued to evolve, so does our footprint,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based franchise brand. “We have connected with an award winning architect whose love for our product is portrayed in our new look, feel.” Toppers’ new Madison remodel features TVs; an updated area to “chill” while waiting; bar-top seating for dine-in guests; updated, contemporary colors, including the Toppers Crown on a brick wall; and an updated menu board – all snuggled in a unit under 2,000 square feet. The Madison Toppers will be closed July 12 to 25 while it receives a facelift. The store plans to celebrate its reopening on July 26 with a carryout deal of a large one-topping pizza or triple order of Original Topperstix for $6. “We are continuously testing new technology to improve the way we deliver to our customers – both in the restaurant and to their homes,” Gittrich said. “Toppers is all about evolution.” 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 the sale of five more locations, all under construction. Although the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion 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. Unlike other franchise brands, Toppers makes an earnings claim in its franchise disclosure documents, stating that the Wisconsin locations make an average of $966k/year (2009 AUV) with an average EBIDTA of 19.2%, 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 $400k. 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. ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. Toppers growth was celebrated in 2009 by Chain Store Age, an industry publication that measures quick service restaurant growth over the past five years, and ranked Toppers on their overachievers list of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Chain Restaurants in the United States. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Multi-Unit Franchisees, Joe Kirschling and Aaron Johnson, Earn Franchise’s Top Honor

2010-07-29T05:00:00Z

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; and five new units. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry and it is franchisees like Joe Kirschling and Aaron Johnson, which have led the brand to unrivaled success. Business partners and multi-unit franchisees of two Toppers Pizza locations in Appleton and Green Bay, Kirschling and Johnson won Toppers Pizza’s most prestigious award this year. They were elected franchisees of the year for their commitment to excellent operations, staff development, sales growth, franchise company growth, and how their franchise company impacts Toppers overall. The franchise partners were awarded 2009-2010 Franchisees of the Year at Topper’s Annual Convention held this June. “Our franchisees are the most important component to our success,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza. “Toppers has a great product, great branding and most of all loyal fans behind it to support growth. But, ultimately it’s up to the franchisees to make sure that our locations operate successfully and Joe and Aaron are the perfect example of franchisees we want in our system.” Like many other franchisees within the Toppers system, Kirschling and Johnson first learned about Toppers as college students at the University of Whitewater, Steven’s Point. Simultaneously, the two college friends and roommates had multiple conversations about becoming entrepreneurs and business partners. Little did they know that a late night silly phone call would lead to the first steps of opening Toppers Pizza in Appleton, WI, which they did in February 2008. With a game plan in mind, the tag team stepped up to the plate when the Toppers Pizza in Green Bay was in need of fresh management earlier this year. “This year was our time to shine by managing killer operations in Appleton and parlaying that to our new location in Green Bay,” said Johnson. “We are going to continue to fight for this award year after year.” With plans to open three more locations by 2014, Kirschling and Johnson are well are their way. ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com.

Toppers Pizza Rewards Kenosha with Reprieve from the Big Chain

2010-03-11T06:00:00Z

On Heels of New Opening, Emerging Brand to Maintain Tasty Relationship with ‘Fanatics’; Sustain Bond WHITEWATER, WI – The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. However, Toppers Pizza, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t follow those characteristics. In fact, the new Toppers, located at 6500 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142, will celebrate the reprieve with a grand opening celebration unmatched by the big guns. At 10:00 a.m. on March 20, Toppers Pizza will unleash its newest location to hundreds of “fanatics” by giving the first 50 guests in line free food for a year, and rewarding fans thereafter with prizes and giveaway rewards. “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 Dominos Pizza delivery driver. “Trust me, I quickly learned what not to do with our customer bonds. This is their party, not ours.” Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus. Leading Toppers entrance into the Kenosha market is entrepreneur and pizza lover Justin Marten, who was first attracted to the brand as a customer. “I connected with the brand, the food and the people. I know when I opened my doors, Kenosha fanatics would have the same experience,” said Marten, owner of the new Toppers Pizza in Kenosha, and owner of Toppers Pizza in Racine. Marten impressed Gittrich and company, quickly portraying passion for the brand the culture, and, of course, supporting the boycott of the big chain. “Justin Marten fits the profile of a typical Toppers franchisee in that he has the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said. The new Toppers is just one part of the ongoing growth strategy implemented by the marketing brains of the brand, Scott Iversen, who serves as Toppers’ Director of Marketing and Franchise Development. “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,” he said, noting that the new Kenosha Toppers features the brand’s newest blueprint, an updated, vibrant, “chill”-friendly atmosphere. In 2008, 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 the sale of five more locations, all under construction. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40 billion-plus 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,” Gittrich said. “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.” ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Toppers Pizza Signs Contract with Verizon Wireless Civic Center

2010-03-04T06:00:00Z

Expanding Presence: Toppers Pizza Signs Contract with Verizon Wireless Civic Center Toppers Pizza of Mankato Named Official Pizza Provider of Verizon Wireless Civic Center MANKATO, MN – In the short two years that Toppers Pizza has been a pizza favorite for Mankato residents, it has done much more than just make great pizza, it has built deep connections with the Mankato community. Now, Toppers is being rewarded, as the Toppers Pizza of Mankato has become the official pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, knocking out Domino’s who had been working with the Verizon Wireless Civic Center since it’s opening over a decade ago. Paul and Sue Wilke, the husband and wife franchisee team of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, are honored that Toppers was selected to be the sole pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. “This agreement will increase brand presence for the Toppers Pizza brand not only in our local area of Mankato, but also to visitors throughout southern Minnesota and the northern Iowa trade area,” said Paul Wilke, noting that the Verizon Wireless Civic Center draws from a large geographical area that spans over 22 counties and over 8,500 square miles. “We hope to develop a larger fan base through daily event visitors to the Verizon Wireless Civic Center.” Toppers Pizza has signed a five year contract with the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. According to Executive Director of the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, Burt Lyman, Toppers Pizza will be sold at all event concessions including concerts, sporting events, and shows. Through the agreement, Toppers will have signage throughout the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, use of two electronic reader boards on Riverfront Drive and Madison Avenue in Mankato, plus closed caption video commercials throughout the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. “We’re very excited to work with Toppers and build a strong working relationship,” said Lyman. “The Wilke’s are community-focused and have a strong sense of what resonates with our customers. We know that they will be very successful at the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. It’s a win-win.” This partnership comes only six months after signing a contract with the Minnesota State University athletics department to become the exclusive pizza provider for them. “Our new partnership with the Verizon Wireless Civic Center really compliments our agreement on campus at Minnesota State University,” said Wilke. “It signifies our commitment to becoming a staple in the Mankato community.” Toppers of Mankato opened its doors two years ago and immediately began connecting with the Mankato community through various sponsorships, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community outreach initiatives. Upon entering the market, Toppers held a huge grand opening event in which the first 50 people in line the day of their grand opening received free Toppers for a year. Ever since then, Mankato residents have been hooked on Toppers. “We have established an emotional connection with Mankato residents and we continue to work on initiatives that further intensify those bonds,” said Wilke. ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Big Chains Think One-Size Feeds All:

2009-11-18T06:00:00Z

While Continuously Capturing 18-34-Year Old Demographic, Toppers Research Supports MyZa Launch WHITEWATER, WI – In an ongoing battle to create an alternative to the uneducated big pizza chain’s bland menus, Toppers Pizza, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, has added a new item, sure to be copied: The MyZa, a pizza designed to fill the needs of just one customer. “The big boys give customers little option for individual taste dining. We have come up with the solution,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based franchise brand. “Cold pizza is great, but what if you just want to meet the craving of just a one-time pizza experience? And we don’t force a group of pizza eaters to only choose side one and two – now you can each have your own pizza, with difference toppings, without breaking the bank.” Prior to launching the first product of its kind system wide beginning in November, the off-the-wall pizza chain tested the product to rave reviews in its hometown of Whitewater, Wis. Different from the “pizza-by-the-slice” concepts, the MyZa is still made from scratch and still showcases innovation from the kitchen, as each MyZa still can feature house favorite concoctions. Toppers’ MyZa goal is two-fold: Offer an alternative to ordering a big pizza, while allowing the eaters to have more than two options on the pizza, and meet the price point some of the coveted 18-34 demographic desires. The MyZa competes with any chain offering a “fast food” option and any chain offering low price point menu items. “The best thing about our MyZa is that it isn’t limited to just a few famous Toppers pizzas,” Gittrich said. “You want Mac ‘N Cheese, you got it. Cool C-B-R, we can do that too.” The launch of the MyZa also celebrates a big year for Toppers – including the doubling of its store count, booming from 13 in three states in 2007 to 26 in six states today, and experiencing a 30 percent in company wide sales in 2009. In addition to its sustained growth, Toppers 1,600 square foot prototype is also breaking the mold of the delivery/takeout pizza chain, as average unit volumes are $945,000. 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. In 2008, 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 the sale of five more locations, all under construction. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion 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,” Gittrich said. “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.” The new MyZa is just a tasting of what Toppers will serve-up in the next year, Gittrich warned. “Just wait until you see what’s next,” he laughed. ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers or Toppers Area Development Franchise Opportunities, visit www.toppers.com .